The group number is not related to geography. It is the order in which social security numbers are issued for a particular area. Before 1965 half the group numbers were used. Odd numbers were used below 10 and even numbers were used above 9. After 1965 the group number assignments changed so they continued with the low even numbers and high odd numbers. Group numbers for each are assigned in the following order:

Odd numbers, 01 to 09 Even numbers, 10 to 98 Even numbers, 02 to 08 Odd numbers, 11 to 99

All possible... more

A social security number consists of nine digits separated by a hyphen. The first three digit field is called the area number. The middle two numbers is called the group number and the final four numbers are called the serial number.

The area numbers (the first three digits of a social security number) are assigned to geographical locations. They were originally assigned the same way that zip codes were later assigned. The area numbers increase from east to west across the United States like zip codes do. The area numbers are... more

Searching for an adoptee or birth parent once you have their name is much easier than it used to be. With all the available data bases that can be accessed on the Internet, searching is vastly less taxing. Some of these data bases are free; others provide information for nominal charges. There are some data bases, however, that are available only at significant costs. Many private investigators and professional adoption searchers have data bases that are not available to the average searcher. One Saturday morning, I sat... more

The Internet has made the whole adoption search experience vastly easier. The wide variety of websites devoted to adoption search is ever expanding. Before the wide use of the Internet, searching was an even more arduous and sometimes nearly impossible task.

I recently found this article about searching in the age of the Internet.

As recently as a decade ago, the search for an adoptee or birth parent was almost always frustrating and often fruitless. It required... more

4. Try to do your own research in person. Some adoptees try to do their research long distance or hire private investigators. When the investigators check records or you send letters, the comment "the records don't exist" will begin sounding like a broken record. When someone other than yourself begins checking old court, hospital, and even vital statistics records at the state level, this is a very common answer. This is especially true when the questions are handled by mail. Many adoptees who actually go to the hospital, courthouse, or state archives later find the records... more

How to begin your search:

1. Try not to offend the people who raised you and love you. This is easier said than done. Some adoptees wait until their adoptive parents are dead, but this can also hurt your search later on as possible clues either vanish, or people that were familiar with the situation also die.

- explain your reasons (your desire to know is NOT a rejection of the people who raised you). In some cases, your adoptive parents, relatives, and local clergy at their church may know some or all the details about your adoption.

- ask them... more

Courage.

Nobody can completely hide or run from their past. In most cases, mothers who put their children up for adoption have been rejected by their families because they became pregnant as teenagers, the relationships they became involved turned sour for a variety of reasons (including physical or mental abuse, alcohol and/or drug abuse, abandonment, grave financial or emotional problems, or family bigotry). Society once had many unfortunate customs which contributed to this climate.. Some "reunions" are very happy, others can open up terrible wounds and have... more

Shortly before the concert started a large extended family, staked out their claim by spreading out their blanket and chairs quite near us. Two young girls in their group were excitedly chatting before the concert. While I have all the tolerance in the world for my grandchildren's vocal nature, sometimes when I am aiming for serenity and peace, other loud children sometimes annoy me. I blame it partially on getting old and cranky as well.

Initially, I worried a bit that these two little girls were going to be a pain, and disturb our peaceful evening. Glancing at my husband,... more

I walk a tightrope when I discuss birth mothers with adoptive parents.

Some birth moms are understandably bitter and anger. Expressing that anger in appropriate ways is healthy, however, being overly hostile when dealing with other triad members is counter productive. People tune out if there is too much anger. In addition, they may sometimes dismiss someone that they believe is too unstable.

When I talk about birth mothers in general, I want to present as balanced a picture as possible. Most of the birth moms I know have suffered grievously... more

It has been my experience that the support of my adoptive parents actually made the relationship between myself and my adoptive parents closer. In the beginning my parents were worried I would find my natural mother and love her more than I loved them. I searched for 2 years before finding my natural mother and sister. I explained to my parents that I Had been happy but I had to know who my natural mother was. I explained how I looked in the mirror and yearned fo someone to look like me, or maybe walked like me. They understood, supported my search... more