Birth records counselling

All people adopted before 12th November 1975, except those who were adopted in Scotland, are required to attend an interview with a counsellor before being given information, which will lead them to the original birth certificate.

People adopted after that date have the option of counselling, but they will have to see someone if they wish to have access to their file/records. Counselling is arranged at the adoption society or the Social Services Department of the local authority in which the person is living.

Since October 1991, people adopted in the UK, but living abroad, can receive counselling in the country in which they live. You should check with your local Social Services, who are accredited to provide counselling in your area. As the register of accredited persons is constantly being updated, you may need to write to the Home Office, Identity and Passport Service General Register Office (address below).

We do not supply any information relating to birth records to adoptees under 18 unless it is requested by the adoptive parents in the context of post adoption support.

Adoptive parents wishing to approach us on this basis should write to the Post Adoption Support Service, New Families Team, 2nd floor, 4 Frampton St, London NW8 8LF.

Birth parents and other birth relatives (or their representatives)

Westminster does not offer an intermediary service for birth relatives. They are advised to approach an adoption support agency such as AAA-NORCAP or After Adoption (addresses below). Fees are charged for that service. If you live outside of Westminster an alternative may be to approach the local authority where you live.

General birth records enquiries

If you were not adopted through Westminster or the NCAA please contact:

The Home Office Identity and Passport Service, General Register Office Adoption Section, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside PR8 2HH

Web: www.direct.gov.uk/gro

Tel: 0151 471 4830

Other useful addresses:

Adoption Contact Register,  Room C202 General Register Office, Identity and Passport Service, Trafalgar Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2HH

Adults Affected by Adoption - NORCAP, AAA-NORCAP, 112 Church Road, Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1LU

Web: www.norcap.org.uk/

After Adoption, Unit 5 Citygate, 5 Blantyre St, Manchester M15 4JJ

Web: www.afteradoption.org.uk

(After Adoption is a  leading voluntary adoption agency and adoption support charity. It finds families for children currently in the care system as well as supporting all those afffected by adoption.)