Complete Guide To Family History Research

ADOPTION

There was no official system of Adoption before 1927. It was an informal affair and although some evidence may be found in Poor Law records, material may be hard to locate and confirm unless information is given on probate records. Often the children were placed into families that needed extra labour and had more financial resources to care for them. The child usually retained his/her original surname but not always.

Adoption has only been legally recognized since 1927. At first it was seen as a way of providing security to illegitimate babies and war orphans. An adoption order severs the parental responsibilities and rights of the birth parents and hands them permanently over to new parents. Many of the children adopted would have spent time either with foster parents or in the care of a Children’s home. Charities such as Dr. Barnardos arranged many adoptions and will search their records for a fee.

The Adopted Children Register

This is a register of all adoptions granted by courts in England and Wales since 1927. It is maintained by the general register office and is not open to the public. Indexes which give the child’s name and date of adoption can be viewed at the records office. These will show the word “Adopted” beside the entry. The names of the natural parents are in a separate folder and cannot be viewed. Therefore it is almost impossible for genealogists to find the parents of ancestors that were adopted and this may cause gaps within trees that cannot be filled. The adoptee can apply to see their original birth certificate.

Adoption Certificates

A replacement birth certificate will be issued for the adopted child on adoption. This will show: -

• The adopted child’s new name
• His/her gender
• His/her date and place of birth
• The name and address of the adoptive parents
• The occupation of the new parents
• The date the adoption was granted
• The name of the Court granting the adoption

As with normal Birth Certificates a short version is also available which just gives the first three listed only.

New Legislation and finding own parents

In the past, anyone that gave their child up for adoption did so on the belief that the child would never trace his/her natural parents. In November 1975 new legislation was passed to allow anyone that was adopted to access their adoption file and to trace their natural parents. It must be remembered however, that although someone wishes to trace their family roots, the feeling may not be mutual and an interview with an advisor will be necessary before access is given to the records.
If an adopted person is no longer living, a direct descendant (wife, husband, son or daughter) may be able to apply for a birth certificate of the deceased providing they are able to give enough information.

Written By Ancestry Aid Member: Starlight