To keep a journal or notebook about your search can be very valuable in putting together all the pieces of the puzzle. Keeping all your paperwork organized in one place can make it much easier when you need to access a piece of information later. Otherwise, you might forget about or be unable to locate some small detail that might be crucial in bringing your search to a conclusion.

Your journal or notebook should include the following:

 Your non-identifying information;  Any identifying information that you have been able to find; ... more

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all."

Emily Dickinson

Whether you are searching, considering a search or in reunion, keep on hoping!

Once you have a name, the Internet provides a wide array of databases to search for a person. Many of the databases are free of charge. Some are available only through paid subscriptions. Others may charge nominal amounts per search.

There are also many search guides which provide a wealth of information about adoption search. Here... more

Karen, my blogging buddy, has already mentioned that one of the available options to search in some states is the possibility of using a “Confidential Intermediary.” (CI). I will share a bit more about that option and also share two personal stories with very different outcomes in which confidential intermediaries were used.

I will also discuss briefly the pros and cons of using confidential intermediaries from my perspective.

The link below provides a map of the U.S. You can click on your state and determine if a state allows confidential intermediaries and also:

1. Access to Adoption Records 2. County Courthouses 3. Public Records... more

Searching yourself is definitely the most difficult, but can also be the most rewarding, choice. As I have said in previous blogs, the advantages are the cost, the ability to go at your own pace, take a break when you need to and ability to choose whether or not you want to make first contact.

For me, and I think many others, conducting your own search can be therapeutic. There are challenges along the way. What I found after I completed my search was that I enjoyed it, missed it, and chose to help others in their searches, and give back to the adoption community. In fact, it was two years after completing my search and finding a grave that I founded PARR. At first, part of my... more

Another option in your search choices is the use of a private investigator. Private investigators are usually less expensive than ISC's, but the disadvantage is that they are seldom trained in adoption search, which is a very unique search of 'missing persons'. If you choose this route, unless the investigator specifically specializes in adoption searches only utilize their services in the event that you have a name that your search is centered around, and have been unable to turn up anything yourself. Private Investigators are often skilled in this regard. As always, it is important to obtain references.

You might also consider the choice of a company that advertises adoption searches... more

An often pricey, but very attractive option is the use of an Independent Search Consultant (ISC). ISC's are certified through extensive testing procedures. They are, in general, the best searchers money can buy. ISC's are usually fast, and often you will pay no money upfront, or only a deposit, until the person(s) you are looking for is found. If you have a name, or other pertinent information, your cost may be less. There are some independent searchers who are NOT ISC’s, who are perfectly capable searchers. I recommend that you try to use an ISC when possible, but if you do use another professional searcher who is not credentialed, obtain references, and in addition try to find individuals... more

At some point in your search, you will be considering your options regarding hiring a searcher. In many states a confidential intermediary (CI) systems are in place, and a CI will be recommended to you by your agency or by the courts, In this series of blogs I will try and explain the options.. In the end, the decision that you make will be the result of many different factors that only you know and only you can weigh appropriately with your situation and your search.

Intermediaries are individuals with access to your file, either through court approval, or because they work for an adoption agency, who use that information to find the individual(s) you are searching for. When the... more