If you have been involved in an adoption, it is common to want to know basic information about the adoption. You may also wish to have information in regard to searching for family members. ‘Open’ adoption and a change in the legislation means access to information is available.
Adoption Service refers to adoption information as either ‘identifying’ or ‘non identifying’. If it is 'identifying' you will receive the names of people involved in the adoption. If it is 'non identifying' you will receive general information about people involved in the adoption.
Most people involved in an adoption are very sensitive about disrupting the lives of others involved. They usually treat the exchange of information with care.
Help available for those wanting to find information about an adoption
Adoption Services staff can help you find information related to the adoption. Only people who were directly involved in the adoption can get this information. However relatives may be able to obtain information in some circumstances.
To apply for information held by the Department for Child Protection, contact Adoption Services or download the form Application for past adoption services (PDF) or Application for past adoption services (Word)
Please note that this form must be sent to the Department by regular mail. Faxed or emailed copies of this form cannot be accepted.
More forms and information sheets to assist
There are a number of detailed information sheets that you can download from this site. These are:
In addition there is a booklet that gives a guide for past adoption. You can download Information about past adoption services (PDF, 108kb).
There is support for you to access information.