e-mail
I strongly recommend a local search and support group in the area you live as well as the area you are searching in if they are different. There are also national organizations such as the Adoptee Liberty Movement Association (ALMA), American Adoption Congress (AAC), and Concerned United Birth Parents (CUB). These groups not only encourage adoption search and support but also believe in openness in current adoption practice. The contact information for the organizations mentioned in this blog is at the end along with the links to their websites.
As you may have found by surfing the internet, there is ton of literature out there in regards to adoption search and reunion. There are many helpful books and articles on the subject so if you are searching or want to search, familiarize yourself with this stuff and gather whatever information may be helpful. The adoption.com website is a wonderful place to start.
Support Groups are another way to get help. Many times there are people who have searched that will give guidance to new searchers to begin the process with a realistic attitude. In addition, these support groups can provide emotional support that is also needed. We can all read on the internet and belong to mailing lists, etc. BUT nothing replaces human contact. The internet should be used as a tool in your search but not a replacement for a live search and support group or emotional support from other human beings.
Another option is to register with the registries. The International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR) is the largest and often times the first recommended to those in search. The ISRR has been around for some time and has been very successful through the years. I also recommend registering with any state specific registry that may be in existence for your state. It is the practice of the ISRR and most registries to match identifying information of the adoptee and the natural parents. If anyone is looking for someone whose information matches yours, the registry will connect you with the other party who is also searching. Registries are not very successful for various reasons but they can work and should not be avoided because it may not work. One never knows who else is registered. Reunions do happen through registries.
Another option is using the latest computer technology in searching. Many of the commercially available online services have adoption forums or mailing lists. They can vary from being a general discussion on adoption or more specific areas for adoptees, natural parents, adoptive parents, siblings, etc. You never know who you will connect with on line. I do recommend proceeding with caution for the same reason. Use the world wide web or the information super highway as a tool. It can greatly aid in your search. I can’t stress enough how the internet should be used with caution and only as a tool in your search.
Below is detailed information of the National Adoption Search Resources mentioned above.
*Adoptee Liberty Movement Association (ALMA)
P.O. Box 85
Denville, NJ 07834
(973) 586-1358
*American Adoption Congress (AAC
1000 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 9
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 483-3399
*Concerned United Birthparents
2000 Walker St.
Des Moines, IA 50317
(800) 822-2777 or (515) 263-9558
International Soundex Reunion Registry
P.O. Box 2312
Carson City, NV 89702
(775) 882-7755
