The Saskatchewan government is launching public consultations on proposed changes to its adoption laws in an effort to better protect children’s identities and community connections.
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On May 15, the province announced it is seeking feedback on planned updates to The Adoption Act, 1998 and The Adoption Regulations, 2003. Officials say the amendments are designed to modernize the legal framework to better reflect current social, cultural and legal landscapes.
Central to the proposed legislative overhaul is a focus on Indigenous identity, culture, language and community.
“Adoption is an act of love and compassion that builds strong families and changes lives,” said social services minister Terry Jenson in a statement. “Our government is proposing legislative amendments to strengthen children’s safety, identity and community connections.”
According to the Ministry of Social Services, the planned updates will target four key areas:
- Enhancing cultural continuity and community connections
- Reducing barriers to family connections
- Clarifying residency requirements
- Strengthening safeguards for children in interprovincial and independent adoptions
The government stated the changes aim to improve transparency and make it easier for individuals to access adoption information.
Feedback is being gathered from adoption service providers, Indigenous organizations, and individuals or families with lived experience in the adoption system.
An online survey has been launched on the government’s website and residents have until June 2, to submit their input.
The province will also accept written submissions before compiling a summary of the feedback to share publicly as the legislative process moves forward.
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