Support for Adoption Matters Adopted Adults

We offer an access to records post‑adoption support service to all adopted adults connected with our agency, including those linked to our former historical agencies.

Accessing adoption records is a legal process that allows an adopted person— once they reach 18 years old—to reconnect with the story of their beginnings. It provides the opportunity to explore information about biological origins, birth family, and early history, often helping to fill emotional or personal gaps that may have been present for many years.

For us, this work is about far more than documents. It’s about identity, belonging, and the deeply human need to understand where we come from. We know that gaining access to these records can be a meaningful step toward healing, clarity, and feeling more whole.

We also recognise that there can be a lot of information to take in, and at times you may be asked to share details if you’re able to. We encourage you to talk this through with someone you trust—someone who can support you as you move through this journey.

Our experienced post‑adoption support professionals will do everything they can to answer your questions. We are committed to being open and honest with you at every step.

You can click the link below for more details about our access to records service.

Access to Records Service for Adopted Adults connected with Adoption Matters

You may also find the following websites and documents useful:

Practical Guide to tracing birth relatives by CoramBAAF / Adoption Search Reunion

Government website – Accessing your adoption records

Adoption Contact Register: Adoption records: The Adoption Contact Register – GOV.UK

The General Register Office runs the Adoption Contact Register that can put adopted adults and their birth relatives in touch with each other – if that’s what they both want.
There is a charge for this service, details of which can be found on their website.

Family Connect: FamilyConnect

Hosted by PAC-UK, Family Connect can help find answer to questions about your origins and how to go about accessing a service to reconnect.

Family Action: Family Action: Supporting families at every age and stage of life

Hosted by PAC-UK, Family Action supports families through local services.

Adoption Finder: Services – Adoption Finder Intermediary Service

Supporting adopted people in tracing birth family members
They aim to provide more information about birth relatives and locate a current address so that you can decide if you wish to make contact.

CMB Counselling: Home – CMB Counselling

Counselling and Intermediary services for those involved in the adoption process
Support available for those who live abroad who were adopted in the UK, or those searching for someone who was adopted in the UK

Father Hudson’s Care: Origins – Father Hudson’s Caritas

Also known as Father Hudson’s Caritas
Their Origins Service provides support for people affected by a childhood separation from their family of origin through adoption or being in care.