Birthlink

Who is this for?

• Adults affected by adoption with a Scottish connection

Who provides this?

• Birthlink

Description

Birthlink was established in 1911 and owns and manages the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland which began in 1984.  All people aged 16 and over whose birth and/or adoption took place in Scotland can register, as well as birth mothers, birth fathers and any other birth relatives. We also offer a search service where trained volunteer genealogists find the contacts people are looking for from public records. After matches are made on the register, or people are located, service users can choose to enter into a period of mediation to reunite with estranged family members if this is their mutual wish. The adoption contact register also gives siblings an opportunity to reunite if they were separated in childhood. The service extends to accessing original court papers relating to adoption on behalf of service users who may not be able to travel to the National Records of Scotland in Edinburgh to access these.

Birthlink also operates the After Adoption Information Line where anyone affected by adoption can seek advice and support. This is also used as a consultation service open to professionals seeking support on case work. Expertise is also shared with Local Authorities through a quarterly professionals’ forum and various bespoke training is regularly delivered on request.

Separately, Birthlink is funded by Future Pathways to undertake Subject Access Requests for people seeking to understand their time in care. The agency is also funded specifically to support people seeking to access their care records in preparation for application to Redress Scotland.

How do I access this?

• Self-referrals
• Referrals by third parties

Is there a cost?

Some services do have a cost. This is displayed on the Birthlink website.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes for some services.

Location information

Birthlink is based in the city centre so nearby parking can be an issue. The office is based on the first floor with no lift access. Home visits can be arranged or telephone appointments.

Opening times