Adoption records access improved for family members

Children, grandchildren and other relatives of adopted adults will now be able to trace back through their ancestors’ lives, under new rules published today.

Previously, only the person adopted and their birth relatives were able to used specialised adoption agencies to help shed light on their family history and make contact with their biological family members.

The new rules will extend this right to all relatives of adopted adults, from children and grandchildren to partners and adoptive relatives, allowing greater openness in adoption while ensuring adopted people have the right to a private, family life, the Department for Education said.

For example, those who have lost a parent to cancer or a heart problem will be able to discover whether their grandparents or other birth relatives suffered from the same condition, giving them the chance to seek advice and support.

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson, who has two adopted brothers, said: “It’s right that descendants and other relatives of adopted adults are able to access important information, such as medical records or genetic health conditions, which could impact upon how they live their life today.

“They should also be able to find out about important events from their past, as well as make contact with family members if they wish.

“This positive change will help thousands of people discover their place in history, while keeping important safeguards in place to protect the right to a private family life for those who were adopted.”

Julia Feast, from the British Association for Fostering & Adoption, said: “We are very pleased that the Government has extended the rights of descendants and other relatives to access an intermediary service whilst ensuring that the adopted person’s rights are not overlooked and will be at the centre of the decision making.”

The new rules will come into force by November.

Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2014, All Rights Reserved.