Searching for Birth Relatives

Many adopted people and birth parents or other birth relatives decide to search for one another at some point during their lives. Depending on the State in which the adoption occurred and individual circumstances, information from adoption records or the adopted person's original birth certificate, if available, may provide a starting place when conducting a search. Adoption reunion registries, both private and State-operated, are another source of information when searching for birth relatives. This section provides resources that address how to prepare for a search, access reunion registries and support groups, conduct a search within the United States, and conduct a search for birth relatives in another country.

National Foster Care and Adoption Directory
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Lists reunion registries, confidential intermediaries, and support groups for those searching for birth relatives by State. Download the NFCAD mobile app.

Searching for Birth Relatives
Series Title Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2011
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, as well as 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.

Preparing to search

Beginner's Search Checklist
American Adoption Congress
Lists information and resources to help beginners get started.

Impact of Adoption on Adopted Persons
Series Title Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2013
Discusses the impact of adoption on adopted persons who have reached adulthood. There are several themes that emerge from personal accounts and data from academic studies about issues that adopted persons may face. This factsheet addresses these themes, which include loss, the development of identity and self-esteem, interest in genetic information, and managing adoption issues.
Impact of Adoption on Adoptive Parents
Series Title Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Ordene (Gratis)
Year Published 2015
Explores some of the emotional ups and downs that adoptive parents may experience before, during, and after adoption. While every family is unique and every parent has different feelings and experiences, there are some general themes that emerge regarding adoptive parents' emotional responses. The purpose of the factsheet is to identify some of these themes, affirm common feelings, and provide links to resources that may help your family address adoption-related concerns.
Impact of Adoption on Birth Parents
Series Title Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability View
Download (PDF - 361KB)
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Versión para imprimir (PDF - 396KB)
Year Published 2013
Discusses some of the emotional issues that parents may face after making the decision to place an infant for adoption, in surrendering the child, and in handling the feelings that often persist afterwards.

Making the Decision: To Search or Not to Search
Schooler (2008)
In Journeys After Adoption: Understanding Lifelong Issues
View Abstract
Discusses reasons why adopted people search for birth parents and reasons some choose not to search. Determining the right time to search is also discussed.

Preparing Emotionally for and Initiating the Search
Schooler (2008)
In Journeys After Adoption: Understanding Lifelong Issues
View Abstract
Includes strategies for preparing emotionally and initiating a search for birth parents. The emotional stages of the search are described, and contact strategies are suggested.

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.

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General adoption search


The ALMA Society (Adopted Person Liberty Movement Association)
Advocates for adopted people's rights and maintains a comprehensive and successful reunion registry.

Birthright: An Adopted Person's Right to Know (PDF - 125 KB)
National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning (2004)
Presents a brief history of policies regarding adoption records, related resources, and a summary of the dispute over whether adoption records should be open or closed.

International Soundex Reunion Registry
Offers a free mutual consent reunion registry for people seeking birth relatives.

Search and Reunion
American Adoption Congress
Includes a compilation of links to resources that can aid in searching for and reuniting with birth relatives.

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Intercountry adoption search

International Adoption
American Adoption Congress
Provides a list of support groups and organizations in a number of countries for people adopted internationally.

Searching for Birth Families Internationally
Adoptive Families Magazine
Compiled resources for those interested in conducting international birth family searches.

Searching for Birth Parents and Relatives
Adopted Vietnamese International
Offers resources for searching for birth family members in Vietnam.

Tracings
International Social Services
Provides search services to help adopted people find birth families abroad.

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