Genealogy Chat

Has anyone any idea how long it takes to receive records after applying? And do they actually contain much information on top of the arrangements/agency details? I've been waiting for mine for 7/8 weeks and it would seem they haven't even left the county yet. From first applying to GRO for records i've now been 8 months and it gets a bit frustrating,seeing as really have had next to nothing so far.

Hi Gken, How things? it can vary from county to county how long it takes, have you tried phoning them? Also each case will vary about whats in them, normally the Social Services reports about your adoptive parents, also reason for the adoption,, medical report from you and your adoptive parents, consent forms from your adoptive mother and any other intermediatarys. copies of the notice of the court hearing which has to be sent and returned signed by all parties. Think thats about it, would have to get my file out and check whats in there, if I think of aynthing else will e-mail you. Sheila

Hi Sheila,i'm doing okay.I did speak to the issuing court but i think i got someone too senior in the ranks,they couldn't say for sure if or when anything was sent,would probably be better speaking to the office junior me thinks.Will try them again tomorrow. Knowing what i do i suppose the delay is not a hurdle,it would just be nice to have something tangible to actually handle and look at. Did discover some info that half bro didn't know,and it seems to have fired his enthusiasm,that at least is encouraging.

Hi Again, Hang on in there, you know the wheels of authority never run quickly, that said my experience with the courts was very good, although nerve racking, and they where very helpful, as I live abroa... an even photcopied everything in my notes for me to take home and absorb at a later date. If they will not allow you to do this take a pen and paper with you, it may be that you do find out some extra information from them, and with the emotion of the time its easy to forget all the details later. Fingers crossed you hear back soon, but do try chasing them up, and be nice to the juniours, maybe they can rush things through for you :O) Sheila

Will be my usual respectful self as always. LOL

Hi Glen, I applied for my adoption file from the gro last Feb. 05. They contacted me within 6/8 weeks and asked if I wanted them transferred to a local office near myself. I said yes. Then about another 6 weeks went by then I received a letter from the local office saying to ring them and book an appointment. (i was born by the way before the 1975 adoption act so couldnt have direct access to them had to goto the councilor they appointed first. I arranged that appointment for the following week. Chatted with her to make sure I was in sane mind etc (i was!!!! :O) ) Signed papers allowing them to contact the catholic adoption society that dealt with my adoption to request the file. They told me depending on the society/agency or council this could take weeks or even months. Suprisingly it only took two weeks. I went back to see the councillor the following week and was given my file. In my file there was my birth certificate, baptismal certificate, a few forms the birth mother had to sign, medical report at birth and on entrance to the home. A letter about a medical check up that was conducted at 3 month check. My birth mum had been asked some questions like her name, age, religion, nationality, health and if in a relationship or not, birth fathers details. His name was left out but his age and trade was told. She had to give an address that she was in at my birth and also a forwarding address after the birth if different. The adoption certificate. They did have letters she had wrote to the priest and the catholic society but they couldnt be seen by me cos of data pretection act. Sorry long winded just wanted you to get a full picture. Good luck Cathy

Glen, I would expect nothing else of you ;O) Cahty, It's funny that you were not given the letters to the priest etc, when my sister who's adoption took place via Nugents (Catholic Adoption Agency) was shown her file, she was given copies of letters sent to both the priest and also a family member. Guess its the look of the draw what info is given to you by the Social Worker or Court Worker that handles the case, just as in the past the info or help given out varied from adoption society to adoption society, wonder how the new legislation will help things along. Sheila

Reading this has prompted me to see MY court records! I have been so tied up looking for rellies I had forgotten about the records! Just one thing, please. I have no Idea which court it would be! Would Social Services be able to tell me? Many Thanks Ann

Hi Ann, Nice to see you here, you could either contact the SS who have dealt with you, or ask at the court where the hearing was held. However, I think as your pre 1975 they would normally only release the records to you Social Worker and you can view them with him or her, mine was a bit of an odd ball case (well it would be wouldn't it ;O) thats why I was given them. Sheila

Thanks all,and Cathy no you were not long winded at all,quite enlightening actually.I have had the meeting with SS and applied for my birth certificate.That arrived after ten days or so.Anything in the medical records should be quite interesting reading,seeing as i just about weighed two pounds at birth,(can anyone tell me how the heck i got german measles less than two weeks after i was born<despite being in an incubator).I must have been born with a fighting spirit at least. Think ringing Monday will be better than tomorrow,(lost track this week) Just so i get the sympathy vote here i was born 8 weeks early and weighed 2lb 1oz,altogether now awwwwwww bless Added as an afterthought,seeing as my BM died 15 years ago would the data protection act perhaps prevent any letters she may have written being available to me?

Irene. even if they find them , they wont allow you access,Only your husband. they might be being sort of 'kind' in saying they cant be found.

hi glen i had my files about 3yrs ago mine were in b,ham and had to be sent to wales,it did take a long time,but i kept foning b,ham so they wouldnt forget me had lots and lots of info in them had a bout 10 or more pages i do hope you dont have to wait much longer,we all know what your going through,just hang in them best wishes angie x

Thanks Sheila.again!! LOL

HI all,thanks for your comments and recollections.at least i know the wait will be worthwhile whayever i eventually find in the paperwork.I have managed to contact 1 of my half siblings (and know of 2 others),unfortunately BM died a while ago now,she was fairly young at the time. I co have an idea why i was adopted,perhaps the file will tell me more,if not at least i feel happier knowing that you have taken the time to answer my questions. Thanks again. Glen

Hi Glenn, There should be something in the records to say why the adoption took place, it may not be very informative, think mine said something along the lines of in order to give me a better life (which she did) but it may not go into great detail, still a least its something. Here hoping you hear something soon. Sheila

hi glen i had a very detailed report on why i was adopted very very well detailed report i must of had good social workers much of it i had no idea about so be prepared as i was not hugs angie xxxxx

nudge