Recently I was involved in helping a friend reunite with his biological mother.  The experience was quite moving for me.  I spend much of my time searching for family histories and know how difficult it can be for one to trace one’s biological family.

Most adult adoptees today who were adopted as babies, grew up in an era of “closed” adoptions.  Closed Adoptions (also called “secret adoption” or “confidential adoptions”) occur when a newborn is adopted at birth by another family and the records of the baby’s biological family is kept secret. Since the whole point is secrecy, a closed adoption cannot be performed with an older child who knows their biological parents.

When you search for information on your closed adoption, you may receive non-identifying information about birth parents.  There is no guarantee that this information is correct.

Your files may include the mothers age, her marital status, level of education, ethnic background, medical histories and, occasionally, a brief blurb about why the child was placed for adoption. Gaps in non-identifying information may leave adult adoptees with holes to fill by searching for and “reuniting” with their birth families.

Finding a link to family when the names, and places of those most intimate of family, mom and dad, is an unknown can be daunting.  That’s why I wanted to take a moment to point out some useful resources for today’s adult adopted people.  If you are unable to find the answers you are looking for you may employ the use of a Private Investigator.

Internet Resources for Adults

Access to Adoption Records This PDF by the US federal government contains useful info about adoption that might assist you as you begin your journey.

Cindii’s List Here you will find a lengthy list of Internet resources to aid you in your search.

Adoption.net  Article with resources by Jessenia Arias entitled “Adoptees: Searching For Your Birthmother.”

The Band  This site contains a number of resources and information concerning Issues Facing Adult Adoptees.

G’s Adoption Registry For adoptees desiring a reunion with their birth family,
or to learn about their medical history and birth family genealogy.

International Soundex Reunion Registry The International Soundex Reunion Registry is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable organization founded in 1975 by Emma May Vilardi. ISRR is a mutual consent reunion registry for persons desiring a reunion with next-of-kin.

Family Search Internet Genealogy Service Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Adoption Registry Connect Adoption Registry Connect is a worldwide adoptee and birth parent search registry designed to reunite adoptees with their birth parents and siblings.

Search and Reunion Here you’ll find resources to help you get started in a search for your birth family.

Books and Articles for Adopted People A collection of books and articles for adopted adults, teens and children.

Transracial and Cultural Resources A collection of cultural resources for adoptees and their families.

International Adoptee Congress – A membership organization made up of internationally adopted persons. The IAC is committed to empowering, supporting, and giving voice to all international adoptees and adoptee groups.

The Adoptees Liberty Movement Association – ALMA, the pioneer organization in fighting for the rights of adoptees everywhere, is the oldest, most comprehensive and successful registry of its kind.

American Adoption Congress – Through education and advocacy, the AAC promotes honesty, openness and respect for family connections in adoption, foster care and assisted reproduction.

I am Adopted – Great blog filled with a lot of resources for Black/African-American and Latino/Hispanic adoptees.