Finding information on past adoptions

For people who want to apply for past adoption information or those who are considering making contact with an adopted person, birth parent, or family member. For further inquiries, please call the Post Adoption Information Unit: 1300 799 023 or (02) 9716 3005.

Before you start your search

Things to think about before looking for your birth family.

Making contact: things to consider

How to make contact and what might happen after contact is made.

Adoptions before 2010: applying if you're under 18

Finding information about past adoptions that occurred before 2010, for people under the age of 18.

Adoptions before 2010: applying if you're 18 or over

Finding information about past adoptions that occurred before 2010, for people 18 and over.

Adoptions after 2010

Obtaining information for adoptions after 2010.

Reunion and Information Register (RIR)

Joining the RIR to connect with people after separation.

Access to adoption information for birth fathers

How birth fathers can access their child's adoption information.

Social and medical information

How to request access to social and medical information that was provided at the time of adoption.

Inheriting a deceased person's right to adoption information

How a relative can apply to 'inherit' the deceased person's right to adoption information.

Advance Notice Register

Registering and lodging an Advance Notice, what they are and how they work.

Contact Veto Register

Registering a Contact Veto, what they are and removing your name from the register.

Last updated:

04 Apr 2024