Childlink Adoption Society

I am a birth relative of someone adopted

What if I can't remember or never knew which agency placed the child for adoption?

Give us as much information as you can and we will check our records to see if the adoption was arranged through Childlink. Please note that we were previously known by the following names:

The Adoption Committee of the Cambridge Branch of the Church League for Women's Suffrage (1913-1916)
The National Adoption Society (1916-1931)
Adoption Society — also known as The Adoption Society of the Church of England (1931-1945)
The Church Adoption Society (1945-1990)

What if Childlink is not the appropriate agency?

We will send you information about other agencies and organisations you could contact for information, advice or help.

Can I find out how the adopted child or adult is doing?

Not all adoptive parents maintain contact with Childlink after adoption as it is not a legal requirement. We keep records of all contact from those who do and provided we have the adopted person's permission we will share this information with you.

Can I get in touch with the adopted child?

Sometimes it is possible to establish contact with an adopted child, and we can act as the intermediary for agreed "letterbox" exchange of information. If we are unable to forward the information you give us, we will keep it on file to give to the adopted person if he or she makes contact with us in the future.

Is there any chance of meeting with the adopted person?

Assuming that it is possible to get in touch with the adopted person, the decision about meeting is entirely up to them (and to their adoptive parents if the adopted person is under 18 years of age). Childlink's offices provide a neutral venue for reunions and other meetings.

What if Childlink is not in touch with the adopted person?

Childlink is not a tracing agency but sometimes we have been able to trace adopted people through their last known address. We cannot give you identifying information about the adopted person. However, it is possible to work, at your expense, in conjunction with an experienced tracing agent.

What if I just need someone to talk to about the child given up for adoption?

An adoption worker at Childlink can offer support via telephone, email, letter or a meeting if you would like to talk about how you feel and why the adoption happened. Each case is different and once we understand the circumstances surrounding the particular adoption we can identify the options available to you.

Might the adopted person come looking for me?

Yes, this is possible and it might release emotions you thought you had dealt with. Also the adopted person's expectations might be different from yours. If you do not welcome contact, then you should say so. If you are interested, experience has taught us that it is wise to think very carefully about how you want to proceed. Contact us to discuss the options available to you.

What information will Childlink give to me and the adopted person about each other?

Childlink is careful to maintain confidentiality at all times. All decisions about releasing information are based on the requirements of Regulations and the best interests of you and the adopted person.

Will I have to pay Childlink any fees?

We make no charge for our post adoption services, but we invite users to make a donation if they are able.

Other useful sites may be:

Childlink Adoption Society

I would like to adopt a child

I am an adoptive parent

I am an adopted person

I am a birth relative

I am a social worker family finding

I want to support Childlink

I want to contact Childlink

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