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Adoptions

Adoption Contact Register

Introduction

Created in 1991, the Adoption Contact Register exists to put adopted people and their birth relatives in touch with each other if that is what they both wish.

The Contact Register cannot help an adopted person to learn of the whereabouts of a birth relative or to know their birth relative’s wishes unless the relative has also chosen to be entered on the Contact Register.

From 30 December 2005 applicants can record a wish for specific or no contact with a named individual.

The Adoption Contact Register is in two parts and there is a one-off registration fee per entry of £15 for Part 1 and £30 for Part 2.

Part 1 of the Contact Register is for adopted adults to record their wishes for contact or no contact with birth relatives. For more details on how to apply for contact see I am an adopted person, how do I contact a birth relative? If you wish to apply for no or specific contact see No contact for further information.

Part 2 of the Contact Register is for birth relatives to record their wishes for contact or no contact with the adopted person. To apply birth relatives must satisfy the General Register Office of their relationship to the adopted person. For more details on how to apply for contact see I am a birth relative, how do I contact an adopted person? If you wish to apply for no or specific contact see No contact for further information.