For some time in the UK it has been a Matter of Law that all Adoptees who are eighteen years of age or older, whose Adoption Orders have been granted in the UK, are entitled to access their original birth certificates and may have access to certain other records. For those Adopted prior to 12 November 1975, these records must be accessed through a Counsellor nominated by the Registrar General (since 1991 there are now nominated Counsellors available outside of the UK). Those Adopted from 12 November 1975 are entitled to such counselling facilities before access to the records. Applications, leaflets and more information can be obtained from: The Office for National Statistics The General Register Office Adoptions Section Trafalgar Road Birkdale Southport PR8 2HH England The General Register Office (Scotland) Adoption Section New Register House Edinburgh EH1 3YT Scotland The Registrar General Oxford House 49-55 Chichester Street Belfast BT1 4HL Northern Ireland Click here to visit the Northern Ireland Website Click here to visit the Scotland Website Note: Laws differ slightly in each country, write for details or visit the INS Website You should also join the UK Government's Adoption Registry website. (see the UK Birth Parents Page for Addresses) Don't forget to register at: http://www.ukbirthadoptionregister.com Please read the excellent Preparation before Contact by Amy Bredes. UK Post Adoption Center The International Soundex Reunion Registry is the world's largest and most successful mutual consent registry and is a free service. Get your free registration form by sending a Self-addressed Stamped envelope to:- I.S.S.R. P.O. Box 2312 Carson City, Nevada 89702-2312. USA Telephone (from UK): 00 1 (702) 882-7755 Telephone (from US): 1 (702) 882-7755 For further advice and information, we suggest you contact: BAAF - British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering 200 Union Street London UK SE1 0LX Click Here to view Howard Wilkins' excellent Adoptee's Search FAQ