New platform to give care-experienced and adopted people better access to their records to be launched later in 2026

The initiative will develop a free online resource, to be launched later this year.

According to CoramBAAF, the platform will detail the location of adoption and care records in the UK, and signpost to organisations who can support those wishing to access their records.

The two organisations will work together to produce the online resource - combining data held by both organisations to create the UK’s “most comprehensive and searchable database” for the location of adoption and care records.

CoramBAAF noted: “Adoption and care records are an essential part of adopted and care experienced people’s ability to understand their personal history. There is a legislative framework around the retention of these records, however, for many, locating and accessing these records can be a confusing and dispiriting process.”

Work has already begun to merge and update existing datasets and there will be further development continuing throughout 2026, the organisations said.

Jane Poore, Adoption Consultant at CoramBAAF, said: “We know how important adoption and care records are to people’s sense of identity, belonging and wellbeing. This project will make it much easier for people to find where their records are held and to begin their search with clarity and confidence. We are delighted to be working with ARA on something that has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Commenting on the launch of the partnership, Owen Prendeville, Public Affairs Group Manager at the Information Commissioner’s Office, said: “Access to care records is a fundamental right – they can hold forgotten memories, valuable parts of someone’s identity or difficult answers behind life events. As part of the research for our Better Records Together campaign, we have heard about the systemic challenges people are facing when trying to access their records, such as long delays and unexplained redactions. We are calling for urgent improvements from organisations to make sure these requests are handled with care and compassion.

“Our research suggests that locating records in the first place can also be difficult, especially older records that may have moved places over the years. This new project from CoramBAAF and the Archives and Records Association will be a valuable tool for people with care experience, making it easier to track down their records and begin the process of accessing their story.”

Lottie Winson