It is sometimes crucial that you can find medical information about a birth family. Although some information may be available from Oranga Tamariki (formerly Child, Youth and Family (CYF) , Department of Social Welfare, Child Welfare ) records, it is generally dated, and incomplete.
To remedy this, a doctor can apply (in writing) to Oranga Tamariki (formerly CYF) for medical information about a birth family member. about a specific medical matter. These applications are not restricted to the treatment adopted person themselves. A doctor may not disclose to the patient any information that would identify the birth parent.
In reality, this is not straight forward, as it often requires direct contact with a birth parent or other birth relative to get up to date information. This can be very upsetting as the birth family not only has to deal with the unexpected approach, but also anxiety about the medical condition.
If Oranga Tamariki (CYF) decline to accept this type of application, there are no grounds for appeal. However, an adopted person may obtain their pre adoption birth certificate and carry out their own search or a family member may make a Section 23 application (see below) to a Judge to open the Court's adoption records
.