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Birth History Service

Barnardos has provided a service to adopted people, birth families and adoptive families since 1977.

This service has been extended to include therapeutic support services to adults who were subject of an illegal birth registration and to individuals who were boarded out, fostered or nursed out as children in Ireland pre-1991.

We offer a free, confidential and professional service for,

  • Individual support and advice 
  • Group support
  • A confidential helpline

We offer free Individual therapeutic sessions for,

  • Birth Mothers
  • Birth Fathers
  • Adopted Adults
  • Individuals subject of an illegal birth registration
  • Individuals who were ‘boarded out’ , ‘nursed out’ or fostered prior to the 1991 Child Care Act

If you require support for adopted children, adoptive parents and young adopted adults up to the age of 23 our Children’s Post Adoption Service has more information

Self referrals can be made to the service through email or posting to any of our centres.

What does the Birth History Service do for me?

One to one therapeutic support for adopted adults, birth mothers, birth fathers, individuals subject of an illegal birth registration and adults who have been boarded out as children

Group support for adopted adults, birth mothers and individuals subject of an illegal birth registration

A practical community based service for adults who have been boarded out as children

Services are offered both nationally and internationally, with online and phone contact options available for individuals accessing the service living away from our centres.

Where are Barnardos Birth History Services located?

We also offer a national confidential and professionally staffed helpline running Tuesday and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm on (01) 454 6388 

You can contact the Birth History Service by email at [email protected] or by calling any of our centres at these numbers

DUBLIN: 4 Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 D08 DT63 and 23/24 Buckingham Street Lower, Dublin 1, Tel: (01) 813 4100
CORK: Blackmore House, Meade Street, Cork, Tel (021) 203 8005
GALWAY: The Sanctuary, 27 Chois Chlair, Claregalway, Tel: (091) 454489

Podcast: Growing Stronger Together

A publication and audio documentary from Barnardos group support service for women whose children were adopted: Personal experiences over three decades, 1990 – 2020

20 Jan

Online Once Off Online Birth Mothers Support Group

January 20, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
€0.00
The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space for birth mothers to meet others and avail of support.
23 Jan

Adopted Adults Once Off Support Group – Cork

January 23, 2025    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service will be holding a support group for Adopted Adults in Cork. The purpose of the course is to provide a safe [...]
29 Jan

Online Support Group for Adopted Adults

January 29, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service will be holding a confidential online support group for Adopted Adults
11 Feb

Once-off Support Group for Adopted Adults – Galway

February 11, 2025    
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Adult Post Adoption Service will be holding a confidential, in-person support group for Adopted Adults.
17 Feb

Birth Mothers Once Off Support Group - Dublin

February 17, 2025    
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
€0.00
Barnardos Birth History Service are pleased to announce a support group for birth mothers in Dublin. The purpose of the group is to provide a [...]
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