I developed this searcher’s check list in hopes that it would help many of your searching. I have added some humor to lighten things up as well. Searching is an emotional roller coaster and of course we need humor sometimes to make things easier. At any rate, this is not an all inclusive checklist but is a good starting point for triad members embarking on a search for those who were separated through adoption.

To Do

____ Take the time to figure out what searching means to you.
____ Obtain a copy of the adoption records law for the state you are searching in
____ Obtain information the agency or county courts offer in regards to search
____ Request Non-Identifying Information from agency and court
____ File Confidentiality Waivers with State, Agency, Lawyers
____ Register with the International Soundex Reunion Registry (www.isrr.net)
____ Register with Online Reunion Registries
____ Register with the State Registry if the state you are searching in has one
____ Talk with adoptive parents regarding the search and details or facts they may known
____ Visit the Libraries
____ Join a support group in the area you are searching
____ Join a support group in the area you live.
____ Search the Internet for Adoption Search Resources
____ Read about adoption
____ Lose eye site looking at too much microfiche

Documents
____Original Birth Certificate
____Amended Birth Certificate
____Adoptive Parents' Homestudy
____Application to Adopt (agency)
____Signed Relinquishment or Consent Forms
____Legal Notices
____Baptismal/Religious Certificates
____Foster Care Documents
____Petition to Adopt
____Decree of Adoption
____Name Change Records
____Non-Identifying Information
____Hospital Birth Records (Obstetrician)
____Hospital Nursery Records (Pediatrician)
____Marraige Records
____Divorce Records
____ Death Records

About the Adoptee
____ Adoptee's Date of Birth
____ City, State of Birth
____ Hospital of Birth
____ Name at Birth
____ Name after Adoption
____ Adoptee's Age at Relinquishment
____ Age at Placement with Adoptive Parents
____ Age at Adoption

About the Birth Family
Birth Mother
____ Birth Mother's Name
____ Age at Birth of Adoptee
____ Age at Relinquishment of Adoptee
____ Date of Birth
____ Place of Birth (City and State)

Birth Father
____ Birth Father's Name
____ Age at Birth of Adoptee
____ Age at Relinquishment of Adoptee
____ Date of Birth
____ Place of Birth

Birth Siblings
____ Ages
_____ Date of Birth
_____ Gender