How to access your Adoption and Birth Records
Accessing your adoption records
Norfolk Adoption Service is the main adoption agency in Norfolk. Our experienced advisers can support you through the process of accessing information about your adoption.
If you are aged 18 or over, you have the right to:
- request a copy of your original birth certificate
- apply to access your adoption records
These records may contain information about your birth parents and their circumstances at the time of your adoption.
Support and advice
People choose to access their records for many different reasons. You may want to learn more about your background, better understand your personal history, or explore possible connections with birth relatives.
We can provide:
- advice and guidance
- help understanding your records
- emotional support and counselling
Accessing adoption records can sometimes bring up complex feelings. If you are thinking about starting this journey, we are here to help.
Contact Norfolk Adoption Service
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01603 638343
Important information
Norfolk Adoption Service can provide support and guidance, but we are not a tracing service.
If you were adopted before 30 December 2005
If you live in Norfolk, you can apply to access your adoption records through Norfolk Adoption Service.
If you live outside Norfolk, you should contact your local authority's post-adoption service for advice and support.
If you were adopted on or after 30 December 2005
You can access your adoption records through Norfolk Adoption Service if Norfolk County Council was the adoption agency involved in your adoption.
If another adoption agency arranged your adoption, you will need to contact that agency to apply for access to your records.
