Dear supporter,
In the 21 years since the IOT case, there has been no substantive reform, no increased access for Adoptees and no awareness as to how adoption has impacted on Adoptees and their families. Rather than it becoming easier to access information, it is becoming more and more difficult.
Since Aitheantas was founded in 2018, we have endeavoured - as an unfunded group - to promote Adoptee welfare and supports with our Advocacy, as well as equality, respect and understanding.
A few weeks ago we were asked by Minister Zappone, to consider four options. We could not accept any.
We are aware that there is some support for option 3 but this option, again, puts records and data ahead of Adoptee welfare and only guarantees that the system, as it is now, continues.
It is important to note that with option 3 Information and Tracing services would remain with the Adoption Authority of Ireland and TUSLA. We have listened to our community, we know there are a lot of concerns regarding both these authorities and we cannot agree to this.
We were also concerned if this option was accepted by TD’s and Senators that they would not revisit this situation and it would make it extremely difficult to push for much needed reform.
We met with Minister Zappone recently and explained our reservations regarding the four options. The Minister listened to, and understands, our position and our reservations regarding the options, particularly option 3. It is our hope that we will still find a way forward.
Please continue to send emails to all TD’s and Senators asking them not to support option 3.
If you haven’t yet completed our survey, please do so now and share as widely as possible.
Please continue to share our petition and ask anyone who might not have signed to do so now.
Please sign up for our newsletter and stay connected with ‘The Adopted View’ .
In the last year and a half Aitheantas - Adoptee Identity Rights have spearheaded a dynamic, proactive campaign including several initiatives to highlight Adoptees lack of access to their own information.
We will continue to push for open access, reform and acknowledgement of identity rights.
We thank you for your ongoing support and we will continue to represent our community to the best of our ability.
Maree & the Aitheantas team