|
Home > Adoption > Adoption Search and Reunion > Reuniting With Birth Relatives
Reuniting With Birth Relatives
Some birth family members decide to make contact with one another after conducting a successful search. This section provides resources to help those interested in a birth family reunion prepare for the experience, make initial contact, and build relationships over time, including State and local examples.
The Adoption Reunion Handbook
Trinder, Feast, & Howe (2004)
View Abstract
Discusses what usually happens during adoption reunions and what to expect.
Adoption Reunions: A Book for Adoptees, Birth Parents and Adoptive Families
McColm (1993)
View Abstract
Explores the experiences of adoption triad members before an adoption takes place, during the years that the adoptee is growing up, and after the adoptee reaches adulthood and undertakes a search in order to provide an idea of what to expect if they decide to search and reunite.
Are You Wondering How to Respond to Contact From a Birth Relative? (PDF – 27 KB)
Benevolent Society, Post Adoption Resource Centre (2006)
Provides information for adoptees who have been contacted by a birth relative.
Birthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive Parents
Strauss (1994)
View Abstract
Explores the psychological ramifications of search and reunion, shares the experiences of adoptees who have conducted a search, and includes a list of questions to assess reunion readiness.
Planning and Approaching a Reunion (PDF - 469 KB)
Adoption Matters (2006)
Answers some of the issues and questions raised by adoptees and their birth relatives approaching a reunion.
Search and Reunion Etiquette: The Guide Miss Manners Never Wrote
American Adoption Congress
Addresses the distinction between search and reunion and discusses the process of accomplishing both.
"Suddenly, Sisters!": Sibling Adjustment in Reunion
Underdahl (2008)
In Siblings in Adoption and Foster Care: Traumatic Separations and Honored Connections
View Abstract
Explores potential adjustment issues when siblings who have been separated through foster care or adoption are reunited and provides for the facilitation of sibling reunion experiences.
Writing to a Birth Mother (PDF – 33 KB)
Benevolent Society, Post Adoption Resource Centre (2006)
Provides information for adoptees who are starting the reunion process about writing their first letter to a birth mother/father.
(Back to Top)
State and local examples
A Guide to Search and Reunion in Adoption (PDF - 197 KB)
Children's Aid and Family Services & New Jersey Adoption Resource Clearing House (2005)
Provides members of the adoption community and adoption professionals information about how to search in New Jersey. An overview of reunions and the process of building relationships after reunion are also discussed.
(Back to Top)
|
RSS
