Adopt NI - Valuing Every Voice, Supporting Every Journey
Who We Are & What We Do
Established in 1989, Adopt NI is an independent charity dedicated to supporting adopted or care-experienced adults and their families, addressing the lifelong impact of adoption or family separation.
Based in Belfast, we provide confidential support and services regionally. We also respond to enquiries from Southern Ireland, the UK, and internationally, including countries like Australia and America, connecting with individuals linked to Northern Ireland.
Our Vision
All adults in the adoption or looked after community are heard, seen and supported.
Our Mission
To nurture and support adults on this lifelong journey of adoption, or separation from family of origin, as they navigate information and process their experience.
Our Values
At Adopt NI, our values don’t just define our name - they shape every aspect of what we do. We are….
… Accountable
We work with integrity and honesty for our clients and stakeholders. Doing what we say we will, while always keeping the best interests of the charity in mind.
… Dedicated
We take the time to listen and understand, to support adults on their emotional journey and to ensure the best outcome for every individual.
… Openminded
We are non-judgemental, caring, and impartial. We treat others as we would like to be treated and respect different opinions.
… Personalised
We appreciate that people have different needs and therefore we provide bespoke services tailored to the needs of each individual.
… Trusted
We offer experienced, professional, and confidential services. We do this through taking personal responsibility for learning and self-reflection to improve, and a commitment to accurate, high-quality work.
To find out more about our priorities for the next five years read our new strategy.
Meet Our Team
At Adopt NI, our incredible team of staff and trustees are dedicated to tirelessly delivering support through our five services, helping adults navigate their lifelong journey of adoption or family separation.
Our Trustees:
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Tim Robson (Chair)
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Diane Weir
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Karen Scott-Harrison
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Lynn Gilmore
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Kevin Corr
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Rachel Brady
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Alice Diver
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Kim Nesbitt
Our staff:
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Ciara Scully – Chief Executive Officer
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Anita Fitzsimmons – Regional Development Manager
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Jenny Scullion – Finance Operations Manager
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Kathleen McClure – Tracing Officer (ROTS)
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Kat Rice – Project Coordinator
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India Padgham – Administration Assistant
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Joanne Martin – Advocacy and Tracing Caseworker
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Michelle Brenton – Advocacy and Tracing Caseworker
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Angela Lee – Advocacy and Tracing Caseworker
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Serena Caddell – Family Tracing and Records Officer
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Susan Dowling – Family Tracing and Records Officer
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Sile O’Loughlin -Therapeutic Support Worker
In addition, we have a bank of diverse, highly qualified sessional support staff on hand to meet the bespoke needs of our clients.
How we are funded
Adopt NI is proudly supported by funding from the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG, Department of Health), the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS), and The Halifax Foundation for NI, alongside invaluable contributions
Currently, the Regional Origins Tracing Service (ROTS) is funded by SPPG and the MBMLW (Mother & Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries & Workhouses) service is funded by VSS.
Though certain programmes are funded, our essential services remain unfunded. Every contribution helps us provide vital support and guidance to more adults on their lifelong adoption journey.
Join us in making an impact – donate today
Our commitment to safeguarding
Safeguarding is a core commitment at Adopt NI. We acknowledge our special responsibility to protect and support individuals at risk of harm or in need of protection who engage with our services. We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to harm, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all service users, staff, and volunteers, adhering strictly to best practice standards.
Read more about our commitment to safeguarding in our adult safeguarding policy and our Child Protection Policy and Procedures policy.
Our commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion
At Adopt NI, we are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. We are committed to ensuring fair access to our services, embracing the unique backgrounds and perspectives of everyone we support, and fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
Read more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in our policy.
Our partners and funders
We have the honour of working with some amazing organisations. Funders and partners like:
Our history
For over 35 years we’ve been serving the post adoption and care experience community.
Founded in 1989 to support adopted adults accessing their birth information for the first time, we’ve since expanded to provide tracing, advocacy, intermediary, and counselling services, continually evolving with the changing adoption and care landscape in Northern Ireland. Outlined in a brief timeline below are some key highlights in our history.
1987 Adoption (NI) Order is passed. Adopted adults can access their original birth certificates and birth mothers name once they reach age of 18.
1989 Adopt NI launches as a support service for adult adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents to offer:
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Support groups
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Support with tracing family
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Intermediary work
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Advice and Advocacy.
2003 we launched ROTS (Regional Origins Tracing Service) for social workers in Northern Ireland.
2004 we launched our counselling service.
2008 we passed a special resolution to broaden our services to any adult impacted by separation from their family of origin via foster or residential care.
2009 we launched OATS (Outside Agencies Tracing Service) for social workers outside Northern Ireland.
2018 we looked at our brand and website and explored ways to increase and enhance service provision and collaborate within the sector.
2021 we formally launched our Advice Line.
2022 Adopt NI partnered with VSS and launched services for those impacted by Mother & Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries & Workhouses and their associated pathways and practices in Northern Ireland.
2025 We launch our OCN accredited peer support programme and continue to evolve to shape post adoption and care services and support in NI.