Understanding the Application for Entry onto Part 2 of the Adoption Contact Register in the UK
The Application for a Birth Relative to Apply for Entry onto Part 2 of the Adoption Contact Register is an official process managed by the General Register Office (GRO), which is part of His Majesty’s Passport Office. This procedure allows certain relatives of adopted individuals to register their contact wishes, either to establish contact or to state a wish for no contact, in accordance with the provisions set out by the Adoption and Children Act 2002.
Scope and Purpose of the Adoption Contact Register
The primary purpose of the Adoption Contact Register is to facilitate communication between adopted individuals and their birth relatives, ensuring that both parties' wishes regarding contact are formally recorded and respected. The register is divided into two parts: Part 1 for adopted persons wishing to make contact, and Part 2 for birth relatives wishing to do the same or to specify their contact preferences.
This guide focuses specifically on Part 2 of the register, which pertains to birth relatives—those related to the adopted person by blood, marriage, or civil partnership. Registration enables these relatives to express their desire for contact or to declare a wish for no contact, providing a formal channel to communicate their intentions to the adopted individual once they reach the age of 18.
Eligibility and Requirements for Registration
To apply for entry onto Part 2 of the Adoption Contact Register, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Relationship: You must be a birth relative, which includes individuals related by blood (including half-blood), marriage, or civil partnership.
- Birth or Adoption Record: A record of the birth or adoption must be held by the Registrar General.
It is possible to register contact wishes before the adopted person turns 18, but the adopted individual can only register their wishes once they reach adulthood. The process requires a separate application and fee for each adopted person.
The Application Process and Key Details
Completing the Application
The application form involves several sections:
- Section 1: Your current personal details, including name, address, contact information, and relationship to the adopted person.
- Section 2: Details of an intermediary, if applicable, such as a third-party organisation or contact person.
- Section 3: The adopted person’s birth details, including name, date of birth, sex, place of birth, and, if known, GRO reference number, birth mother’s and father’s details, and year of adoption.
- Section 4: A declaration confirming your identity, relationship, and contact wishes, signed and dated by the applicant.
- Section 5: Payment details for the registration fee.
Fees and Payment Methods
The fee for registering as a birth relative is set at £30.00. Payment can be made via cheque, postal order, or credit/debit card. Cheques and postal orders should be payable to the HM Passport Office and in Sterling. For card payments, the form requires details such as card type, number, security code, and expiry date.
Important Considerations and Next Steps
Once the application is submitted and processed, the GRO will record the contact wishes in Part 2 of the Adoption Contact Register. It's important to note that the GRO does not undertake tracing services; the adopted individual must also register their contact wishes for a link to be established. Therefore, both parties need to independently register their preferences for meaningful contact to occur.
Applicants should ensure the application form is completed fully, signed, and accompanied by the correct fee or payment details before sending it to the designated address. Processing times can vary, and applicants are advised to keep copies of their application for their records.
Conclusion
This process provides a formal mechanism for birth relatives to express their contact wishes, either to initiate or to refrain from contact, with adopted individuals once they reach adulthood. It is a vital aspect of post-adoption contact arrangements in the UK, promoting transparency and respecting personal wishes within the legal framework established by national legislation.
