Services for Adopted Children. Cont......

· The years up to 25 can be a particularly difficult time for adopted people to deal with the issues raised by contact from birth relatives. So, if your relative is under 25 we will only attempt to trace them in exceptional circumstances, for example, if important health information has emerged.

· We are not always able to find people and when we are successful, the response of adopted adults and their families varies. Some wish no contact, some agree to an exchange of information via the Society and some arrange to meet. It is the adopted person's decision. Your Counsellor will talk to you in more detail about the range of possible responses and any issues that may arise.

· For some adopted people, their birth relatives' approach may come at a difficult time e.g. recent bereavement, exams, marriage. They may not feel able to respond at this time, but they may return to the Society at some point in the future. Your interest will be noted on their file.

If you decide to explore the idea of searching for your birth relative, you will be invited to 58 Alma Road, Clifton, Bristol, and assisted to fully consider the implications of contacting the adopted adult; for them, their adoptive family and for you and your family. If you cannot travel to our offices we will suggest you approach your local Diocesan Society. If we agree to act on your behalf, your Counsellor will explain the steps the Society may be able to take to trace your relative.

· If your relative is over 25 years we will attempt to make contact with them and this is usually done via the last known address of their adoptive parents.

· If contact is established, we can act as an intermediary on your behalf and try to obtain current information and possibly arrange a reunion.

· If the birth relative lives abroad, they will be asked to seek a Counsellor experienced in adoption issues. The Counsellor may offer support before, during and after the search. We will liaise with the Counsellor. The Office for National Statistics has suggested Counsellors in many countries.

Services for Adoptive Families

The law changed in 1976 to enable adopted adults to have access to their original birth records. These days we prepare families for this when they apply to adopt and indeed, many birth and adoptive families now maintain contact throughout their child's life.

If your son or daughter has decided to apply for access to their birth records, and possibly go on to search for their birth family, this may raise a range of issues and feelings for you.

If you would like the opportunity to talk through some of these issues, you can see a Counsellor at the Society's office, or we could refer you to a Diocesan Society nearer your home.

Services for those connected with Nazareth Houses in Bristol and Cheltenham.

We provide information, support and counselling to adults who were cared for in either of the Nazareth Houses and birth relatives of children who were placed there. Some of these children were placed for adoption and we will have their adoption records.

Brief History

After the First World War, the number of children who were thought to be in need of a place in a residential home increased rapidly. There being no welfare state, as we now know it, this responsibility was largely left to and accepted by the major Christian denominations.

The Nazareth Houses in Bristol and Cheltenham were residential homes for children, and were owned and run by an order of nuns, The Poor Sisters of Nazareth. They were providing care for children from the 1920s. Nazareth House, Cheltenham closed in 1965 , Nazareth House, Bristol closed in 1970.

Records of children placed at Nazareth House are very variable in their quality and quantity of information provided. We will obtain as much information as possible for former residents. Former Nazareth House residents will be provided with information about Nazareth House as well as their individual records. Counselling and support will be offered.

Birth relatives of adults who were placed at Nazareth House will be provided with counselling and support.

We can attempt to trace relatives and act as an intermediary. Tracing can be very difficult when there is little information as a starting point.

As well as offering individual counselling based at this agency, we have good links with the following organisations who provide independent support:

A national support group for adopted people and both their birth parents and adopted families, with local contact leaders and groups. Services include counselling, advice, contact register, intermediary work and local contact leaders and groups.

Partners of Adopted Adults

See News and Events for more information about this group, which is currently being set up.

Adoption UK

A national self-help group run by adoptive parents with local co-ordinators and groups.

SWAN – South West Adoption Network

Advice, counselling, groups and workshops providing post adoption support in the South West.