Letterswap
Letterswap is a secure digital platform that supports post-adoption contact arrangements.
The platform helps birth families and adoptive families stay connected through a safe and secure online space. Through Letterswap, users can share messages, documents, photos, videos and voice notes as part of their agreed contact arrangements.
We create and manage Letterswap accounts for people involved in contact exchanges. When an account is ready, you’ll receive an email invitation directly from Letterswap with instructions on how to register. Once registered, digital content can be uploaded and exchanged securely through the encrypted platform.
Letterswap has been designed to make it easier to manage contact exchanges online while maintaining the security, confidentiality and support provided through our staying in contact service.
A guide is available to help users get started, and the Letterswap team are available to support anyone experiencing difficulties with registration or accessing their account.
If you recieve an invitation to join Letterswap, please follow the registration instructions provided in the email.
Important reminder
If your photos are for office viewing only, please do not upload them to Letterswap. Instead, send them to us by email and include your child’s birth surname and date of birth so we can match the photos to our records.
You can still send artwork, gifts and photographs by post, and we will continue to pass these on where appropriate.
Please do read the frequently asked questions document provided with your Letterswap invitation, as it contains additional helpful information about using the platform.
Frequently asked questions
Can birth relatives see my details?
No. Birth relatives can only see your first name. If you would prefer not to use your first name, you can choose an alias when you recieve your registration information.
How will I know when I can use Letterswap?
When your Letterswap account is ready, you will recieve an email invitation with instructions on how to register. Please check your junk or spam folder if you are expecting an invitation, as emails can occasionally be filtered there.
What should I do if I’m having trouble registering?
If you experience any difficulties registering or signing in, please contact Letterswap. They are the experts in the platform and are happy to help.
Why does Letterbox show four exchanges if I only send one letter a year?
Each contact arrangment is linked to a specific month, and Letterswap allows up to four exchanges within that period. This gives greater flexibility and can reduce the need to contact us each time an exchange is needed, as well as avoiding delays while other parties are contacted.
What features are available through Letterswap?
In addition to written messages, it supports voice messages. This can be particularly helpful for people who find reading or writing difficult and offers an opportunity for those involved in the exchange to hear one another’s voices, where appropriate.
Do you read the letters?
Yes. All correspondence is reviewed by our staying in contact team before it is shared. If any content is considered particularly sensitve or inappropriate, the team may contact those involved to discuss the exchange.
We can also contact you through Letterswap, and you can use the platform to send messages to us when needed.
Explore more about staying in touch
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Read more about the benefits for children, adopters, and birth families of staying in touch.
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Explore tips of how you can start and end your letters with meaningful and appropriate updates.
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Read more about how letterbox agreements may change in the future and what happens to your letters.
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Reach out for support to maintain relationships or any challenges you may be facing.
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Explore a range of materials from Adoption England, including videos and podcasts. Looking for a storybook to share with children? Take a look at Tabitha keeps in touch.