Birth family information and reunions

Since 1975 adopted adults have been able to apply for their original birth records. This gave them the chance to find out more about their birth families and the reasons why they were adopted.  It also meant that if the records were detailed, they might be given enough information to be able to make contact with their birth parents and other relatives - should they wish to do so.

Birth parents and other relatives are also able to apply to their child's adoption agency for information about the adopted child, although the agency must first locate and ask the permission of the adopted person.

We also would not release information to an adopted person from a birth parent or other relative without permission to do so.

We will assist all parties to adoption who wish to have information about a birth relative, or meet them. This includes people living in Lincolnshire but whose own adoption, or their child's adoption, did not take place in Lincolnshire.

Staff operating our Adoption Helpline  will be pleased to discuss with you what you have to do to start the process.

Put as much information about the adoption as possible in your letter or have it to hand when you phone.