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Social Worker Cain Whitehouse and Administrator Martin Adams work together at Family Adoption Links Northamptonshire to support adopted adults, adopters and birth relatives of adopted people.
For many adopted adults, the desire to understand more about their early lives and the circumstance of their adoption is a deeply personal journey. Many people who are adopted are curious to know more about their birth family and background.
Whether prompted by major life events such as getting married, becoming a parent, or simply a growing curiosity over time, accessing background information can be both informative and emotional. Our service is sensitive to the needs and current situation of each individual therefore in our first meeting we explore the support they have around them, whether this is a professional such as a counsellor, a trusted friend or a relative. Where needed, we are happy to liaise with those in their support network.
Where adoption records are held within our service, we carefully review the file and take the information to produce a narrative account of the person’s background. This often includes key documents and occasionally, photographs or mementoes which can bring a personal and poignant connection to the past.
When records are limited
For some older adoptions, particularly those from more than 50 years ago, records may be sparse—or in rare cases, missing entirely. While this can be disappointing, we are committed to providing as much information and support as possible.
Thinking about birth family contact?
Some adopted adults decide that they would like to seek contact with birth relatives. We usually recommend they review their adoption records first as this helps to ensure they understand the context of their adoption.
Although we do not offer tracing services ourselves, we do advise on how to access intermediary agencies that specialise in this work. However, for young people under the age of 25, we are able to offer more direct support in navigating this process.
Looking ahead
As young people approach their 18th birthday, they may begin to think about accessing their records. Others may not think about it until much later. No matter when the questions arise, we are here to offer clear advice and kind, professional support—both for adopted individuals and their adoptive families.
If you or someone you know is considering exploring their adoption files, we’re ready to help.
For people living in Northamptonshire who were adopted in a different area, they can contact our service to request their files and we will compile a summary to share with them.
Similarly, someone adopted in Northamptonshire but now living elsewhere can ask their residing local authority to request their information from our service.
We are also able to offer advice to birth parents and other relatives wanting to make contact with an adopted person.
For more information about the service, please contact us.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to us directly, please contact our duty line 01604 527387 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 10am – 4pm or on Tuesday or Thursday between 9am – 1pm.
