EAGLE’S POINT INVESTIGATIONS, INC.
Results Driven, Client Focused Investigations, Certified Process Service and Legal Support
P. 772-
F. 772.770.1841
© 2012 Eagle’s Point Investigations, Inc. All Rights Reserved
“In Search of... “
Adoption Search and Reunion
Is a piece of you missing?
Emotionally Preparing For The Search
Prior to beginning your search, you should examine your expectations and make
sure they are realistic. You must be prepared mentally and emotionally for every
possible outcome, from an unsuccessful search to a one time, short-
As hard as it may be to consider, you need to prepare yourself
for the possibility that your child, or members of your birth family, may reject
your request for a reunion, as they may not be in a place in their lives where they
are open or ready to connect with you. They may need time to process everything and
you must be patient and respectful of their feelings and their decision.
Why Search?
Searching may seem more prevalent today, but it really is not. For as long as
adoption has existed so have searches and reunions.
Searchers primarily consist
of people who are one part of the adoption triad -
The Adoptee
For the adoptee, the search is a journey of self discovery. We all have a rich ancestral heritage and historical background that gives us a sense of belonging and identity. The adoptee has been cut off from their genetic history. They have a need to know their identity. Typically, they are searching for information about themselves, and are not looking to replace the family that raised and loved them.
The Birth Family
Searching often helps the birth family in resolving lingering questions about the child, the decision to give them up, and all the emotions that surround that decision. For the vast majority of birth mothers, giving their child up for adoption has profoundly affected their life. Relinquishing their babies was the most traumatic experience of their lives and has had lasting repercussions resulting in ongoing bouts of sadness and depression. Many continue to feel guilty and ashamed. The search is not about reclaiming their child, but about knowing that their child is alright and that they made the right decision for them.
The Adoptive Family
Members of the adoptive family usually search because their child has a medical problem that might be attributable to genetics. Less frequently, they search to assist their child (now that they have become an adult) in their own search quest.
Access to Adoption Records: Summary of State Laws
(Click Here)
State Laws
Each state originates and enforces it’s own laws regarding adoption and adoption records, with little uniformity between the states. Because the laws of many states deny adoptees and biological families identifying information which is vital to conducting an adoption search, an adoption search is one of the most difficult searches of all to undertake.
States With Open Adoption Records
Alabama
Alaska
Kansas
Maine
New Hampshire
Oregon
States Where Records Are Open But Birth Parents Can Sign A No-
Delaware
Tennessee – No-
States With Open Adoption Records For Specified Years Only
Colorado – Adoptions records are open for adoptees whose adoptions were finalized between 07/01/1951 to 06/30/1976 and 09/01/1999 to present.
Illinois – Adoption records prior to 01/01/1946 are open.
Indiana – Adoption records prior to 1940 may be open.
Iowa – Adoption records are open prior to 07/01/1941
Maryland – Most adoption records prior to 06/01/1947 are open.
Massachusetts – Adoption records are open for birth years prior to 4/14/1974.
Michigan – Adoption records are open if the birth parent’s rights were terminated prior to 05/28/1955 or on or after 09/12/1980.
Montana – Adoption records are open for adoptions finalized prior to 2/2/1964.
New Jersey – Adoption records prior to 1940 may be open.
Ohio – Adoption records are open for adoptions finalized prior to 1/1/1964.
Reunion Registries
A Reunion Registry is a system for matching persons who desire contact with
their next-
There are many Reunion Registries available for FREE online. The first place
you should register is the International Soundex Reunion Registry. Their online Registry
is safe and secure. They will notify you if they have found a match.
The Movement For Open Records
Articles
William & Mary Journal of Women and the Law
Volume 11| Issue 3 Article 6
The Open-
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute Report “For The Records: Restoring A Right To Adult Adoptees”
Rutgers Law Review: The Idea Of Adoption: An Inquiry Into The History Of Adult Adoptee
Access To Birth Records by Elizabeth J. Samuels
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Lifelong Impact of Adoption
Join The Movement
Green Ribbon Campaign For Open Records
Our Agency’s Perspective
From the Co-
As an adoptee, I understand the need to find out who you are and find your story. It is something that I do not believe can be fully understood by someone who is not adopted. As a licensed private investigator, I can not think of anything that I would rather do in my profession than help people find all the pieces to themselves, whether it be an adoptee searching for the answers to who they are or a birth parent needing to see their child again and know that they made the right decision. It is important to be completely prepared mentally and emotionally for every possible outcome of your search. My experience has enabled me to bring a unique perspective to the adoption search and reunion, and has given me the ability to be a true support system for others who are searching.
EAGLE’S POINT INVESTIGATIONS, INC.
5976 20th Street, #158 | Vero Beach, Florida 32966
Phone: 772.567.9198 | FAX: 772.770.1841
Email: Investigations@EaglesPI.com
License #A2500160
Florida private investigators specializing in surveillance, infidelity, child custody, cohabitation, missing persons, adoption search, background screenings, asset searches, criminal and civil records, insurance fraud, disability and workers compensation claims.