Changes over eight years of the Adoption Barometer: accessing records, tracing and reunion

Adoptees have frequently reported facing significant barriers when accessing their own historical records or attempting to trace birth relatives. 

However, this year’s Adoption Barometer Update offers some cause for cautious optimism. Respondents who attempted to access their records or trace a birth relative within the past five years were slightly more positive about the support they received than those who used these services longer ago.  

There is still a long way to go to ensure that these services are truly fit for the needs of adoptees and their birth relatives, but this is a small step in the right direction. 

We asked respondents to state how far they agreed with a number of statements about accessing records and tracing birth relatives. The tables below show how many somewhat or completely agreed with the statements, comparing those who had used the service within the past five years to those who had used the service more than five years ago.

 

“Overall, I felt well supported by the professionals I contacted while seeking my personal, historical records." 

Longer than 5 years ago	33%
Within the past 5 years	48%

 

“I would feel confident approaching professional services for help with tracing or reconnecting with my birth relatives.” 

Longer than 5 years ago	42%
Within the past 5 years	52%

However, anecdotally, many adoptees tell us that access to funded intermediary services, which many find incredibly useful, has become harder in recent years, so, overall, there is still a very mixed picture.

 

“In 2025 I have used government funding (as I was adopted before 1976) to work with an intermediary to make contact with my birth mother … the experience has been very positive. I have felt supported, with good communication and video meetings with my intermediary.” - Adult adoptee, England 

 

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