Using a private investigator

Under the Adoption and Children Act 2002 private investigators and agencies that have not been registered for the purposes of the provision of intermediary services are not able to have access to crucial information needed to link a birth relative with an adopted person. If you decide to explore other routes and use an agency or private investigator that is not registered for any part of the work, then be aware of the cost you may incur, their working practices in respect of confidentiality and their level of experience of this complex area of work. The reason that this area of work has been made subject to registration is because of the complex emotional issues that it raises. Under the Care Standards Act 2000, it is unlawful for agencies or individuals to offer an intermediary service for adopted people and birth relatives unless they have been registered.