Thank you for considering using Long Lost Families in your search for adopted relatives. Locating family who have been adopted usually requires more than a standard search. If you have little or no information of your birth details then a DNA test may be the first option. If you do have information about the family you seek then a standard search may be enough. If you haven’t already then you can apply to see your adoption records.
There are many reasons why you would wish to contact someone. Whatever that reason rest assured we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts.
Each search is unique to the individual and is tailor-made to suit you. Your first task is to place yourself on the UK Contact Adoption Register.
With sparse or no information about your birth details, a DNA test is a good option to discover links to your family. Our friends at Ancestry have a long history of such testing and possess the worlds largest database of DNA material. This can throw up genetic links to your family. A close hit match will reveal details there and then. If its a generation or two further out then further research may be necessary.
If you wish to have a DNA search carried out directly by Ancestry. CLICK HERE
Depending on the type and amount of birth information you possess then we may be able to carry out a standard LLF search.
Names, dates and places are important pieces of information but its surprising what small snippets and stories can lead to. We can evaluate that information for you if you call us. A video conference is a further option. To access a template to fill out with your information and email in: CLICK HERE
The first task in accessing your biological family is to place yourself on the Adoption Contact Register. If your family has put their information on there as well then contact can be quickly made. You have to be over 18 to do this. If you were adopted prior to 1975 then you have to attend an approved counselling session first.
If you don’t have them you can apply for your birth records which will give some information to start your journey
You can apply to make contact with an adopted relative, through an approved intermediary agency. They will make the initial contact and support you through the next steps. LLF can help you with this process if you wish.
First: Ensure you are on The Adoption Contact Register. To apply CLICK HERE.
For England and Wales. Details for the rest of the UK and International links can be found below:
Call us: 07737 259732 for a free consultation.
DON’T FORGET ON A STANDARD SEARCH ITS A NO FIND – NO FEE BASIS.
ADOPTION LINKS TO THE U.K. & INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Everyone adopted before 12 November 1975 will need to attend a counselling session with an approved adoption advisor prior to this. This can be organised through your local council, an adoption agency or through the General Register Office.
If you already know your birth details then you can order a copy of your original birth certificate from the General Register Office. An on-line link can be found below:
https://www.gov.uk/general-register-office
For adoptions outside England or Wales you need to contact the General Register Office where you were adopted.
Scotland links can be found below:
https://www.gov.uk/national-records-of-scotland
https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/adoption
Northern Ireland links can be found below:
https://www.gov.uk/general-register-office-for-northern-ireland
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/tracing-and-contacting-birth-relatives-and-adopted-adults
if you don’t know your birth details you will need to fill in an application for Birth Certificate Information Before Adoption (BIBA) service. Which application form you fill in depends on if you live in the UK or outside the UK.
If you live in the UK found below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-or-access-to-birth-records
If you currently live outside the UK. found below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-or-access-to-birth-records-outside-england-and-wales
You may post or email the form to: [email protected], Adoptions Section, Room C202, General Register Office, Trafalgar Rd, Southport. PR8 2HH
Your given name
Your date of birth
The full names(s) of your birth mother (and father if its known).
Please note: You must be over 18 years of age. Both parties need to be on the register. if only one party has registered then you will not be able to contact them Your missing family may have contacted the register to say that they don’t want to be contacted. You should prepare for this. Thats why you should take the journey with someone if at all possible.
Once you have received the information you need then please call us to discuss your next move. We can begin your search.
Once found you can apply to make contact with an adopted person through an approved intermediary agency. They will make the initial contact and support you through the next steps. They will be able to access your adoption records through the agency that arranged your adoption, or the court that approved your adoption. LLF can arrange this for you.
You could use LLFs presence on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Youtube and see whether members can help you track down any answers. Inspire them with your own story.
You might find these contact organisations helpful.
PAC – Pre-Adoption, Post-Adoption Permanency Advice and Counselling
Barnado’s – this children’s charity has a huge archive of information about Barnado’s children
SEARCHING FOR ADOPTED PEOPLE OVERSEAS.
I WAS ADOPTED IN THE UK BUT BROUGHT UP AND LIVE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.
We can help to access your records. Call Long Lost Families for advice.
I WAS ADOPTED ABROAD BUT I AM NOW RESIDENT IN THE UK OR A UK CITIZEN
This is dependent on which country you were born in. Call Long Lost Families for advice.
BELOW IS A LIST OF CONTACT INFORMATION TO HELP YOU FIND OUT ABOUT OVERSEAS ADOPTIONS
It all depends on which state. Different States have different rules. There are fifty states in the USA so below is a link to a list of each state
It’s a good starting point. Call if you need further help.
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/United_States_Adoption_Research?cid=fb-SC-3736
General
https://www.justice.govt.nz/family/care-of-children/adoption/view-court-adoption-records/
Finding your birth Parents
https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/adoption-and-fostering/finding-your-birth-parents/
Finding your birth child
https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/adoption-and-fostering/finding-your-birth-child/
It all depends on which state. Each province in Canada have their own records
Alberta
https://www.alberta.ca/post-adoption-registry-post-guardianship-services.aspx
British Columbia
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-records
Manitoba
https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/registry.html
New Brunswick
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/social_development/promos/adoption.html
Newfoundland & Labrador
https://www.gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/birth/accessing-records-under-adoption-act/
Northwest Territories
https://www.originscanada.org/adoption-records/by-province/northwest-territories-adoption-records/
Nova Scotia
This a changing situation as of 2020
https://novascotia.ca/adoption-records-consultation/
Nunavut
https://www.originscanada.org/adoption-records/by-province/nunavut-adoption-records/
Ontario
https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/community/records/index.aspx
https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/community/records/
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
https://yukon.ca/en/legal-and-social-supports/community-supports/access-adoption-records
Other Links
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Canada_Independent_Adoption_Search_(National_Institute)
Information by state:
Australian Capital Territory
https://www.benevolent.org.au/connect/post–adoption–support
New South Wales
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/adoption/finding-info
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/adoption/provision-of-adoption-information
Tasmania
https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/adoptions
Victoria
https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/adoption/victoria
Western Australia
http://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/FosteringandAdoption/Pages/PastAdoptionInfo.aspx