About Birthlink
Our history
1911
The agency originated as the Eastern Branch of the National Vigilance Association, its aim being to protect vulnerable women and girls.
1941
The association became the Guild of Service continuing its work with vulnerable families.
1947
Edzell Lodge – Originally opened in 1945 in Inverleith Terrace before moving in 1960’s to Newbattle Terrace and then closed in the early 80’s. Was considered to be one of Scotland’s first Family Group Homes. We hold historical records for Edzell.
1954
The Guild was registered as an adoption agency.
1975
By 1975 social changes meant there were fewer babies being placed for Adoption, contraception was more effective and there were improvements in housing and benefits for single parents.
By the late 1970s more and more adopted adults were returning for help to find out about their origins. Birth parents and relatives were also contacting us to ask what had become of those children placed for adoption. Service users include adopted adults, birth parents and their family members, adoptive family members, local authority social workers and voluntary adoption agencies.
1978
The name of the agency was changed to Family Care.
1984…
Birthlink and the Adoption Contact Register were established by Family Care (the renamed Guild of Service).
…
The After Adoption Information Line was established for anyone with questions about after adoption issues.
Service users include adopted adults, birth parents and their family members, adoptive family members, local authority social workers and voluntary adoption agencies.
2003
Our Care Connect service was set up to help adults who have been in care to find information about their past or trace estranged family members. Many of this group have the same issues as adopted adults such as lack of information about their birth parents and family which impacts on their sense of identity.
2007
Family care became “Birthlink” in recognition of the growing demand for Birthlink services. This was subsequently registered at Companies House on 13 August 2007.