Over 18s
Once an adopted person turns 18, they are legally considered an adult. This means that some services change, but support is still available.
Therapeutic support
The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) is available up to age 21 (or 25 with an EHCP). Support may include Therapeutic Life Story Work, counselling or creative therapies focused on adoption.
Learn more: LINK TO what different therapies offer? (APS are designing this)
Identity and records
At 18, you can apply for your original birth certificate via the General Register Office.
If adopted before 12 Nov 1975 and you don’t know your birth name, a counselling session is required.
If you were adopted after December 2005 your records are held under different ‘Post Commencement legislation’ so get in touch with us to discuss this further.
Learn more here.
Adoption Contact Register
The National Adoption Contact Register helps adopted people and birth relatives connect with each other, if this is what they both want.
You can also register a veto to prevent contact:
Absolute veto: no contact allowed
Qualified veto: contact allowed only in specific circumstances (e.g. medical info)
Learn more here.
Access to records and intermediary services
You can request access to your adoption records and medical history.
Support is available to help you understand why you were adopted and to locate your Life Story Book or later life letter wherever possible.
Intermediary services can help you reconnect with birth relatives, usually a fee is charged for this service. (Please note Adoption Counts does not offer intermediary services).
Family Connect offers guidance and support for adopted adults.
Learn more here.
Support groups and community
Consider joining an Adopted Adults Support Group.
PAC-UK offers counselling, support groups, and resources to adult adoptees.
Learn more: Adoption UK and The Dunbar Project provide community spaces and peer support.
Mental health
If you are still receiving support from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) you will need to transition to adult mental health care (AMHS). Mind have set out some guidance on how this works.
Learn more: You can also get support from Health in Mind.
Education
Young people with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) are able to stay in full time education up to the age of 25. Young people without an EHCP can apply to colleges for a bursary for their student fees as well as for support with transport.
Learn more: 16-19 Bursary Fund – GOV.UK
Adult social care
The local authority will support young people with special educational needs and disability to transition to adulthood.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence have produced a series of videos in which young people explain the process and talk about their experiences.
Housing support
GOV.UK provides guidance on housing costs and universal credit.
Every local authority will offer support to young people to avoid homelessness. Please check your local council’s website for housing support services.
Further support
If you're unsure about your rights or need help navigating adoption-related decisions, PAC-UK offers impartial advice and support for adopted adults. Their team includes experienced counsellors and social workers who understand the complexities of adoption.
Learn more: A full list of adoption support services for adults is available at: Adoption UK Support for Adopted Adults
To contact Adoption Counts about any of the above, please call us on: 0161 521 8847 or fill out our enquiry form online.
