Over the years, we have seen the detrimental effects that keeping adoption a secret and having no contact with birth parents can have on adopted children. This is why, in modern adoption, children are told of their adoption and their family history to help them form a strong sense of identity and build relationships with their adoptive family.
All adopted children should have a life story book that helps them to understand who they are and make sense of the adoption. They may also have letters, photographs and keepsakes from their birth family. A contact plan is put together based around the child’s need. This will usually be letterbox contact with birth parents and may be face to face with siblings or other relatives. There may also be an opportunity for you to meet with the birth parents before the adoption, should you wish to.