Request access to your adoption or birth records

If you’re over 18 and have been adopted, you can apply to find out more about your birth origins.

We’re here to support adults who:

• were adopted through us
• live in Buckinghamshire
• have applied for their original birth certificate and chosen Buckinghamshire for counselling (you’ll also need to let the General Register Office know)

By law, you’ll need to speak with a local authority social worker or a counsellor from an approved adoption agency before applying for your original birth certificate.

During your counselling session, you’ll receive guidance on what to expect and how to prepare. You can then apply to the General Register Office or Nidirect government services for a copy of your original birth certificate.

Find out more about getting your birth certificate information before adoption.

You do not have to have counselling before applying for your birth certificate, but many people find it helpful.

Counselling can give you space to explore any feelings or concerns and help you make informed decisions about the journey ahead.

If you’re worried about talking to your adoptive parents about accessing your birth records, we’re here to offer advice.

Research shows that, for most adopted adults, finding out about their birth origins doesn’t harm their relationship with their adoptive parents.

If you were adopted before 31 December 2005 and want to see your adoption file, contact the Adoption Support Team in Buckinghamshire. We’ll request your files from the agency involved in your adoption.

If you were adopted after 31 December 2005 (a Post Commencement Adoption), you’ll need to contact the Local Authority that arranged your adoption.

If you’re unsure which agency handled your adoption, your counsellor can help track this down and apply for the file on your behalf.

Many adoptive parents want to support their adult children in learning about their birth origins.

For helpful information for adoptive parents, visit the Adoption Search Reunion website. 

We can talk through any concerns, explain changes in legislation since you adopted, and signpost you to other services if needed.

FamilyConnect is a helpful website for adopted adults, birth relatives, and people who have been in care. It offers guidance on finding answers about your origins and accessing services, including intermediary support for reconnecting families separated by adoption.

The FamilyConnect advice line also provides information for professionals about available services and funding.

For more details, including opening times:

• visit: the FamilyConnect website
• email: familyconnect@pac-uk.org
• phone: 0300 1800 205

You can contact us to:

• request counselling before you request your birth records
• ask for help in finding your adoption agency
• request your adoption records if you were adopted through Buckinghamshire Council

Contact the Post Order Adoption Team on 01494 586 626.

The advice line is available:

• Monday, Thursday and Friday: 9:30am to 1pm
• Tuesday and Wednesday: 1:30pm to 5pm