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.
International Social Service USA
Provides a range of social work services, including help for those who want to find their birth family abroad.
International Soundex Reunion Registry
Offers a free mutual consent reunion registry for people seeking birth relatives. This free service is open to adoptee adults over 18 years of age, birth parents, and adoptive parents of children under 18 years of age.
National Adoption and Directory Search
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Access State-specific birth family and adoptee search support groups.
Putative Father Registries
Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
Defines putative father registries, their purpose, and who has access to them. A State listing of putative father registries is also included.
Search Angels
Consists of volunteers who have experience searching for birth relatives and will assist people on their own search for birth relatives free of charge.
State Putative Father Registries (PDF - 157 KB)
New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Lists the agency and contact information of putative father registries in States that maintain a registry.