For most of our children there will be a plan of ongoing contact with their birth parents. This will happen if it is assessed to be in the child’s best interests and usually takes the form of a letter as part of an Adoption Information Exchange (AIE).
For most adoptions we arrange an exchange of information, but in some cases it can be with other people such as their previous foster carers.
How is the information exchanged?
This is usually by letter, sometimes with photographs, and is sent every year.
What information is exchanged?
Adopters can share news about the child and also ask the birth family questions about the child's background. This enables the adopters to answer questions that their child may ask them about the time before their adoption.
The birth family can update the adopters on family information such as births, deaths and new relationships. It gives the adopted child a link between the old and the new, and helps to reassure them that their birth family continues to think of them.
We do not exchange birthday cards, gifts or money.
Is the information checked before it is exchanged?
Yes, all items are read and checked by the AIE coordinator to ensure the confidentiality and appropriateness of the letter.
How long does the information exchange go on for?
An exchange will continue until a child reaches 18 years of age, but can continue until a person is 25.
Once a child reaches 18, and whether or not they choose to continue the exchange, they have the option to access their adoption file. All AIE closed files are kept for 100 years from the child’s date of birth.
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