SEARCHING FOR A CHILD LOST TO ADOPTION?

Prepare yourself !!!!

Read about adoption and join a support group.  Searching is an intensely emotional, but rewarding experience. The journey does not end when you find your child.

Have access to a computer.  If you do not have one, check with your local library.  It may provide free internet access.

Talk to your own parents or other family members who were involved in the surrender of your child.  Ask them for whatever information they may have.

Contact the agency that handled the adoption. It may be able to provide you with information and search help although it may charge a fee for these services.

Contact the department of human services in the state in which you surrendered your child or in which your child was adopted.  It may have a reunion registry and search help although it may charge a fee for these services. The White Oak Foundation website contains information on the type of registries in each state. http://www.whiteoakfoundation.org/mappage.htm 

Register with the INTERNATIONAL SOUNDEX REUNION REGISTRY  http://www.isrr.net/ It's free!  If the person you are seeking also registers, the ISRR will match you up.

CHECK THESE WEBSITES

AMERICAN ADOPTION CONGRESS

(Links to websites which assist in finding missing persons. You must join AAC to access this information.)

G’S US REGISTRY

(Free voluntary search angel)

BASTARD NATION

(Search information; links to other groups; recommended books)

 ABOUT ADOPTION

(Search information)

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

Great Expectations for Young Mothers, Mirah Riben

Why Reunions Go Wrong: What Memoirs of Adopted Daughters Tell Mothers, Jane Elizabeth Edwards