In light of the upcoming publication from the Mother and Baby Home Commission, Barnardos Post Adoption Service will extend its confidential and professionally staffed support line from tomorrow, Tuesday January 12^th. Support groups for adopted adults and birthmothers will also be available.

Barnardos has provided a therapeutic post adoption service and a family tracing service for people who spent their childhoods in institutional care for more than 30 years.

According to Christine Hennessy, Barnardos Post Adoption Service Leader, “The launch of this long awaited report will cause distress and pain to many people around the country. Aspects of the report plus the delay in the Information and Tracing Legislation is causing a lot of worry and anxiety for many at this time. We want them to know that we are here.”

Barnardos recently marked 30 years of group support to birthmothers by the publication of “Growing Stronger Together”- a booklet and audio documentary outlining the stories of women who were parted from their children by adoption. [Download booklet here / Listen to audio documentary here]. Barnardos has delivered support groups for adopted adults for over 25 years.

Support available for adults through Barnardos Post Adoption and Origins Services -

• Barnardos confidential and professionally staffed helpline will be open 9.30am-4.30pm Monday - Friday, from Tuesday 12^thJanuary at (01) 4546388 and we can also be contacted by email at adoption@barnardos.ie
• A five session series of online support meetings for adopted adults- “Exploring Adoption” will take place from the 4^thof March. Further details and registration is on the Barnardos website and can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/Exploring_Adoption
• An online support meeting for birthmothers will take place in February. Please contact the helpline if you are interested in attending.