PARENT FINDERS of CANADA

19 English Bluff Road
Delta, B.C.
 V4M 2M4      CANADA

ph:  (1 604) 948-1069
fax (1 604) 948-2036

 


PARENT FINDERS was founded in Vancouver, B.C., Canada,  in August 1974, to provide a support group for adult adoptees, birth relatives and adopting parents. Today, there are 20 PARENT FINDERS chapters active across Canada. We also maintain strong ties with 15 activist groups throughout the United States, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

The primary aim of PARENT FINDERS is to promote a feeling of openness and understanding about adoption and lobby for open records legislation. Our volunteer services include:

  • general counseling

  • direction on where to obtain background information

  • assistance in search

  • providing skilled intermediaries, where requested, to make a discreet first contact to the party being sought

  • maintaining the Canadian Adoption Reunion Register (CARR) wherein birth information can be confidentially filed.

The National Office co-ordinates the overall work of the 20 chapters and lobbies Provincial Social Service Departments. Each PARENT FINDERS chapter operates autonomously through its own executive, serving the needs of its local members. A copy of each member's birth information is forwarded to CARR for entry in the Reunion Register. Registrations are entered by birth date, birth place, birth names and birth parents names (where known). Computerized cross-referencing programs are used to identify possible matches. When a match is confirmed, the group leaders are advised so that they can assist their member to facilitate the most efficient reunion and provide support during this emotional experience.

As of November 19, 2003, there are over 59,176 registrations in CARR and in excess of 20,000 reunions have been recorded.  A reunion survey completed in 1979 showed that 92% of all birth mothers contacted were grateful for the opportunity for a reunion.  88% of birth fathers were pleased to be contacted, 99% of birth sisters and 97% of birth brothers were pleased to participate in the reunion experience. These percentages have continued to apply over the 31 years that PARENT FINDERS has been in operation.

PARENT FINDERS was actively involved in the implementation of the new BC Adoption Act - open records - which came into full force and effect November 4, 1996.  Jim Kelly, our legislative expert, has quietly assisted the lobbying efforts in Alberta, Newfoundland and Ontario.

 MORE:    See   PARENT FINDERS Principles and Practices    

           REGISTRATION:    PARENT FINDERS Registration Form

(Mrs.) Joan E. Vanstone
National Director

November 27, 2005