Welcome to FamilyConnect

In this section of the Family Connect website you will find information about accessing an intermediary service for birth relatives where the adoption took place before 30th December 2005. 

These services can be provided to birth relatives where the child was adopted as an infant during the early part to the middle of the 20th century when they were mostly baby adoptions. More recently, it would also include children who were adopted from the care system.

We know that searching for information and finding out about birth relatives who have been adopted can prompt strong emotions. That’s why we’ve taken care to try and provide information about some of the main areas people ask about, which we hope may help to support both the practical and emotional aspects of your journey.

We begin with some of the things you may want to consider before you start your journey. We then move on to more detailed information including the legislation that gives birth relatives the right to apply for an intermediary service, what an intermediary service covers, who can provide this and how birth relatives can apply and the process that it follows.