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.
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.
Providing Adoptive Parents With Information About Adoptees and Their Birth Families
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Summarizes State laws regarding the types of information that adoptive parents are provided about the background of the child they are hoping to adopt. The information generally relates to medical and genetic history, family and social background, and mental health history of the child and the child's birth family. For the adopted child or youth, it also may include placement history and any history of abuse or neglect. Exceptions for stepparent and relative adoptions also are discussed.
Searching for Birth Relatives
Series Title
Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Provides guidance to adopted persons and birth families on the search process and information access as well as resources for further help in conducting a successful search. This factsheet is designed to address the concerns of both adopted persons who are searching for birth parents or other birth relatives and birth parents (both mothers and fathers) who want to locate a child who was adopted. While not a complete "how to" guide to searching, this factsheet provides information on the decision to search, steps in the search process, hiring a professional searcher, international searching, using social media to search, and reunion issues.
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