Adoption & Childrens Act 2002

Question...

what's the latest on the Adoption and Children's Act 2002 which may give birth parents the right to ask for contact with a child they placed for adoption?

The Team's Answer...

The Act makes certain provisions for birthparents to obtain information, but this depends on Social Services/The Agencies as to whether they are forth-coming.

The section of the Act states:-

Disclosure of information about a person's adoption

12. The Act also makes new provision for the disclosure to adopted people of information held by the adoption agency in connection with their adoption, and for access to their birth records. These provisions also cover the release of adoption agency information to birth relatives and others. The Act provides for a single point of access to identifying information through adoption agencies, as the bodies best placed to provide the support and counselling needed for this sensitive task. The new regulatory framework for the disclosure of information about a person's adoption seeks to recognise the interests of all those involved. Regulations may be made under the Act providing for the exercise of discretion by adoption agencies in this area to be reviewed by an independent panel.

A copy of the Adoption and Childrens Act 2002 is available at:-

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2002/20020038.htm

If information is required, it is best to contact Social Services or the original Adoption Agency (if known)

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