Mater Dei hostel was opened in 1942 and run by the Legion of Mary. The hostel moved to 298 Antrim Road in 1944 and closed its doors in 1984. Around 1,418 women entered the institution over that period. Women entered both prior to, and / or after, giving birth to their children. An adoption society was also set up which became Mater Misericordiae Adoption Society in 1950. On its closure in 1970, its records were transferred into the care of the Down & Connor Catholic Family Welfare Society, which was a registered Voluntary Adoption Agency, and are now held by Family Care Adoption Services.

What Records Exist and What Do They Contain?

The Mater Dei records include file cards for women and girls who entered the institution, which carry details under the categories of name; home address; arrived here from; remarks; baby born [place]; date of birth; if baptised; mother gone to and date; baby gone to and date. There are varying levels of detail, sometimes more information is added on the back of the file card. However, in general, the notes are very brief.

There are also around 200 individual adoption files (1942 - 1969). Files may contain references for prospective adoptive parents, correspondence from Welfare Officers, or documentation in relation to women and girls and their individual circumstances. The files may contain receipts confirming that adoption of their baby has been explained to a mother, and other official documents. The amount of information differs in each file.

A significant element of the correspondence material from Mater Dei consists of letters from mothers inquiring after their children. There are also replies to advertisements which were placed in the personal columns of local newspapers aimed at attracting foster parents and adoptive parents. This correspondence often details the adoptions which followed, with solicitor’s letters and the requests for Mater Misericordiae to complete the necessary paperwork.

To What Period Do the Records Relate?

The records relate to the period 1942 - 1969. 

Who Is the Controller of the Records? 

The records are controlled by Family Care Adoption Services. 

How Best Can the Records Be Accessed?

Records Relating to Adoption

Adoption records held by Family Care Adoption Services relating to Mater Dei Hostel and Mater Misericordia Adoption Society can be accessed by making an application under the Adoption Agencies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1989. 

If an individual is seeking a copy of the personal data held about them in adoption records, they can also make a Subject Access Request under the UK GDPR. 

Personal Records

Other personal records held by Family Care Adoption Services relating to Mater Dei Hostel and Mater Misericordia Adoption Society can be accessed by submitting a Subject Access Request for information under the UK GDPR to Family Care Adoption Services. For details of how to make such an application please refer to the guidance on our Accessing Records and Your Rights page.

Contacting Family Care Adoption Services

It is recommended that all communication with Family Care Adoption Services should be in writing and copies of correspondence should be kept. The responsible person is Ms Maggie McSorley, CEO.

The contact details for Family Care Adoption Services are as follows: 

Ms Maggie McSorley,

Family Care Adoption Services
50 Knockbreda Road
Belfast
BT6 0JB

Email: email@familycareadoption.org