Under the Act, a Contact Preference Register has been established and this is now open for applications. This now replaces the National Contact Preference Register (NACPR). All data on the NACPR has been transferred to the new Contact Preference Register.
The Contact Preference Register will enable adopted persons, parents or other genetic relatives to register their preference in relation to contact with each other. Importantly, it will allow parents to register a no contact preference prior to their information being released as part of a person’s birth and early life information. This ensures that the parent’s right to privacy and wish for privacy will be communicated when releasing their information.
It is important to be aware that information will always be released, even where a ‘no contact’ preference has been registered. If you are eligible to register a preference, it’s important to do so before the Information Service opens for applications in October, 2022. While preferences can still be registered after that, only preferences recorded on the register at the time of an application for information will be released with the associated birth information.
To register your details on the Contact Preference Register, click on the relevant link below and fill out an application form. Submit the form online (or by email or post if you prefer) and make sure to include a copy of photographic identification (passport, driving licence or Garda age card). Once received, the Adoption Authority will begin processing your application. If you previously joined the National Adoption Contact Preference Register (NACPR) and are looking to update your contact details or preferences, you will now need to submit a new application to the Contact Preference Register.
An information leaflet has been prepared to tell you about the Contact Preference Register (CPR) and its functions. You can read or download this information leaflet here.
✓ I am an adopted person
(a legally recognised adoption)
✓ I am a person who was nursed/boarded out
an informal adoption sometimes organised by the State
✓ I am a person who may have spent time in a Mother & Baby Home or other institution
this may have been prior to a formal or informal adoption and includes mothers and children
✓ I am a person whose birth may have been illegally registered
where a birth was illegally registered and no formal adoption took place
✓ I am a Mother or Father of an adopted person
where either parent placed a child for adoption either formally or informally
✓ I am a Sister or Brother of an adopted person
where a brother or sister has been placed for adoption either formally or informally
✓ I am a Grandparent, aunt, uncle or first cousin of an adopted person
where a relative has been placed for adoption either formally or informally
✓ I am an adoptive parent of an adopted child under 18
✓ I am an adoptive parent of an adopted person/child who is deceased
✓ I am a family friend of an adoptee or mother/father who is deceased
✓ I am a guardian or caregiver of an adopted person