The primary goal of AdoptionIreland: the Adopted Peoples Association is to seek legislative change to benefit adopted people and their natural families. The APA believes that the Government has an obligation to provide adequate post adoption services. Until legislation is passed to provide these services we would like to offer the following advice to assist individuals wishing to reunite with their natural families. The APA is vigorously campaigning for a proper and adequate Post Adoption State Service.

The Adoption Authority does hold a file on every domestic adoption since 1952 but it will just refer you to your agency. Don't worry if you are not sure what agency placed you, the Adoption Authority will be able to let you know. You will need to write to them. Below is an example of what to write, just fill in your own details. Please use registered post.

To:
Mr. Kiernan Gildea,
Registrar,
The Adoption Board,
Shelbourne House,
Shelbourne Road,
Dublin 4.

Dear Mr. Kiernan Gildea

I request that you forward me the name and current address of the adoption agency that arranged my adoption. I would also like a copy of my non-identifying details from my file in the Adoption Authority and all relevant information that will assist me to obtain a copy of my birth certificate from the General Registrar's Office. My details are as followss:

Name: John Smith D. O. B.: 22nd April 1969
Name of adoptive parents: Patrick and Anne Smith
Address at time of placement: 100 the Drive, Co. Dublin.
My current address: 1 This street, This town, Ireland.

I hope this information will assist your inquiries on my behalf.

Yours faithfully,

John Smith

The information you should try and obtain from the agency is:

1. What your original First/Christian name(s) were?
2. Where exactly were you born?
3. What age your natural mother was at the time of your birth?
4. What if, any hereditary medical conditions are there in her family?
5. Where she came from, rural or urban, the county, the country?
6. What her parents' occupations were i.e. farmers, doctors, etc.?
7. Did she place any other children for adoption?
8. How many brothers and sisters did she have?
9. What type of work was she doing?
10. Was her family aware of your placement?
11. Her last known contact with the agency and her intentions?
12. Do they have any knowledge as to her current status i.e. health, married, widowed, deceased?
13. What, if any, details they have relating to your natural father? — Name, age and occupation?
14. If she left any message/letter on file for you?
15. Have any of your natural family members made any inquiries/ been in contact at any time?
16. Her hobbies/interests?
17. What level of education she went to in school?
18. Did she give consent to the adoption? And was she offered any alternative options?
19. Has the agency had any contact with her or any other natural family member since your placement?
20. Were your adoptive parents given any medical history/information about your origins?
21. Would they know where/what church you were baptised in?
22. What weight you were at birth? And what time you were born?
23. Was you natural mother single, married or widowed when you were born?

Do not even consider going to Joyce House without a reasonable amount of spare cash — we suggest €45.00, but you may only need €10.00. There is a research room located on the first floor, which is open to the public Mon.-Fri. 9.30 am-4.30 p.m. In order to see the books you must fill out a year search form. Do not hesitate to ask the staff for help. They are very helpful, but please be patient as they are understaffed. It costs €1.90 to search a particular year, €15.24 for a general search. Take your time looking through the books and make sure to have some pens and a notepad with you. The format of these books changed in January 1966 so we shall explain both formats.

EXAMPLE:

SURNAME	CHILD'S NAME	MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME	AREA OF REG.	DATE OF BIRTH	VOL	PAGE
BROWN	KENNETH	SMITH	DUBLIN N	2	346
BLOGGS	JOSEPH	BLOGGS	DUBLIN N	2	568
BROWN	FEMALE	CARTER	ROSCREA	4	361

Entries where the surname (which is the child's surname) and mothers maiden name are the same are usually what we are looking for (the fathers name was rarely entered). Take notes of all the entries where this occurs; only selecting out male or female as appropriate. When you have them all listed, you are now into a process of elimination. If you know the name given to you by your natural mother, check for an entry with that name. The Area of Reg. is another way of eliminating more off your list. This is the registration area in which your birth took place.

Copies of an entry cost €1.90 each. A small white photocopy request form must be filled in. You will receive a copy of the entry, which has as much detail as a full birth cert. If the date of birth matches yours, also place of birth, this could mean you have found your original birth record. If not try another one on your list. Throw nothing away, it might be useful to someone else. Sometimes a birth at the end of one quarter might not have been registered until the next quarter. Example: a birth for 28 Sep. 1965 might not have been registered until Oct.1965 and will not be in the book until Dec.1965.

* Adopting parents may have changed Child's name.

