Adoptions
Is the records check process different for child adoptions?
Yes, the Ministry of Community and Social Services requests that individuals applying to adopt a child obtain a list of police occurrences they have been involved in or a letter indicating no police contact for the past five years. This does not include a Criminal Records Check or a Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector.
Individual(s) must apply in writing with a letter indicating information is requested for adoption purposes.
The letter must contain:
- Full name(s) including maiden name(s)
- Date of birth
- Current and any previous addresses within Ottawa Police jurisdiction
- Photocopies of two (2) pieces of valid identification both containing name and date of birth (Ontario Health Cards cannot be accepted for identification purposes - Health Cards and Numbers Control Act, 1991 section 2.2 (1))
- All applicants must sign the letter
- Payment of $59 per person (for Records Check and letter) payable by cheque or money order to the "City of Ottawa". We also accept Interact and all major credit cards.
If you have resided in an area outside the jurisdiction of the Ottawa Police Service within the last five years, please contact the police agency in that area to have a check done through their records.
You must attend one of our police stations with two (2) pieces of valid identification containing your name and date of birth - one (1) must be picture identification. An Information Desk officer will verify your identification and forward your letter, with photocopies of your identification, to the Background Clearance Section for processing.
It will take approximately one (1) week for your request to be completed upon receipt of your letter in the Background Clearance Section.
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