Adoption creates new family bonds.
Questioning where we come from is especially poignant for adopted children. Even as adults, questions linger regarding their birth parents and the events surrounding their adoption. Some adoptions are open, allowing the adult easy access to birth family information. In these cases, finding birth parents is as easy as talking to adoptive parents or reading adoption documents. But many adoptions are still closed. In closed adoptions, a second birth certificate names the adoptive parents. All birth records remain sealed by the state. These cases involve more time and patience.
Instructions
1. Contact the state that presided over the person's adoption. Different states have different laws. Some states allow an adoptee access to birth records in the case of genetic or health issues. For example, according to the Missouri Attorney General, if the adoptee needs a bone marrow transplant some states will open birth records to find a suitable donor.
2. Place the person's name on an Adoption Information Registry. Most states have a list of birth parents and adoptees who wish to meet. Birth parents may put their names on the list at any time after giving the child up for adoption. The adoptee may only add his name to the list after turning 18. State adoption workers compare the two lists whenever changes occur and notify both birth parent and adoptee when both seek a meeting.
3. Gather as much information as possible about the person's adoption including the name of the adoption agency, any personnel that were involved, the hospital of birth and any foster care the person may have received. Interview as many people as possible. While state officials are not allowed to give out information, some private adoption agencies will.
4. Hire a private detective. There are organizations and agencies that specialize in reuniting birth parents with the children they gave up.
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