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About UNIO

UNIO’s intermediary service supports individuals who are considering initial contact, a meeting, or possible reunification with their family of origin. We provide information, guidance, and emotional support so that everyone involved feels informed, respected, and safe throughout the process.

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Purpose of the Service 

  • To provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.

  • To empower you with information and resources.

  • To ensure your safety and well-being.

What the Service Can and Cannot do

  • We provide support and advice, but decisions about contact or reunion remain yours.

  • Our service may have limits in terms of time, availability, or the type of support offered.

  • We will always explain clearly what we can and cannot do for you.

How the Process Works

  • Initial Assessment & Consent

    • Both parties are asked about their wishes and readiness.

    • Boundaries and expectations are discussed.

  • Support & Preparation

    • Each party will receive guidance and emotional support from our Advocacy team.

    • Our Advocacy Team will help prepare you for possible outcomes and what contact or reunion might look like, should you chose to go forward with any contact.

  • Facilitated Contact

    • Communication can begin gradually, often starting with letters, emails, or phone calls.

    • Face-to-face meetings may be arranged if and when both parties are ready.

  • Ongoing Support

    • Support continues after contact to help both parties navigate emotions, relationships, and any challenges.

    • Guidance is provided if either party decides to pause or stop contact.

Counseling Session Discussion

Safeguarding 

  • Your safety is our priority. We have safeguarding policies in place to:

  • Protect you from harm.

  • Ensure concerns about your safety or the safety of others are addressed appropriately.

  • Make sure our staff always follow safe working practices.

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Confidentiality and Data Protection

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This means:

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  • Your information will only be shared with your consent, except in the circumstances explained below.

  • All records are stored securely according to data protection laws.

  • You have the right to access your information if you wish.

 

When Information May Be Shared With Other Professionals

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There are certain situations where we may need to share information without your consent, including:

  • If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

  • If required by law or safeguarding procedures.

  • To protect vulnerable individuals or children from harm.

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We will always aim to inform you when information needs to be shared, unless doing so would increase the risk of harm.

Voluntary Participation and Consent

  • Participation in our service is completely voluntary.

  • You can choose to take part or not, at any stage.

  • Have the right to withdraw consent at any time without any negative consequences.

  • Will always be fully informed about your choices and the support available.

  • We are here to support your decisions and ensure you feel safe, respected, and in control throughout the process.

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UNIO is an initiative of Adopt NI, Unit 2, 18 Heron Road BT15 3LD

T: 02890 454 222     W: www.adoptni.org/unio

Company number NI 50259 | Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 102048

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