Welcome to Birthlink

Birthlink is currently going through a period of transition as we review our structures, systems, and processes. We want to reassure you that all services remain open, and there are no changes to our Care Connect or Redress Services.

While we continue to work across the full spectrum of post adoption support, unforeseen circumstances mean we are currently able to progress only a small number of new referrals for our Post Adoption Support Services, via the Adoption Contact Register. In the current circumstances new registrations will be placed on a waiting list while we review and enhance our systems.

We know that seeking support can bring up a wide range of emotions, and we want to honour the trust you place in us when you reach out. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this period of change. Our commitment to supporting people remains at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to provide regular updates.

Last updated May 2026.

How Can We Help?

If you have been affected by an adoption with a Scottish connection as a child, parent or relative, and are either looking for somebody, some information, or just someone to talk to, we can help you.

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National Records of Scotland

Locate your original birth extract, adoption certificate and access your court process papers

Mediation

Birthlink can facilitate an exchange of letters and photographs until the people involved feel ready to proceed.

Accessing Records

There are many types of records relating to your adoption and we can help in sorting out which ones are which

Search Services

Using our experienced volunteers we are able to conduct a search to trace a birth relative on your behalf

Looking for information and advice?

Our After Adoption Information Line is for everyone connected to Adoption: the adopted person, birth relative or professional

Call:

0131 225 6441

Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm

A woman using her phone to contact After Adoption Information Line

Need more help?

Are you a Birth Parent or Relative?

We can help you find the original birth extract through the National Records for Scotland (NRS) Adoption Unit

Are you an In-Care Survivor?

Our Care Connect Service helps adults who have been in care to find information about their past or trace estranged family members

We are currently working in partnership with Future Pathways to locate and access in-care records

Our Testimonials

What our service users say

“Excellent organisation. A very overwhelming experience was dealt with great care and consideration and help and advice at all times.”

“For what can be a very stressful time I felt that I was getting a very personal service.”

“Absolutely fantastic, you didn’t have to mediate my case but you did and look at the outcome?! My impatience was a frustration for me.”

“This is a great opportunity and we hope virtual attendance can continue, as travelling can be very prohibitive at this time but we very much value working alongside Birthlink.”

“I have been able to move forward many years later. Kindness, belief in me and such lovely words of encouragement, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“Thank you very much for what you did for me and my family… I never stop telling people about what you did.”

“Thank you for re-uniting me with my birth mother. It’s a very special service you provide and it has very special results.”

“My worker went beyond what I ever thought in my family search and I am content with outcome.”

“It has opened many doors to me, also I was able to fulfill a lifetime promise to myself that I would find my 2 brothers.”

“Everyone I have spoken with have been extremely helpful.”

“Everything was done in a professional manner with sensitivity.”

“Outstanding! I waited 30 years and got a result. I am delighted that you took the time to trace me given how technology and the number of times we moved!!”

“I am just amazed at the work done by your searcher. It is a wonderful gift, greatly received, I am very grateful.”

“Very good service and easy to follow, it has helped me in understanding various gaps in my knowledge from my time in care.”

“I trust you do not mind me recommending you as I truly thought you done a marvellous job in obtaining information for me. Your persistence in investigating every avenue has my utmost respect and gratitude for your determination and care you showed.”

Welcome to Birthlink

Our aim is to enhance the well-being and promote the welfare of all people affected by adoption with a Scottish connection.

Find out more

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Birthlink Apology - Data Breach 2021

How Can We Help?

If you have been affected by an adoption with a Scottish connection as a child, parent or relative, and are either looking for somebody, some information, or just someone to talk to, we can help you.

Adoption Contact Register

Finding connections through the Adoption Contact Register (ACR) for Scotland