Accessing your birth records

Two women, reading information on a laptop

If you are an adopted adult living in Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes and are over 18 years of age, we may be able to help you access your birth records. We understand that this can be an emotional journey, and we can help by offering advice, support and counselling.   

Support for adopted adults in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes

If you were adopted before 12 November 1975

If you were adopted before 12 November 1975, you will need to contact the General Register Office.

The information will be sent through to your local adoption service, which includes:

  • a form to apply for your original birth certificate

  • details of the court that dealt with your adoption

  • the name of your birth mother

  • an application for the adoption contact register 

A social worker will then get in touch so they can meet with you and share the information.

If you were adopted between 1975 and 2005

If you were adopted between 13 November 1975 and 30 December 2005, it is likely that you already have a copy of your original birth certificate and details of the adoption agency that dealt with your adoption. 

We can offer advice and support if you wish to:

  • find out more information about the circumstances of your adoption

  • make contact with your birth family 

National support services for adopted adults

There are also national services funded by Adoption England that can support you wherever you live.

FamilyConnect (hosted by PAC-UK) offers support, advice and intermediary services:

Family Connect can support adopted adults and birth families, including offering intermediary services for people adopted before 1976.

Visit the FamilyConnect website

Find support in your area

The Family Rights Group provides a searchable map of adoption support services. You can search by postcode or local authority to find services offering:

  • advice

  • counselling

  • contact support

  • support groups

  • other forms of help

Visit the Family Rights Group website

Need help or advice? Contact us

If you would like further information about accessing your records, our team is here to offer support.

You can request a call back through our contact form, or you are welcome to call us on 0300 300 8090.

You can also read more about accessing your birth records on the Gov.uk website.