Tracing an adopted sibling

[frances]

I have recently been asked by a friend on the best way to go about tracing an adopted sibling. She has just found out that her mother gave up a child for adoption in the 50s -- she thinks in Dundee.

I am not sure how best to advice her, any suggestions /help on this difficult issue would be appreciated.

Frances

[StewL]

Hi Frances
It is my understanding that only the adoptee can make an application to see their adoption records. The person involved should contact the local authority where they think the adoption took place, and was processed. Adoption records are closed to all other people, as it is considered personal and sensitive information. I recall that during my time as a child protection worker, even we could not access those records, as we were not authorised to see them. Taking in mind also that we had access to quite a lot of other information, so you can understand how well protected that information is.

[frances]

Hi Stewie,

Thank you for the reply. I thought that this would be the case. As you say her best course of action would be to contact the local authority.

Hopefully she may find some answers-- you never know her adopted sibling may well be looking for her birth family.

Kind Regards

Frances

[AileenA]

Hello
Have a look at this leaflet: http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg ... 170320.pdf

There is an agency where both the birth relative and adopted person can register, if a match is found then the agency will contact the adopted person to ask if they wish to be contacted by their sibling.
I also have a 'half sister' and enquired about trying to find her so found this information. My Parents are both now deceased and proof will be needed for me to find my sister.

Hope this helps

[frances]

Thank you Aileen,

Will pass the info on.

Cheers

Frances

[chrisseyw]

get in touch with birthlink in edinburgh they found my brother and mother chrissey

[frances]

Will do .

Cheers

Frances