findings of an exploratory survey conducted by the Adoption Authority of Ireland on adoption Information & Tracing Services in several countries

The Adoption Authority of Ireland recently published the findings of a survey undertaken in 13 countries “to explore whether and how other countries provide and resource Intercountry Adoption Information and Tracing Services and what, if any, policies, procedures and staffing/resources exist to support this service”. Amongst the key findings, those services are offered in the vast majority of the countries interviewed and the age range to access information is extremely variable. An increase in the provision of such services has been noticed the past years and the latter are generally provided by professionals from different background (social workers, psychologists, administrative staff, etc.). The survey also reveals the challenges the countries are facing like the legal and resources barriers, the challenges in forming a working relationship with the country of origin, no/low quality information on files as well as the frustration for services users. Child Identity Protection welcomes this survey that provides important indicators to improve the provision of information and tracing services that undertake a major role in the access for adopted people to their origins, and by this way to an important part of their identity.

Source: for more information, contact Dr Judy Lovett, Research Officer, Adoption Authority of Ireland at Judy.Lovett@aai.gov.ie