Information for Fostered Adults

If you grew up in foster care and were never legally adopted, you can obtain a copy of your long-form birth certificate (also known as a "statement of live birth") from the Registrar General's office in the province where you were born. Copies of the required application form are usually available from your local library or Member of Provincial Parliament's constituency office. The Ontario Registrar General's office can be reached at:

PO Box 4600
189 River Road
Thunder Bay ON P7B 6L8
Tel: 1-800-461-2156 (within Ontario)
Tel: 1-807-343-7420 (outside Ontario)

Your statement of live birth includes your full birth name, your birth mother's name and address at the time you were born, and other details about your birth. These long-form birth certificates are only altered upon adoption or if you applied to have your name legally changed as an adult. If you are not sure whether you were legally adopted, in Ontario, you can contact the Ministry of Community & Social Services at 416-327-4730.

Those born in other provinces should contact the Ministry in the province where they were born to confirm adoption status and/or request an application form for their statement of live birth from that province's Registrar General.