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Birth History Service

Barnardos has provided a service to adopted people, birth families and adoptive families since 1977.

This service has been extended to include therapeutic support services to adults who were subject of an illegal birth registration and to individuals who were boarded out, fostered or nursed out as children in Ireland pre-1991.

We offer a free, confidential and professional service for,

  • Individual support and advice 
  • Group support
  • A confidential helpline

We offer free Individual therapeutic sessions for,

  • Birth Mothers
  • Birth Fathers
  • Adopted Adults
  • Individuals subject of an illegal birth registration
  • Individuals who were ‘boarded out’ , ‘nursed out’ or fostered prior to the 1991 Child Care Act

If you require support for adopted children, adoptive parents and young adopted adults up to the age of 23 our Children’s Post Adoption Service has more information

What does the Birth History Service do for me?

One to one therapeutic support for adopted adults, birth mothers, birth fathers, individuals subject of an illegal birth registration and adults who have been boarded out as children

Group support for adopted adults, birth mothers and individuals subject of an illegal birth registration

A practical community based service for adults who have been boarded out as children

Services are offered both nationally and internationally, with online and phone contact options available for individuals accessing the service living away from our centres.

Where are Barnardos Birth History Services located?

We also offer a national confidential and professionally staffed helpline running Tuesday and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm on (01) 454 6388 

You can contact the Birth History Service by email at [email protected] or by calling any of our centres at these numbers

DUBLIN: 4 Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 D08 DT63 and 23/24 Buckingham Street Lower, Dublin 1, Tel: (01) 813 4100
CORK: Blackmore House, Meade Street, Cork, Tel (021) 203 8005
GALWAY: The Sanctuary, 27 Chois Chlair, Claregalway, Tel: (091) 454489

Current Birth History Events

Podcast: Growing Stronger Together

A publication and audio documentary from Barnardos group support service for women whose children were adopted: Personal experiences over three decades, 1990 – 2020

23 Apr

Exploring Adoption Course for Adopted Adults - Online

April 23, 2024 - May 14, 2024    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Barnardos Birth History Service are pleased to offer an Exploring Adoption Course for Adopted Adults.
28 May

In-person Support Group for Adopted Adults - Cork

May 28, 2024    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Barnardos Birth History Service will be holding a confidential, support group for adopted adults
10 Jun

In-person Birthmother’s Support Group - Dublin

June 10, 2024    
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
€0.00
We will be holding a confidential, in person support group for birth mothers in Dublin. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space for birth mothers to meet others and avail of support.
12 Jun

Online Birth Mothers Support Group

June 12, 2024    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service are pleased to announce an online support group for birth mothers
18 Jun

In-Person Birth Mothers Support Group - Cork

June 18, 2024    
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service are pleased to announce an in person support group for birth mothers in Cork.
22 Jun

Support Group for Individuals who are the subject of an Illegal Birth Registration - Dublin

June 22, 2024    
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service plan to host a confidential, in-person support group for individuals who are the subject of an illegal birth registration.
25 Jun

In-person Support Group for Adopted Adults (Dublin)

June 25, 2024    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service will be holding a confidential, support group for adopted adults.
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