Over the years adoption has changed. If you were, or know of someone, who adopted some years ago, you will find that adoption is more open today with an expectation of some form of ongoing communication with the adopted child’s birth relatives.

There are lots of benefits for the adoptive parents, birth family and children in doing this and there is now much more understanding of the importance of this for the adopted children as they grow and develop. Having access to more information about their life story and family history is key to gaining an understanding of their identity, their early life and also some practical knowledge of their family history including and medical issues.

We also need to adapt to technologies such as DNA websites and social media and other communication channels which mean that tracing is far easier than in previous times.

Benefits of contact

the child

• Being able to keep in touch with birth parents/significant other family members
• To know that their birth parents and other family are safe and well
• To help gain a sense of their own history
• Reduce feelings of loss and rejection

the adopters

• To provide important information that may not have been available at the time of the adoption, eg hereditary medical conditions
• To receive information about the wellbeing of the child’s birth family
• It can help reduce any myths about the birth family and prevent managing any ‘fantasies’
• It may help adoptive parents to talk openly with the child(ren) about their adoption.

the birth parent & family:

• To reassure that the child(ren) is safe and well
• For the child to know that you and other birth relatives are safe and well
• To give you updates about the child’s progress
• Gives you the chance to share news about your life that may be interesting and helpful
• As the child grows up it may be important for them to know that you stayed in touch. This may help them to make sense of their past