EXAMPLE:

SURNAME	CHILD'S NAME	MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME	AREA OF REG.	DATE OF BIRTH	VOL	PAGE	QTR
BROWN	KENNETH	SMITH	DUBLIN N	4-5-66	2	346	2
BLOGGS	JOSEPH	BLOGGS	DUBLIN N	1-12-66	2	568	4
BROWN	FEMALE	CARTER	ROSCREA	28-3-66	4	361	2
BROWN	LUKE	JONES	DELVIN	1-9-66	3	421	3

You will have to look through three or four books but at least you have a date of birth to go on. Again if you do find your own date of birth, check the surname and mother's maiden name for a match. If they do match, it could be the right one but keep going and check all the books! It is not impossible (and has occurred) for two babies of the same name were born in the same place on the same day so it's important to keep going, hard as it is to do. Once you're done, hopefully you will have your birth cert. We know it's hard not to race at this point but remember you are now in control and there is no rush. The use of this information must be responsible — take your time.

Please Note: At the moment, you will only be able to obtain five photocopies per day, so if it is possible to bring someone with you, you'll be able to get ten. Anything over this amount is posted out to you.

Also Please Note: Don't throw away extra photocopies and notes away; they might be useful to someone else.

When searching the books, it is advisable to not just look in one year but check the two years either side as well. It may be advisable to request your agency or the Adoption Authority to confirm that your mother's name is correct. Use registered post. For example, you were born in 1963 and you have been told your natural mother was about 19 years old at the time, it then follows that your natural mother must have been born around 1944. (1963 - 19 = 1944) Also check 1942, 43, 44, 45, 46.

Note: If you cannot find a birth cert for your natural mother, don't worry it is possible that she may have been born in the UK, it is also possible (particularly if she is quite old) that her birth wasn't registered. If you cannot find her birth cert please contact our helpline at 01-6790011 or mail us at info@adoptionireland.com for advice on your particular case.

Check For Children From The Marriage
If you find that she has married, your next step is to establish whether there were any children born to your natural mother from that marriage. This isn't difficult to do and can be completed easily using the method below.

Say for example your natural mother's maiden name was Smith and her married name was Brown. You are looking for children born with that combination of surnames — e.g. Brown/Murphy will not be a match. This is a useful part of the search because the younger the child is, the more recent the address will be.

• If you have access to the internet, if you haven't done so already, join our online support group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adoption-ireland
• If you do not have Internet access, please phone our helpline on 01-6790011, where a member of staff will advise you further.
• AdoptionIreland holds meetings occasionally as a useful source for help and advice. We are also hoping to run Tracing Workshops in the future.

Remember patience and perseverance will get you there (eventually). If you would like to be notified by post or e-mail of future meetings and events for adopted people, please write to us or e-mail us and ask to be included on our mailing list.

If You Feel Your Agency Is Not Doing Enough For You
Make your views known to the Adoption Authority. If you are still not satisfied with that response, then please forward copies of your details and the nature of your complaint to AdoptionIreland and we will try to assist you. If all else fails, you can request the Adoption Authority to disclose the information to you. If they refuse, you are within your rights to make an application to the High Court for a Judicial Review of their decision to refuse. The costs involved ensure only the privileged few take this route.

Please Note Your Adoption Agency May Have Closed
If this is the case the files are normally transferred to the relevant Health Service Executive (previously known as the Health Boards). Unfortunately if this is the case, it will take longer as they regard this type of enquiry as low priority, but follow the same procedure. If in the event of the Adoption Authority not being able to inform you where your file is held, then contact the Minister responsible and request her/him to locate it. If this fails, demand an explanation in writing outlining the reasons why and contact AdoptionIreland who will do all in its power to assist you. Once again we advise that you register all post.

If You Are Not Sure About Anything Just Ask!
Remember, there are no "stupid questions" — please contact our helpline at 01-6790011 or mail us at info@adoptionireland.com if there is anything you are unsure of.

National Adoption Contact Preference Register
The Irish Adoption Authority launched the National Adoption Contact Preference Register (NACPR), in April 2005. This involved a leaflet drop to every household in Ireland inviting adopted people and natural parents and family members to register. If you have not yet received a Registration Form, or if you live outside Ireland contact the Adoption Authority at www.adoptionboard.ie or Shelbourne House, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, Tel. 01-2309300

Please visit the AdoptionIreland website or ask to be included on our mailing list for updates on adoption matters and public meetings in Ireland. AdoptionIreland wishes you the very best of luck and we hope you reach a successful outcome!

Adoption Loss (formerly NPNI): Adoption Loss (formerly the Natural Parents Network of Ireland) is a voluntary self-help organisation formed in 1996 by a group of women who had been parted from their children by adoption in the past. They provide help to natural families separated by adoption in four ways: Individual advice by email or letter; Monthly open meetings; Information to Media on adoption issues; Views to Government on adoption legislative reform. Postal address: PO Box 6714, Dublin 4; Email:secretary@adoptionloss.ie Telephone helpline: Sundays 2pm-4pm only 1890-200046 Or visit the Adoption Loss website at www.adoptionloss.ie

ACE (Adopted Citizens of Éire): Northeast US-based group promoting awareness of Irish adoption to the US. ACE is a NY-registered non-profit organisation. Contact: ACE, P.O. Box 628 Islip, N.Y. 11751-0628.

