Step 5 is to obtain your non-identifying ("Non-id")information. This information will generally come from the adoption agency or the state. Although the non-id is designated to provide information, it is not generally enough to locate birth parents or adoptees. However, later on in a search some of its clues can help to verify that you have the correct person. This link will direct you to some previous blogs about the non-id information.

Nearly every... more

One of the initial tasks in searching is gathering information and documents. It is obvious why some documents are important. However, you may not understand the significance of others. One of the first documents that you are generally instructed to try to obtain is your non-identifying ("non-ID"). It comes from the agency or state in most instances.

There are many clues in the non-identifying information, even though you may not immediately recognize them. For instance, the occupation of the birth parents are often listed in the non-id... more

In nearly all States, adoption records are sealed and withheld from public inspection after the adoption is finalized. Most States have instituted procedures by which parties to an adoption may obtain non identifying and identifying information from an adoption record while still protecting the interests of all parties.

Non identifying information is generally limited to descriptive details about an adopted person and the adopted person’s birth relatives and is provided to the adopting parents at the time of the adoption. Non identifying... more

Non-identifying information is information that may be obtained in most states from the agency or county that handled the adoption. Most agencies and counties require the request be made in writing. The information that may be provided will vary from agency to agency, court to court, and from state to state. Non identifying information that is usually provided is:

Information in regards to Natural Parents: Age of the natural parents at the time or birth or surrender Place of Birth Physical description of natural parents Religion Education... more

Whenever someone begins a search, one of the first steps to take is to obtain your non-identifying information. What you find on your own copy of your non-id may vary depending on who compiled it.

It just dawned on me recently that nothing was ever mentioned to me about non-identifying information when I relinquished my son. No one told me that based on the facts that I gave them, that they would be putting together a few sheets of information that my son would someday receive. I do recall that they asked me some basic questions about both me and birth dad. However,... more

Your non-identifying information may not seem particularly useful in the beginning of your search. However, later on, it can provide many clues which may help you narrow your search. To make the best use of your non-id, I suggest that you spend some time with someone who really understands the clues it contains.

For instance:

 It could help you to narrow down the states in which you search. If your non-identifying info states where your birth mom grew up, you know that could be one state to search in. Many birth moms left their homes, or were sent away to give... more

"Non-identifying information" is referred to as information given to an adoptee about their adoption and birth family. A very few states define within their statutes what constitutes non-identifying information, and makes provisions for its release through agencies and courts. In some states non-ID is not defined, which leaves it up to the court or agency releasing the information to determine what to give or what not to give you. In general non-ID' will include some or all of the following about one's birth parents:

• ages • occupation(s) • level of education • race and/or ethnicity • religion • physical description • hobbies • talents... more