You gave up your child for adoption and you can't get her out of your mind. You wonder what she looks like, what her interests are and what she is doing. You also wonder if she's strong and healthy. You think about finding and meeting her and you wonder if that will even be possible. While you can find her, you'll have to start from the very beginning and you may face many obstacles.
Step 1
Gather all legal documentation pertaining to the adopted child. This includes the original birth certificate, medical and dental records and his Social Security number. If you know the name of the adoption agency, include this. You should make a file containing the information you've gathered, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.
Step 2
Study the adoption laws in your state. You may be able to read the adoption documents pertaining to your child. If your child is still under the age of 18, state law may not allow you to access the information you're looking for, according to the ICS World website. If your state does allow access, ask to see the adoption file. While some information may not be provided, you may be able to glean the name of the adoption agency, attorney and the judge who approved the adoption. The agency that handles adoption papers varies by state, but many states offer adoption registries.
Step 3
Sign up with a reunion registry. The majority of these registries are "passive," meaning that you and your birth child have to register with the same registry in order to be matched to each other. Some of these registries are: Bethany Christian Services, the LDS (Latter Day Saints) Search & Reunion Board and the Catholic Charities Adoption & Reunion Board.
"Active" registries search for your birth child for a fee, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.
Step 4
Contact the adoption agency that handled your child's adoption. Its policies may allow it to release limited information, although state and federal laws may restrict what kind of information it can give.
Step 5
If you haven't been able to obtain records or information that you're seeking, you can file a court petition in the state and jurisdiction where your child's adoption was finalized. This does not require the services of an attorney, but you can hire one should you choose.
Tips and Warnings
- Be prepared for roadblocks and frustration. This kind of search is difficult because of the number of agencies and persons involved. Pertinent information regarding your child's adoption may have changed--or been falsified--requiring that you look in additional directions or give up your search.
Things You'll Need
- Birth papers
- Adoption papers
