Search and reunion can be exciting and confusing times. Having some idea of what to expect, and how to handle various situations can be extremely helpful.

1) If you choose to make your first contact by mail, be certain that your letter is vague and non-revealing. You do not know who knows about the adoption, and it is best to let the found party control who they tell and when. 2) When the initial contact is by telephone, inquire as to whether the person is free to talk at the moment.... more

The two part blog series I wrote in February talks about the different types of DNA tests that can be utilized in your adoption search. Before you turn to DNA testing to help uncover your natural ancestry you first should probably learn some basics.

Each individual’s physical traits and characteristics are determined from our genes and our chromosomes hold our genetic material and carry genetic information in long strands of DNA called genes. DNA acts... more

Illinois, Evanston - The Cradle, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 In the 1960’s this maternity home was called The Cradle Society. They had an in-house nursery which all the infants were housed until they went with the adoptive parents. They also operated an infant nurse school from 1926 thru 1972

Louisiana, New Orleans - The Methodist Home The Methodist Home hospital was and still is located on Washington St. Since 1972 It is a home for abused and neglected children. The contact information for The Methodist Home is: P.O.... more

There are many maternity homes through out the United States. Some still exist and some no longer exist. This 2 part blog series is touching base on only a few. If there is a particular maternity home you are interested in, please let me know.

Booth Memorial Hospitals There were Booth Memorial Hospitals in most major U.S. cities and they were run by the Salvation Army. The hospitals are closed now and the records have been warehoused.

The contact information is as follows:

Central Territory Headquarters 10... more

Recently someone asked me a few questions about being contacted by an intermediary on behalf of someone they were separated from through adoptions a few decades ago.

This initial contact left this person with lump in her stomach and she felt as if her world was turned upside down She also had a sense of relief and excitement. She had a variety of feelings surface from elation to sadness, joy to anger, along with a high level o f anxiety and an overwhelming need to have immediate contact.

In general it is safe to say that... more

Step 9 assumes that you have a name and are now beginning to actively search for that person.

Recently I wrote a blog about Grannie Annie who is asking that people post her photo and adoption details as widely as possible. She has been searching for many years with little success.

The next time you read a reunion story, take note of how long the parties reuniting have searched for each other. Searches take minutes... more

Step 8 is to look at all the information that you have and try to connect the dots.

Take a critical look at all the information that you have and try to reach some conclusions from what you have. If you are unable to make any sense of what you have, try a search angel, a professional searcher or private detective.

Let's summarize at this point, here are the steps discussed in 1-8:

Step 1 - Prepare yourself... more

The first blog on this subject is at http://birthfamily-search.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/indian-child-welfare-act-1 which was posted February 22, 2006.

The section referenced in the previous blog essentially directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto, but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification... more

Step 7 is to petition the court to gain access to your adoption records.

Not all states allow you to petition the court for your records. However, if your state does allow this procedure, it is well worth the effort. Although it sounds complicated and a great deal of trouble, it is not nearly as difficult as it appears to be. Policies to petition courts for adoption records sometimes even vary in different counties in a state.

There are paid services that will petition the court for you if you choose not to do so yourself.... more

Step 6 is to purchase a notebook for documents and the information that you are beginning to compile.

A three-ring binder notebook with pockets might be your best choice. The biggest advantage to having a notebook dedicated specifically to your search is that it will help you keep all your information together. Since a search is somewhat like putting together a puzzle, you need to keep all the pieces together. Periodically, examine them and try to make the pieces fit together and solve your search.

If you sign up for... more