Sir, - With regard to the recent calls for a contact register we should not be lulled into a false belief that such a register will answer all the needs of adopted people and others searching for their families of origin. A contact register will undoubtedly have its advantages but it will not be a promised panacea. Without change in adoption law and properly funded services a contact register will only enable those whose names "match" to get in contact with each other.
As a social worker with an adoption agency I am aware that inadequate funding for our work results in anger, frustration and distress of adoptees and their families, many of whom are on long waiting lists even to get background information on themselves.
Contrary to the image portrayed in recent media coverage, social workers in adoption agencies are very committed to providing a comprehensive and compassionate adoption and post adoption service and have done so as well as possible within financial constraints for many years. Daily we counsel adoptees, their families and birth parents, give information, search out relatives and prepare people for reunions and for all possible outcomes. We welcome back mothers many of whom return 20-40 years after placing a child for adoption, some joyous at the prospect of a reunion, others weighed down with fear.
If the Government is truly committed to addressing the needs of adopted people and their families it should demonstrate this by providing adequate funding to agencies throughout the country already working in the sphere of adoption who have the experience, competence and willingness to provide an expert service. - Yours, etc.,
Ballintemple,
Cork.