R,
Around this time of year it's not unusual for people to think about getting in touch with long lost family members.
But for those who are adopted this is not so simple.
Contacting birth relatives out of the blue can be exciting, but also unsettling.
Most searches and reunions have a positive outcome, but sadly this is not always the case and it is strongly advised that an intermediary is used for initial contact.
This gives the person being contacted time to consider what the reunion will mean for them and their family and allow the adopted person to have support through the process.
The British Association for Adoption and Fostering has produced a free practical guide to assist adopted adults who are hoping to trace their birth relatives.
This can be accessed by visiting adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk
Julia Feast
(British Association for Adoption and Fostering)