Q: Birth of a child whose parents never married due to the fact the father was already married,the child was given up for private adoption. Often childred look for the birth mother /father can it be done over the web How?
A: Considering the adoption mentioned was private it's highly unlikely you will find what you are seeking online unless you know the names of one or both birth parents. Adoption searches can be aided by the internet but the web should never be your only source. Your best bet would be to find an adoption specific website that goes into detail about this type of search. Start with Cyndi's List
[From Cathy] As a reunited mother, I can tell you that many of us do look. Yes it can be done on the web. The best place to go to is adoption reunion registries on the net. Here is the best one for Canadians - they have a very high success rate of approx 50 reunions a month - and they are free! Their database is searchable online and you can register yourself if you want to. Go here. http://www.canadianadopteesregistry.org. Good luck (I always thought of my son often which most mothers do - now my reunion is wonderful and life is good!) If you need more help, please visit Looking In Ontario - loads of helpful advice and resources there - all free.
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Q: How difficult, and what resources would I view, to prove an adoption in 1908?
A: [From Cathy] Firstly, are you sure it was an adoption? Before the Adoption Act of 1921, adoption was rare - guardianships were more common. If you don't know which it could be, I would suggest that you look up "Guardianships" in the Ontario Archives to start with. Beginning with the Guardianship Act (1827) and until the Adoption Act (1921), guardianships (child custody without the right of inheritance) were granted through the local Surrogate Court. While not listed in most Surrogate Court indexes, guardianship matters are recorded in Surrogate Court registers, and later, for some counties, in separate Surrogate Court guardianship books.
To identify series that contain these records, search the Archives Descriptive Database (Archival Descriptions search option) using the keyword guardianship* (including the asterisk), the name of the county or district, and the archival reference code RG 22* (including the asterisk). Alternatively, consult Inventory 22 Courts and related officers records, vol. 1, for instructions on how to identify and access these records.
If on the other hand you are sure it was an adoption, then it does make it harder (but not impossible) to find. The Archives holds no adoption files, only guardianship records. Adoptions occurring before April 8, 1921 were made through an Act of the Ontario Legislature and are extremely rare. For instructions on finding an Act, refer to Research Guide 207: Researching Ontario Bills and Statutes
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Q: Is it true that once our parents are deceased we are entitled to the information? I am adopted, but my birth mother was also adopted, which prevents me from going back any further. Her parents are long deceased, and I have just learned that my mother died 7 years ago. Can I get HER birth information, to find MY roots? What do I need to access this information? Thanks for your help.
A: To the first question: Due to the Privacy Act no one is 'entitled' to birth information on any person born within the past 92 years other than themselves or their minor children. The exception is those who have power of attorney over the person in question, or executors/next-of-kin seeking information on a deceased person (proof of death and proof of your relationship to the person is required).
Your other questions are difficult to answer as your situation involves two adoptions. Contact the Adoption Disclosure Register, they'll know how to help you.
Adoption Disclosure Register
Ministry of Community and Social Services/Ministry of Children's Services
2 Bloor Street West, 24th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1E9
Tel: (416) 327-4730
Fax: (416) 327-0573
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Q: my father was born on Jan. 5th 1948 in Fort Williams ONTario. He was adopted shortly after birth. HE recently has passed and we just found out that he was adopted. His adopted parents are also passed. I would like to find out the name of his birth mother. How would i go about this???
A: Contact the Adoption Disclosure Register, they'll be able to help you.
Adoption Disclosure Register
Ministry of Community and Social Services/Ministry of Children's Services
2 Bloor Street West, 24th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1E9
Tel: (416) 327-4730
Fax: (416) 327-0573
[From Cathy] You could also check out adoption reunion registries. There maybe an aunt or uncle looking for you - even cousins. Here is the best one for Canadians. It is free.
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