Petition · Department of Health and Social Care

Make Letterbox Contact a Legal Requirement for safe Birth Parents

Closed 99 signatures

What the petition asks

We call for the reform of adoption laws to make letterbox contact a legal right for safe birth parents. This can bring reassurance & healing; for children, it can preserve identity, belonging & wellbeing. Some birth parents are allowed one letter a year, which, at present, is not legally enforceable
Currently, birth parents may get to send and receive only one letter per year, and this is not legally enforceable. Letters may be left ignored and not responded to, which can leave families heartbroken and disconnected; precious bonds at risk, and children suffering in the long term. Some research shows that adopted children with steady birth family contact can grow up more secure and emotionally healthy. The court should be able to block contact if it wouldn't be safe for the child.

Timeline

3 Dec 2025 Petition opened for signatures
3 Jun 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 99
Status Closed
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 3 Dec 2025
Closed 3 Jun 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 13 Aug 2026.