The Internet has made the whole adoption search experience vastly easier. The wide variety of websites devoted to adoption search is ever expanding. Before the wide use of the Internet, searching was an even more arduous and sometimes nearly impossible task.

I recently found this article about searching in the age of the Internet.

As recently as a decade ago, the search for an adoptee or birth parent was almost always frustrating and often fruitless. It required the patience of a kindergarten teacher, the research skills of a historian and the aid of a lawyer.

But in the age of Google, when public records are digitized and many family records are available on the Web, the process has become less daunting. It has become even easier with the willingness of many states, including Texas, to unseal adoption records to petitioning adults.

Many state specific groups have sprung up over the years and these sites provide a wealth of relevant information no matter where your search is focused.

My blogging buddy Karen founded a search registry in PA which has a website is chocked full of very valuable information no matter what state you may be searching in. Check this site out. They offer everything from "Reunion Etiquette" to "Why Adoptees Search" to many invaluable data bases.

Another great site with information which is for Illinois searchers is The White Oak Foundation.

They describe their site:

A not-for-profit organization offering
a wide range of programs & services aimed at facilitating the post-adopton experience for
Illinois adoptees & their birth and adoptive families.

I particularly liked their description of the search journey which they describe as:

A search is a lot like a voyage...an incredible journey from a land populated by familiar, imaginary creatures...to an unknown territory where the truth really can "set you free."

Like any important trip we take in life, this one will go a lot more smoothly if you've done your homework, carefully prepared your itinerary, and know where to turn to for advice or assistance should you get lost along the way.

To be Continued....................................