Adoption and In-Care files

Date updated: 11/03/2024

If you were in care or adopted through either the London or Middlesex County Councils, then we may hold a case file.

London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) holds many thousands of such files, from the period 1926 to 1965, although we do not hold files for every child in London during this time.

For adoptions and care in Greater London after 1965 please contact the social service department of the relevant London Borough - see the Adoption Search Reunion website for contact details.

Although sometimes in-care files hold very little information and you may be disappointed by this, any information from your past can stir up strong feelings.

We offer a social worker counselling service for people who wish to view their in-care file at LMA. Alternatively, you can apply to your own local social services department for a social worker, who can request a copy of the file from us.

If you want access to your adoption records, you must get a social worker assigned to you from your local authority. They will liaise with LMA to get you the information you need.

There are very important considerations of confidentiality when dealing with adoption and in-care records. For more information please get in touch with us.

Contact the LMA Enquiry team