were you adopted?
It can be difficult growing up without identifying information and other details about your birth family.
Once you turn 18, you have the right to access identifying information about your birth parents which can help you to contact them if you so choose - see can I search for information and make contact.
Sometimes it is possible to be in touch with your birth family even before you turn 18. Find out more about our post order support services and how we can help you communicate with your birth parents.
Your birth parents also have to right to obtain identiying information about you when you turn 18. If you want some time to prepare for this contact, you can request an advance notice, which means you will be told two months ahead that your birth parents are about to contact you.
If your adoption order was made before 26 October 1990, you could also prevent any contact by registering a contact veto. See can I search for information and make contact for more information.
Finding out about your birth family can be a very emotional experience. DoCS and our community partners can provide you with support, counselling and information.