How to Search for a Child Given Up for Adoption

The choice to search for your biological child, whom you gave away for adoption, can become both time-consuming and emotionally draining. If the adoption was closed, the agency will not release information to either the birth parents or the adoptee. Some parents begin with a passive search. This involves placing information about the adoption and yourself in search registries online for your biological child to find if the adoptee wishes to contact you. For quicker results, you may search actively by researching information about the child's current name and address as well as where the adoptive parents reside.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research your state's laws pertaining to the release of nonidentifying and identifying information. According to Omnitrace.com, several states, including Alabama, Delaware, Kansas and New Hampshire, all have open adoption records.

    • 2

      Start a journal and jot down everything you remember about the adoption, including your baby's birth date, the name of your physician at the time and the hospital where the baby was delivered.

    • 3

      Talk to everyone that knew about the birth and adoption. Begin by asking questions of your close family and then interview the physician that handled your pregnancy and the family attorney that helped with the adoption. Ask them if they can tell you any information about the adoptive family, such as where they were living when the adoption occurred, if they remember either the original name or the child's new name and if the adoptive parents ever pursued any further contact.

    • 4

      Check online databases, like Omnitrace, to search for your child if you know the correct birth date and state where the child was born. While you may receive an overwhelming list depending on the size of the state, it may provide a starting point for phone numbers and addresses to contact your child.

    • 5

      Attempt contact with your child once you've narrowed the list down from all your information. Write a basic letter introducing yourself.

    • 6

      Register with the International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR), the biggest free mutual consent registry. Mutual consent means both the birth parent and the adoptee must register and be searching for a match to be made.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Mental Health Effects on Separated Families
      When family members are separated from one another, it may impact their mental health, regardless of the reason why. Folx may have little control over their family's separation, and the mental health effects resulting from separation deserve a
    • How to Write a Letter of Reference for Adoption
      Reputable adoption agencies require that anyone who applies to adopt a baby or child be recommended in writing by a close friend or spiritual adviser who can vouch for the prospective parent in good faith. If you have been asked to recommend someone
    • How to Adopt a Child
      Adoption, whether public or private, is a long and often emotionally trying process that may cost up to $25,000 and require a wait of up to several years. Things Youll Need Adoption Announcements Adoption Forms Attorney Instructions