Does My State Have a State Reunion Registry?

A reunion registry is a place where members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents) searching for each other, post their information in hopes for a match. About half the states do have reunion registries available. Some have very restrictive guidelines and other’s are typically a bit more relaxed. So does your state have a reunion registry? Remember, that the state in question, should be the state the adoption was finalized in. Alabama – None Alaska – None Arizona – None Arkansas – Yes, Contact the State Adoption Department at: Department of Human Services, Division of Social … Continue reading →

How Long Does An Adoption Search Take?

Every adoptee beginning a search is hoping that their search will be quick and easy and that there will be no snags. Is this possible? Sometimes. But more often than not, a search takes quite a bit of time and effort until its completion. To be quite honest, there is not any real answer to this question. There is no length or period of time that can be provided to anyone. However, there are several factors that can provide for a quicker more relaxed search. Organization Being as organized as you can during this time, is important. Keeping track of … Continue reading →

The Waiver of Confidentiality

Whether you are birth parent or adoptee, if you are attempting a search, you need to be sure that nobody in between you and that person you are looking for, is worried about giving out your information. It is absolutely essential that you file a “Waiver of Confidentiality” as soon as you possibly can, from the very beginning of your search. What is a Waiver of Confidentiality? It is a document that you should file with the state or private agency who handled your adoption and is holding your adoption records. This document releases your information to someone looking for … Continue reading →

Is My State An Open Or Closed Record State?

Often we run into problems while searching. Especially if the state in question is a closed record state. What is the difference between an open record and a closed record state? Easy really. An open record state means that anyone involved in the triad may request the information in the file. A closed record state means that the state closed its adoption records to public inspection. Here is a quick list of who’s open and who’s closed: Alabama – OPEN Alaska – OPEN Arizona – CLOSED, Year – Unknown Arkansas – CLOSED, Year – 1935 California – CLOSED, Year – … Continue reading →

Are You Ready To Search?

Are you sure you are ready to search? It can be a long and grueling process. There can be misinformation given, that can frustrate you. There can be dead ends and wrong turns along the way. Are you prepared to face those frustrations daily? Are you prepared for the long extensive research that goes along with it? Are you prepared to find out that perhaps a biological relative does not want contact with you? Nobody is ever truly prepared. But there is a certain mentality that you must take when beginning your search. You need to remember that the person … Continue reading →