96APerson's right to information about parent's adoption

96A Person's right to information about parent's adoption

(1) In this section—

natural child in relation to an adopted person means a son or daughter of the adopted person where the relationship is of the whole blood;

natural relative has the same meaning as in section 97.

(2) A person who—

(a) has attained the age of 18 years; and

(b) is the natural child of an adopted person—

may apply to a relevant authority for information about the adopted person, whether or not a natural parent or a natural relative of the adopted person may be identified from the information.

(3) If the information to which the application relates is information from which, whether directly or indirectly, the identity of a natural parent or natural relative of the adopted person may be ascertained, the relevant authority must notify the adopted person in writing that it intends to give that information to the applicant.

(4) If the information to which the application relates—

(a) is not contained in records that are in the possession or under the control of a relevant authority; and

(b) is information from which, whether directly or indirectly, the whereabouts of a natural parent or natural relative of the adopted person may be ascertained—

the relevant authority must not give the information to the applicant unless—

(c) the relevant authority has obtained the agreement in writing of the person whose whereabouts would be disclosed; and

(d) if the agreement was given subject to any condition, the relevant authority has complied with the condition.

(5) The relevant authority is not required to obtain the agreement of the person whose whereabouts would be disclosed if satisfied that—

(a) the person is dead; or

(b) the relevant authority has made all enquiries that in the circumstances of the case ought reasonably to be made and the person cannot be found.