Information for other birth relatives

Who is a birth relative?

In the Adoption and Children Act 2002, the definition of a birth relative is any person who is related to the adopted person by blood, including half blood or marriage. As already mentioned, you would need to have some proof of your relationship to the adopted person.

Is it just birth parents who can ask for a service?

No, the new legislation makes it possible for any birth relative to request an intermediary service. This means that siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles can also request a service.

However, if you are a birth relative requesting an intermediary service independently of the birth parents, it is important that you have the opportunity to discuss the implications this may have for them and the adopted person. This is particularly important if one or both of them have indicated that they have no wish to have contact with the adopted person.