Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

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

Self referrals can be made to the service through email or posting to any of our centres.

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

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

30 Sep

6 week Birth Mothers Course – Online

September 30, 2024 - November 4, 2024    
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Course dates: Mondays 30th Sept, 7th Oct, 14th Oct, 21st Oct, 28th Oct, and 4th Nov 2024 This course is an opportunity to talk about [...]
01 Oct

Exploring Adoption 4 Week Course for Adopted Adults - Dublin

October 1, 2024 - October 22, 2024    
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Course dates: Tuesdays 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd of October 2024. Please note this is a 4-week course and participants are encouraged to attend all [...]
08 Oct

Adopted Adults Once Off Support Group – Cork

October 8, 2024    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Barnardos Birth History Service will be holding a confidential support group for Adopted Adults. The purpose of the course is to provide a safe space [...]
11 Nov

Online – Thematic Support Group for Individuals whose search has not had a positive outcome – November 2024

November 11, 2024    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Barnardos Birth History Service are holding a group to support those whose search has not had a positive outcome, or which may have not lead [...]
13 Nov

Birth Mothers Once Off Support Group - Dublin

November 13, 2024    
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service are pleased to announce a support group for birth mothers. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space [...]
16 Nov

In Person Support Group for Individuals Impacted by Illegal Birth Registration - Dublin, November 2024

November 16, 2024    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service are hosting a confidential, in person support group for individuals who have been impacted by illegal birth registration. The purpose of [...]
26 Nov

Birth Mothers - Once Off Support Group - Cork, November 2024

November 26, 2024    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service are pleased to announce a support group for birth mothers. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space [...]
26 Nov

Adopted Adults Once Off Support Group – Dublin

November 26, 2024    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service will be holding a confidential support group for Adopted Adults. The purpose of the course is to provide a safe space [...]
27 Nov

Birth Mothers Once Off Support Group - Online

November 27, 2024    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service are pleased to announce a support group for birth mothers. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space [...]
Skip to content