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<p>We do not have any plans to improve intermediary services for adopted children
or adoptees as there is a clear legislation framework in place. Under Section 98 of
the Adoption and Children Act (2002) (England and Wales), an adopted person over the
age of 18, as well as birth relatives of an adopted adult, now have the legal right
to ask an adoption agency or adoption support agency that has registered as an intermediary
agency to provide a service to let the adopted relative or birth relative know of
their wish for communication. The agency can then seek information from a range of
sources to identify and trace the adopted person. This new law came into effect from
30 December 2005. Priority will be given to cases where the adoption order was made
on or before 12 November 1975.</p><p> </p><p>Any agency that provides an intermediary
service must do so in accordance with the Intermediary Services Regulations (2005).
The regulations require the intermediary agency to have regard to the welfare of the
applicant, the subject of the application, and any other person who may be identified
or otherwise affected by the application.</p><p> </p><p>Ofsted inspect adoption agencies
who provide intermediary and birth records counselling to ensure it is well organised
and accessible and that adopted adults and birth relatives are appropriately supported
to understand their experiences. Where poor performance is found Ofsted set out how
services should be improved.</p><p> </p>
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