We call on the UK Government to introduce a law requiring that all adopted individuals must be informed of their adoption by the age of 18, in a supported and age-appropriate manner.

While openness in adoption is encouraged by professionals, there is currently no legal requirement for adoptive parents to inform their child that they are adopted. This means some individuals reach adulthood without knowing the truth about their identity and origins.

Discovering adoption later in life—especially accidentally—can cause deep emotional distress, identity confusion, and loss of trust. Everyone has a right to know the truth about their own life.

We believe that adopted individuals should be legally entitled to know they are adopted by their 18th birthday, with appropriate support and guidance to help them process the information. A clear legal requirement would ensure transparency, protect adoptees’ emotional wellbeing, and uphold their right to personal truth.