Adoptive Parent's Association of Ireland: Representative association for adoptive parents. Secretary: Helen Gilmartin, APAI, Glendalough Post Office, Co. Wicklow Tel 0404 45184, Fax 0404 45700, e-mail: apai@tinet.ie Public Relations Officer: Helen Scott, APAI, 40 Fairyhouse Lodge, Fairyhouse, Ratoath, Co. Meath Tel 01 8252043.

AFPAI (Adopted and Fostered Person's Association of Ireland): Bernadette Joyce 23 Portmarnock Crescent Portmarnock Co. Dublin. Tracing and information for people who were in long-term foster care and/or raised in institutions.

Barnardos: Adoption Advice Service, Tuesday 2-5pm and Thursday 10-2pm.Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 Tel. 01-4546388. Website: www.barnardos.ie

Births, Marriages and Deaths, (General Registrar's Office): Dublin Office: Joyce House, Lombard St., Dublin 2. Tel: 01-6711968. Roscommon Office: General Register Office, Government Offices, Convent Road, Roscommon. Tel: 090 6632900 LoCall: 1890 252076 Fax: 090 6632999 or www.groireland.ie

Birth Parents of Adopted Children (Cork): "We are a support group based in Cork for birth parents of adopted children. We meet quarterly for support and provide a telephone support service. If anyone is interested in further details, you can email bpacsg@eircom.net"

Justice for Magdalenes: Former members of the Magdalene Memorial Committee have joined with a group of Magdalene Laundry survivors to form a new group to campaign for justice for women who were incarcerated in Magdalene Laundries. Contact: Claire McGettrick, PRO, Justice for Magdalenes at Crocknahattina, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. Web site: www.magdalenelaundries.com E-mail: info@magdalenelaundries.com; Telephone: +353 (0)87 9526345.

Know My Own: Know My Own is a Cork-based support group for adopted people, allied to AdoptionIreland. Monthly meetings are held in the Ardmanning Inn, Togher. Please see the AdoptionIreland Mailing List for further details (details of meetings are posted there) or e-mail knowmyown@gmail.com

Mathair Áil: Mathair Áil is a group of Irish mothers who lost one or more children to adoption. They run monthly support meetings, have an internet based support group and a helpline number at 087 645 1494 which is available to callers on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm and on Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm. Access to information and support is provided on the Mathair Áil website www.mathairail.org

The National Archives, Bishop Street, Dublin 2, Tel.01 4783711

Treoir: The Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children, Information Centre, 36 Upper Rathmines Road, Dublin 6 Telephone & Fax 01-4964155.

Irish Health Boards: For information on specific contact details for relevant Health Boards, visit the Oasis server hosted by the Irish government at www.oasis.gov.ie

St. Patrick's Guild: 203 Merrion Rd., Dublin 4. Tel. 2196551

Sacred Heart Adoption Society: Blackrock, Cork. Tel. 021-4357730.
Also has the records for Sacred Heart, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath and Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

St. Louise's: 1st Floor, Park House, N.C.R. Dublin 7 Tel. 01-8387122.

Cunamh: 30 South Anne St. Dublin 2 Tel. 01-6779664.

R.G.A.S.: PLEASE NOTE, THE ROTUNDA GIRLS AID SOCIETY HAS NOW CLOSED DOWN, PLEASE CONTACT OUR HELPLINE AT 01-6790011 FOR FURTHER ADVICE.

P.A.C.T.: 15 Belgrave Rd. Rathmines, Dublin 6 Tel. 01-4975155.

St. Brigid's: 16 The Coombe, Dublin 8 Tel. 01-4542917.

St. Anne's, Cork: (This agency has now closed and all files and casework have transferred to the Southern Health Board).

Limerick Catholic: Unit 3, St. Camillus Hospital, Shelbourne Rd. Limerick Tel. 061-326677.

Challenge: Waterford Rd. Kilkenny. Tel. 056-21653.

St. Attracta's: St. Mary's Sligo. Tel. 071-43058.

St. Catherine's: Clarecare, Harmony Row, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel. 065-28178.

St. Kevin's: South Eastern Health Board, 32 the Mall, Waterford Tel. 051-78574.
Also has the records for St John's, Waterford and Challenge, Waterford.

St. Mary's: 20 Denny St. Tralee, Co. Kerry Tel. 066-22524.

CLANN: Merlin Park Hospital, Galway Tel. 091-751131 ext 311.
Also has the records for St Nicholas', Galway

St. Mura's: Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel. 074-21653.

REMEMBER — DO NOT DEAL WITH AGENCIES OVER THE PHONE, EXCEPT TO ARRANGE APPOINTMENTS.