How do I find my birth parents?

If you're adopted, there are different reasons why you may want to find your birth parents.

You might want to know why you were placed for adoption or you might need some important medical information relating to your birth parents.

How do I find my birth parents?

As an adopted child, you can start a search for your birth/biological parents if you’re 18 years or older.
 
Before you start the search, we advise that you receive counselling from a social worker.

The records are kept with the Registrar of Adoptions in Pretoria. The following records are kept:

• The consent form.
• The adoptive parents' application.
• The social worker's report on the adoptive parents.
• The social worker's report on the birth parents (if it exists).

Birth or biological parents can only have access to the adoption records if the adoptive parents and the child give their written consent. If they refuse, the biological parents can leave their details in the file so that they can be contacted if the adoptive parents or child change their minds.

For more information, contact the Registrar of Adoptions at the National Department of Social Development in Pretoria.

You can contact the following  people at the Registrar of Adoptions, Department of Social Development:

Thembi Mathonsi
Tel: 012 312 7032
Email: ThembiMat@dsd.gov.za

Rosini Mnisi
Tel: 012 312 7593
Email: RosiniM@dsd.gov.za