Adoption

Adoption gives a secure family life to children who, for various reasons, cannot live with their birth family. The most important consideration in any adoption is the best interests of the child.

How adoption practices have changed#

In the past, adoptions were often arranged so that the adopted child had a “clean break” from the birth mother. Many of these adoptions were “closed”, which meant that adopted people could not access information about their birth parents, and the background of the adopted child was usually kept secret.

Some past adoptions did not meet acceptable standards. Babies were sometimes taken from their mothers without informed consent.

The number of adoptions has fallen over time. This is partly because of greater social acceptance of single-parent families, financial support for single parents, and improved access to contraception.

We now understand that information about a person’s origins is vital to their sense of identity. Modern adoption practice reflects this change and supports ongoing information sharing and direct contact between adopted children and their birth families. Today, “open” adoption means that the birth parent or parents are encouraged to keep in contact with the child and to exchange information.

Seeking records and family#

The number of children placed for adoption each year is small.

Many people affected by adoption find it helpful to seek the records that were created at the time of the adoption. They may also want to find out how to trace family members from whom they were separated.

For a range of reasons, a parent may consider placing their child for adoption. Some parents have made a clear decision, while others may need more information before they feel confident to decide.

Children with additional needs#

Children who require adoption may have additional needs. Adopted children are more likely to have a disability or significant health issue than other children, and these issues may have influenced a birth parent’s decision to place a child for adoption.

When a child placed for adoption has a disability or significant health issue, the case manager will support the family to access appropriate support services.

Key points#

• Adoption can provide a secure family life to children who cannot live with their birth family, and the best interests of the child come first.
• Many past adoptions were “closed”, keeping a child’s origins secret; some did not meet acceptable standards.
• Modern “open” adoption supports ongoing contact and information sharing between adopted children and their birth families.
• Information about a person’s origins is important to their sense of identity.
• Children placed for adoption may have additional needs and can be supported through appropriate services.

Where to get help#