ADOPTEE TRACE

As from 30th December 2005, birth relatives have the right to endeavour to make contact with an adopted adult.

For years all a birth relative could do was put their details Adoption Contact Register operated by the General Register Office and hope the adopted person would also register to establish a link.

In the 1990's some adoption agencies began to recognise that birth relates wanted and needed to know more. They also discovered that many adopted people were very pleased when they learned that birth relatives were endeavouring to trace them.

Norcap were instrumental in encouraging adoption agencies to contact adopted adults and their adoptive families to tell them that a birth relative had enquired about their wellbeing. Over the years, the number of agencies offering this outreach service independently or in association with Norcap as grown considerably. Approximately 50% of adoption agencies offer an outreach service.

Norcap campaigned for the law to be changed and as from the 30th December 2005 the Adoption & Children Act 2002 required all agencies to offer an outreach or intermediary service to birth relatives, either directly or through an approved agency.

Birth relatives will not be given any information relating to the identity of the adopted person. The onus will be on the adopted person to decide whether or not they wish to be contacted.

Tracesmart have an online people search engine can assist in locating birth relatives on behalf of adopted people. Please visit Tracesmart and start to find relatives instantly.