Step 9 assumes that you have a name and are now beginning to actively search for that person.

Recently I wrote a blog about Grannie Annie who is asking that people post her photo and adoption details as widely as possible. She has been searching for many years with little success.

The next time you read a reunion story, take note of how long the parties reuniting have searched for each other. Searches take minutes or years. Do not assume if your search has not been resolved yet that it never will be. Some searches do take a long time.

Assuming that you do have a name, how do you begin to find that person? It mostly boils down to the process of elimination. When a name is uncommon, it will be much easier. Even when the name is common, however, a person can be found.

In your notebook, at some point, you should begin a profile of the person that you are searching for, generally your birth parent or relinquished child. The profile will begin with your non-id info and can be added to as you find out more details.

With a name you can begin to look at "people finding" data bases to locate the correct person. Begin looking in the state where the adoption occurred. Then expand your search as needed. Keep in mind that some birth mothers are sent out of state. The non-id may indicate where a birth parent grew up or was born, so that state might be included in your search.

Many of the databases offer names and ages. This will help you to weed out people whose ages are too far off the mark. Keep in mind that you should consider that your dates might be off a year or two. Therefore, do not eliminate a person whose age is close to what you believe is the correct age.