Adopted people who have no information regarding their original birth details (Stage 1)

If you are an adopted adult, aged at least 18 years and you were adopted in Northern Ireland before December 1987, you are entitled to obtain information regarding your original birth details under Article 54 of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. There is a straight forward process to be completed which enables the General Registrars Office to 'link' adoptive details with your original birth name and that of your birth mother.

The process requires you attend an interview with a social worker specialising in the field of adoption. This is to help and support you, as the adopted person, in absorbing the information which you will receive, and in deciding how to proceed.

If you wish to avail of this service, please contact the Chief Officer, Family Care Society, 511 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3GS, and an application form and explanatory booklet will be sent to you.

Following the 'Article 54' interview, you will be able to obtain your original birth certificate, which will have been retained by the General Registrars Office. This will give further information, such as your birth mother's address, occupation, and maiden name if applicable. Birth father details may also be recorded on your original birth certificate, but are absent in many cases.

Adopted adults who have information regarding their birth details (Stage II)

Family Care Society is the custodian of many past adoption records, relating to baby homes, mother and baby homes and children's homes which have now closed. It is therefore often possible to access additional information for adopted adults, once they have obtained an original birth certificate.

If Family Care Society does not hold, or cannot access, the record of a particular adopted person, the social worker will attempt to find the appropriate Agency and refer the enquirer there.

It must be noted that the quantity and quality of the information contained in past records varies greatly, and that comprehensive record recording of today was not the norm in previous years.

If you wish to check for any additional information which Family Care Society may have  or may be able to access, please contact us  providing us with a photocopy of your original birth certificate and of your adoption certificate to Family Care Society, 511 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3GS. A social worker will respond to your enquiry.

Tracing (Stage III)

Should you wish to trace your birth mother or extended natural family, Family Care Society can help and support you in this process, and prepare you for whatever outcome may occur. If you are considering a search, and would like help or advice please contact Family Care Society, 511 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3GS, and a social worker will respond to your enquiry.

You can also register your interest by joining the Adoption Contact Register, which was established in 1996 specifically for this purpose. Contact the General Registrars Office, Oxford House, 49-55 Chichester Street, Belfast, Telephone Number 028 9025 0000 for details.

Adopted Young People (under 18)

The legislation does not provide for adopted young people to access their birth details, or to be assisted in tracing birth family members until the age of 18. Family Care Society does offer counselling and support services to young adopted people, and to their birth and adoptive families where necessary. If you are under 18, and feel that you would like to discuss any issues that you may have in relation to adoption, please contact Family Care Society, 511 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3GS, Telephone Number 028 9069 1133 any weekday morning and a social worker will assist you.