Birthlink has apologised for the destruction of adoption records in Scotland

This week, the charity which runs the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland has apologised for the destruction of around 4,800 pieces of paperwork relating to adoptions in Scotland. According to the charity, the majority of the documents were replaceable records relating to post adoption support and most of these had previously been shared with the individuals concerned. However some personal items including photographs and handwritten letters from birth parents were unfortunately also destroyed. The charity has offered its “deepest and most sincere apology”. Read the apology.

The Register enables adopted people, birth parents and others to seek connections with family lost through adoption, particularly those affected by historic forced adoption between 1930 and 1980. In 2023, the then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued a "sincere, heartfelt and unreserved" apology to people affected by the historic practice of forced adoption in Scotland.  

The charity reported itself to the Information Commissioners' Office (ICO), which issued them with a fine and recognised the steps they have taken to ensure it does not happen again, including new policies and the appointment of a data protection officer. 

Currently, adoption records are meant to be retained for 100 years. Given that 2026 is the centenary of the Adoption Act, there is a danger that records relating to the earliest legal adoptions could start being destroyed en masse from next year. Research recently published by the Archives and Records Association found that the management of records was inconsistent. They have published good practice guidance, recommending that all care and adoption records should be held for a minimum of 125 years (and preferably at least 150 years or indefinitely). They also recommend that organisations should have an up-to-date policy for managing and preserving records, all records should be accurately indexed and digital records should be held securely with active plans in place to protect data. Care and Adoption Records — Archives & Records Association 

Meeting the recommendations in this good practice guidance should be an absolute priority for all organisations with responsibility for adoptees’ records.  

Anyone worried about the loss of personal information from the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland can contact Birthlink's support service through [email protected]