Adopted Adults
If you are over 18, have been adopted, live in the ATV region or were adopted here we can offer help and support.
We provide a counselling service to adults who want information about their birth history. If you were adopted in ATV but now live elsewhere in the country you can choose to receive a service from us or from the local authority where you live. Each local authority or Regional Adoption Agency offer slightly different services so it may be worth exploring where is best to provide what you need and to consider the impact of travel to other areas if needed.
Finding Information about your adoption and birth relatives
We will meet with you and will try to track down information about the circumstances of your adoption and your birth family background. This information comes from files that may still be held by adoption agencies, other local authorities, adoption charities, or the relevant courts which we will trace and request on your behalf. We will offer support, counselling and advice in relation to the information we share with you and the issues stemming from adoption.
You can apply to the get a copy of the original birth certificate by contacting the General Register Office.
- Online: gov.uk/adoptionrecords (the form you need to complete is called Access to Birth Certificate Information Before Adoption)
- Write to: General Register Office, Adoptions Section Room C202, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road Southport PR8 2HH.
- Telephone: 0300 123 1837 and press option 8
If you were adopted before 12 November 1975 and are unaware of your birth name, you will have to attend a counselling session with an adoption counsellor before your birth details are released. ATV’s specialist social workers can provide this counselling as explained above.
If you are already aware of your birth name, the counselling sessional is optional. You can choose to have your birth certificate sent to you directly if you wish.
Email: AdultsaffectedbyAdoption@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Call 01865 323121 (Front Door, ATV Permanence Support Team)
Children and young people
Therapy, education and groups for children and young people.
Birth relatives
Support, groups and information for birth relatives.
Adults affected by adoption
Information and support for adopted adults and their families.
The Anchor Team
Therapeutic support for families and professionals.
Join our mailing list
If you would like to join the Adopt Thames Valley Permanence Support events mailing list to receive mailouts, please email us.
Permanence Support