Genealogy Chat

I have the adoption certificate and the original birth certificate. Adoption was from a court in somerset, have tried somerset social services but they just said it is too far back for them.

I think you can only get access if you or a blood relative was the adoptee. Maybe this will help: www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/adoptions/accesstoadoptionrecordsforbirthrelatives/index.asp

Hi How long ago was it, if there was a court hearing then there should be some records, if only the ones held by the court. Sheila

if it was a blood relative and the adoption was since 1927ish, when adoptions were legally formalised, then be persistant. Soc. Servs. in most places have a Post Adoption Dept. who ought to be able to help you. Surrey deny any knowledge of me - 1946 adoption - despite my having all my papers and orig. certs. etc. Keep at them

It is YOUR adoption file?, otherwise you are not entitled to view the info contained in the file UNLESS you are a direct blood relative and that relative is no longer alive ANd you have very good reason to do so Jess

There is a book called 'Where to find adoption records' by Georgina Stafford and provides guidance for counsellors and individual searchers on possible sources of further information through the UK and abroad... a bit expensive at 20 pounds. I'd try the library first. You can order it from BAAF on line. Hope this helps. Cheers Gerry

It is other half trying to locate his own records. 1946 also. We have the adoption certificate, but the court is no longer there, it is now a residential home. Thank you for the title of the book, I will definately try and locate a copy.

HE can ring your local social services ( they wont even take an enquiry from you) they shoul dbe able to help him locate his file . it doesnt even have to be the county in which he was adopted

I have a friend who works in Social Services Adoption Department. She tells me that Adoption Records must be retained, by law, for a period of 70 years. She also told me, and I have to be careful how I put this, that some Social workers, and some local Authorities, still have the attitude that this sort of searching is to be discouraged. In other words, they give a negative answer in the first place in the hope that you will be put off. Olde Crone

Hi Carol Check out BAAF website www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk It has a link for locating adoption records. Good Luck. Cheers Gerry

I had this scenario from my social worker, she told me within days of meeting her that my file wasnt available must have been lost in a fire, I phoned again & she promised to look it up, this was over 2 months ago, she asked me to give her a few weeks, so will be pushing her again soon, if you experience this, keep pushing nomatter what, Good luck.

Thank you all for your replies The website looks very helpful.