Frequently asked questions
Questions from adoptees
Q. I am adopted and I want to find out about my birth family – what do I do?
A. When you were adopted you would have been issued with an amended birth certificate. In order to search for your parents, you will need to know the name you were given at birth, and that of one or both of your parents; this information should be on your original birth certificate.
Q. I want to find out why I was adopted – can I get my file?
A. Adoption files belong to the agency who arranged your adoption. An approved post-adoption service can help you access details about your adoption. In Scotland, as an adopted person, you can get access to your court process papers – documents lodged at court for your adoption hearing.
Q. Is there anyone who can help me with all of this?
A. SAAS can help you with many aspects concerning your adoption. We may be able to help you find out about your past and act as an intermediary to help establish contact.
Questions from birth parents and relatives
Q. My child was adopted when he was a baby – can I contact him?
A. SAAS may be able to help you make contact with your child.
Q. Can I make direct contact with my child who was adopted?
A. No, at present you are not entitled to be given details about your child’s adopted name or any other identifying information.
Q. Can I make contact through an intermediary?
A. SAAS may be able to access information to help find your child. SAAS could arrange a search for your child and negotiate contact between you only with your child’s agreement.
Questions from adoptive parents
Q. I am an adopted parent. My child keeps asking about her birth mother – what can I do?
A. At SAAS you can talk to someone about how this enquiry makes you feel.
Q. How do I cope with their behaviour, which I think is related to their adoption?
A. SAAS can help you consider what adoption means to the whole family.
Q. How do I help my child understand their past?
A. SAAS can help you and your child access information about their past.
