Adoption facts over the phone

Press, 14 January 1986, Page 8

Adoption facts over the phone

PA Wellington People seeking information on the new adult adoption law will be able to use a special toll-free telephone to the Department of Social Welfare in Wellington later this month. The Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs Hercus, said the telephone would be available for people requesting copies of a special pamphlet outlining details of the new law, or for anyone seeking information.

There will also be an extensive advertising and publicity campaign, she said.

From September 1, birth parents and adopted adults will have the right to seek information about each other.

From March 1 they will also have the right to ensure that information remains private by having a 10-year veto put on the birth

certificate if they wish. The new law was passed last year in Parliament as a private member’s measure, after being considered for some years.

The pamphlet outlines the provisions of the Adult Adoption Information Act, and advises birth parents and adopted adults age 20 and over how they should obtain information, or register a veto.

Confidential counselling is also available.

The pamphlet would be available from the Departments of Social Welfare and Justice, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, the Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages, public libraries and other sources, such as doctors’ rooms and chemist shops, Mrs Hercus said. The toll-free telephone will operate from Wednesday, January 22. The number is (04) 693-888.