In the past, when children were placed for adoption, it was believed that they needed a 'clean break' and ties with their birth family were cut.
This view has now changed. Many adults who were adopted as a child have told us that as they were growing up they would have liked information about their birth family.
The birth family are also often left feeling sad, angry and anxious about how the child is. Birth families may need help to understand how adoption will affect them and whether they will have any future contact with the child.
In most situations adopted children can benefit from an exchange of information between birth families and adoptive families. Contact between them will vary depending on what is believed to be in the child's best interests.
In a few cases, adopted children may have ongoing face to face contact with members of their birth family if it is believed that this will benefit the child.
Sometimes, birth families and adoptive families have a one off face to face meeting before the child is placed for adoption. This meeting is arranged through the social workers and you will be given help to prepare for this. Such meetings can help both parties share information with each other.
For the majority of children, ongoing contact with their family is by letter through the 'Post Adoption Contact Box' co-ordinated through the Adoption Team. This provides a confidential way of exchanging information through the use of a third party.
Support for birth families
If you have any questions about adoption or feel that you need some help about coming to terms with your child being placed for adoption, we can help you.
Support can be offered to any member of the child's birth family including parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters.
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After Adoption - an an independent agency offering services to all parties involved in adoption. They can provide advice, information, counselling and support. Tel: 0800 0568 578