Adoptees and their birth parents and relatives who were separated by adoption may decide to search for each other at some point during their lives. If their search is successful, some will pursue meeting their birth relatives. This section is designed to address the concerns of both adoptees who are searching for birth parents or other birth relatives as well as birth parents (both mothers and fathers) who want to locate a child who was adopted.
The Adoption Triad: The Complexities of Search and Reunion With Marie Dolfi [Webinar]
Dolfi (2020)
The Social Workers
Explains important considerations in the search process and describes how to emotionally prepare for adoption reunions.
How Adoption Professionals Can Support Adult Adoptees’ Search for Information
Jarema (2017)
Adoption Advocate, 104
Gives suggestions on how professionals can help adult adoptees in their search and reunion efforts.
Impacts of DNA Testing on Adoption Search and Reunion [Webinar]
LaVigna & Riley
Center for Adoption Support and Education
Discusses available DNA testing options and how DNA testing relates to emerging privacy concerns in adoption search and reunion.
National Adoption and Directory Search
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Access State-specific birth family and adoptee search support groups.
Navigating Your Post-Reunion Relationships With Birth Family
Considering Adoption
Provides actions steps that adoptees can implement to establish healthy boundaries and relationships with birth relatives during the reunion process.
| Series Title | State Statutes |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 337KB) |
| Year Published | 2020 |
| Series Title | Factsheets for Families |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 341KB) Order (Free) |
| Disponibilidad | Ver Versión para imprimir (PDF - 987KB) Ordene (Gratis) |
| Year Published | 2018 |