Genealogy Chat

I always knew I was Adopted. When the law changed in the 1970s I sent for my original B/Cert, via Social Services. I got what I wanted, my B/Name. Until my 'Parents' both died I didn't feel it was right to take my search any further. It wasn't until 3 years after 'Mums' death that I started looking. I found that My B/Mother had died when I was 10 months. Thanks to advice + support from folks on here + many many months of research (+ putting every b/family name I found on my GR Tree) I found, after 57 years, via a 'Hot Match', the only person in the world who could fill in my missing year. She was my Godmother! (she is lovely).

FACT: Once an Adoption has taken place, that's it. The birth family have NO legal rights to access any files. FACT: It is easier for an Adoptee to find their birth family HOWEVER if you are a B/fam member looking for a lost relative you CAN do Something. The GRO (GRO.gov*uk) has a section for adoption, you can add your name to the Adoption register: Created in 1991, the Adoption Contact Register exists to put adopted people and their birth relatives in touch with each other if that is what they both wish. Put as many B/Fam names including the Birth name of the Adopted child on your GR Tree.It may result in a 'Hot Match'. FACT: The Salvation Army traces lost relatives (I am told they wont search if the B/parents werent married though) FACT: You could also try http://www.searchline.ltd*uk/ They have a contact register too. FACT: I was one of the lucky ones. BUT Be prepared for rejection as this does happen. Step carefully, Adoption is an emotional subect, everyone deals with it in a different way.No-one wants to go barging in into anothers life causing pain + anguish. NEVER give up hope. I hope this helps. Good luck in your searches Ann

Hi Ann All your facts are correct. Birth families cannot access the adoption file but they are allowed some non identifying information. I have been on the GRO Adoption Contact Register from when it first started in 1991... however, I believe NORCAP have had better results/matches. Also, since the new adoption laws were implemented on 30 Dec 2005... birth families now have a legal right to apply for contact through an intermediary. There is a fee for this. Anyone interested should go to the BAAF website www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk and it will tell you more about applying for contact. Good luck everybody with their searches. Cheers Gerry

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Hi, Perhaps someone could double check this before it becomes a 'fact' I was told by the social services at a meeting with them that I could place a letter with my file that could be handed over in the event that anyone was looking for me ?. I seem to recall being told that, but it was a few years ago. Bye Paul

Yes Paul that's a fact. I've been leaving letters on my brother's adoption file for a few years. Sadly, he has no wish to have contact with his birth family. Cheers Gerry

Thanks for that info Gerry, I guess the law is changing all the time. I am sorry that your Brother has rejected his family, you never know he may, in time ,have a change of heart. Regards Ann

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Just a little amendment - the Salvation Army Tracing Service won't deal with adoptions. Mandy :)

Thanks for the update Mandy, they must have changed things.

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Just to say, not all Intermediary's charge. I am looking for an adopted person through an intermediary service called 'Kiska' and they are not charging a penny for their service. They are applying for the adoption file of the child from the archives and YES they are allowed access to the file, the only other person who can see it is the adopted person. Norcap do charge and apparently it's a lot of money!! You can ask if there is a Vito on the file and you can leave a letter on it. They WONT (or at least in our case) tell you the new christian or surname of the adopted child or give any other info. ie the protection is there for the adopted person.

Hi Shirley I have just tried to get on that kiska site but I couldn't find anything to do with adoption. Thanks Debbie