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 and/or database searches. For some specific, narrow searches, such as DMV, credit file, birth date, or Social Security traces (NOT Social Security Death Index (SSDI) searches, which anyone can do for free online). These types of services can be very handy, and many professional searchers utilize these companies. Keep in mind though, it is imperative that you obtain references, and familiarize yourself with exactly what information you will be receiving for your money, and what your other options are for receiving the same information. Please see the previous blog…”I have a name, now what?” For more information
You might also see advertised on some talk shows, companies, organizations, private investigators. I don’t recommend using these companies. Most of the information or techniques they use can be found in books. A future post of book recommendations will be posted at a latter date.

Another option to chose from are the folks who will conduct a search or part of a search, free of charge or at the request of expenses to be covered. This is a wonderful possibility when you need some legwork done in a state or city that you don’t live or are unfamiliar with. One of the advantages is the cost. Although you should be clear up front about expenses and what the volunteer expects to be reimbursed for. Does this include travel, parking, gas or are the expenses limited to document copying and retrieval. All of these things should be discussed in advance. It also should be made clear how far you want the volunteer to go with your search. Do you want the volunteer to initiate contact with the birth family or adoptee?

One of the disadvantages of utilizing a volunteer searcher is time as many of these wonderful folks have lives and paying jobs of their own. They do the search work out of the kindness of their heart, when their schedule allows. It is a way for triad members to give back to the adoption community. Another thing to think about is that volunteers are often less skilled than paid or professional searcher’s and can make mistakes or generate false leads. Volunteers are good when you are in need of very specific information and have no other way to retrieve it.
Something to think about is that libraries have research librarians on staff who will take requests over the phone, fax, letter, or email to research resources available at that particular library such as city or polk directories, obituaries, and genealogy. The fees involved are usually very reasonable hourly fees or just the cost of the copies of the document itself.

One very important thing to keep in mind is that volunteers are just that. Please do not abuse their services or neglect to pay, or expect them to act as quickly and thoroughly as professional, paid searchers.