Mailbox Service
People involved in an adoption, including adult adopted people, can exchange non-identifying information using the Mailbox Service operated by Adoption Services. In some circumstances, people who have received identifying information about each other may also exchange other information using this service.
In some cases, a person who lodges a contact statement stating they do not want to be contacted by another person in the adoption may be willing to exchange information with the other person via the Mailbox Service. Please contact Adoption Services if you have any concerns. Find out more:
Who can participate
- An adopted child (under the age of 18 years) with their adoptive parents' permission.
- The adoptive parents.
- The birth parents.
- An adopted person who is an adult.
- An adult relative of the birth parent (if the birth parent gives consent). The birth parent can specify that only non-identifying information is to be exchanged.
Agreeing to participate in the Mailbox Service
Adoption Services will facilitate the exchange of correspondence only after both parties have agreed to participate. People who want to participate in the Mailbox Service need to complete a Notice of intention to take part in Mailbox Service form. You can phone or email Adoption Services to request a copy of the form relevant to your circumstances.
Mailbox Service options
When you participate in the Mailbox Service you can choose to receive your messages either by post or Adoption Services' secure email service.
Exchanging letters and other items by post
People participating in the Mailbox Service can forward Adoption Services a letter, or other item, to pass on. Where possible, we will pass on the item/s we receive.
Money, gift cards, cheques or money orders cannot be sent using the mailbox service.
Exchanging information using the secure email service
People participating in the Mailbox Service can exchange information via Adoption Services' secure email service. Adoption Services uses the Cisco Registered Envelope Service to send confidential information electronically.
Cisco Registered Envelopes are secure and transmit encrypted messages that only authorised recipients can access. When you receive your first security encrypted email message (password-protected registered envelope) from Adoption Services, you will be prompted to register with the Cisco Registered Envelope Service, free of charge, by creating a personalised password. Your password will allow you to open your encrypted message/s.
For help registering with the Cisco Registered Envelope Service or to read the Cisco Registered Envelope Service Recipients Guide, visit the Cisco Registered Envelope Online Help website. Alternatively, contact Adoption Services if you have any concerns.