Finding one’s biological parents can be an important and emotional journey for many adopted children and adults. Connecting with birth parents provides adoptees with the chance to fill in missing pieces of their personal histories and backgrounds. It also allows them to gain medical information and form new family bonds if desired.
The adoption process, while full of love, also brings feelings of loss and questions of identity for adoptees. Many of them naturally wonder about their birth parents and how their lives may have been different if they hadn’t been placed for adoption. The search for biological parents is driven by a deep need to find answers and gain self-understanding.
Trying to find biological parents can be a stressful process, but it can bring about a beautiful reunion. This is why we created this guide to give you the steps and resources you should use in your search. Follow along, and don’t lose hope! With the right search strategies and support, many adoptees are able to locate their birth parents successfully, helping them gain closure or open the door to new connections.
Gather Available Information
Gathering any available information about the birth parents is an important first step in trying to locate them. Adoptees should start by reviewing their own adoption record and birth certificate to see if they contain the names or any other details about the biological parents.
Some key pieces of information to look for include:
- Full names of the birth parents
- Ages or birth years of the parents
- Last known locations, cities, or states where the parents lived
- Names of other family members like grandparents or siblings
- Addresses or contact details for the birth parents or relatives
Any small lead, such as a name, location, or family member, can aid search efforts immensely. Adoptees should meticulously go through every document they have access to and note any potentially useful information about their family history or origins.
Adoptive parents can also be a treasure trove of information in many cases. Having open conversations with them to learn about any details they may know about the birth parents or circumstances of the adoption can provide valuable clues to aid the search.
Discuss with Adoptive Parents
Adopted children are encouraged to engage in open communication with their adoptive parents about their desire to find their biological parents. Adoptive parents can provide invaluable information and aid in the search process.
If you are someone in search of your biological parents, talk to your adoptive parents about your wish to find your biological parents. Explain your reasons and ask for their support. Even if you have a difficult relationship, try to approach the topic gently and focus on getting information.
It is possible your adoptive parents may have records or information about your adoption that could help dramatically in finding your biological parents. This includes details like:
- The adoption agency used
- The lawyer or facilitator who handled the adoption
- The hospital you were born at
- The city or state of your birth
- Any names of biological parents or relatives
Adoptive parents may even have maintained contact with the biological parents over the years. Some adoption arrangements involve periodic updates or photos.
Ask your adoptive parents to share any details they have about your biological ancestry and relatives. Tiny clues can make a big difference in an online search. If they are reluctant to help, persist politely, stressing how much this knowledge would mean for you.
With openness and patience, most adoptive parents will want to assist their adopted child in learning about their roots and identity. Their support and information can set you on the right path in your search.
Filing Court Petition
If you do not have access to your adoption records, you may need to file a petition with the court to request the release of identifying information about your biological parents. This can be a complicated legal process that varies by state. Some key things to know:
- You will likely need to hire an attorney to file the petition on your behalf. The petition will lay out your reasons for wanting to access the adoption records and argue that you have a right to that information.
- The court will then notify your biological parents that a petition has been filed. In some states, if your biological parents object to the release of information, the court may appoint a confidential intermediary to determine if contact is in the best interests of all parties.
- Possible outcomes:
- The court grants your petition and orders the release of identifying information like names and last known addresses. This allows you to move forward in directly contacting your biological parents.
- The court denies the petition, most often because the biological parents have objected. In this case, you may need to pursue other search strategies.
- The court appoints an intermediary who facilitates contact between you and your biological parents. This person maintains confidentiality until both parties agree to move forward.
Filing a petition should not be your first step if other search options are available. However, when records are sealed, it may be the only recourse to gain access to your identifying biological information. Understand that the process can be emotional, and the outcome is uncertain.
Utilize Adoption Reunion Registries
Adoption reunion registries and organizations can help adoptees connect with biological parents by matching consenting parties.
State Mutual Consent Registry
Many states have mutual consent registries that allow adoptees and birth parents to voluntarily register their contact information. If both parties register, the registry will share their information so they can get in touch. This can be a powerful tool but it requires the biological parent to also opt-in. Check if your state has such a registry.
Adoption Reunion Organizations
There are also non-profit organizations focused on helping adoptees find their biological families. One prominent example is [Search Angels](https://www.searchangels.org/), which has volunteers to help find birth parents and relatives through various research strategies. They also provide moral support and guidance for adoptees during their search. Consider reaching out to an established organization like this for assistance. Their expertise and access to various registries can increase your chances of connecting with biological parents or relatives.
Contact the Person That Managed the Adoption
Adoption Agency
If you were adopted through an adoption agency, contacting them directly can potentially provide information that leads to your birth parents. Adoption agencies often keep records on biological parents, and some may be willing to help connect you if possible. When reaching out to the agency, be prepared with any information you have, such as your original birth name, if known. Explain your desire to learn more about your origins. While agencies must protect the privacy of all parties, their goal is also to facilitate healthy relationships. Approach them as a potential partner in your search.
Lawyer
If a lawyer or law firm handled your adoption, they may have records that could aid your search. Contact the lawyer who managed your specific adoption case rather than the general firm, if possible. Explain that you are the adoptee seeking background on your biological family. Be patient and persistent, as lawyers have legal and ethical restrictions around privacy. However, they also often want to help adoptees in reasonable ways. Ask what information they may be able to share and if they can contact the birth parents to gauge their openness to connecting. Making a personal appeal may get positive results.
Online Search Strategies
With the growth of the internet and social media, adoptees now have more tools than ever to aid in their search. Here are some of the main online strategies to find biological parents:
DNA Registries
Services like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, and FamilyTreeDNA utilize DNA testing and matching to locate potential biological relatives. After taking a DNA test, you can connect with genetic matches in the company’s database. These sites contain DNA information from millions of users, which can help identify relatives, near and distant. If you find close matches like a half-sibling or aunt/uncle, you may be able to work with them to identify your birth parents.
Sites like AncestryDNA also have search tools to look for specific individuals. The key is to follow up on any and all matches that surfaced through DNA testing. While they may initially seem insignificant, a third cousin could hold the missing link to locating your biological family. Test your DNA and then explore your ancestry with a trail of hint breadcrumbs.
Social Media Platforms
Social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have tremendous potential for connecting adoptees with their biological families. You can search for specific individuals and also join groups dedicated to adoption and search. Share your story and a photo, then patiently engage with others.
Some tips when using social media: adjust your privacy settings, be wary of scams, and take conversations offline before sharing sensitive details. With persistence and some luck, you may be able to locate or be found by biological relatives.
Online Forums and Support Groups
There are many online communities that specifically focus on helping adoptees find their biological parents and relatives. Here, you can get advice, share tips, ask questions and make connections. Active forums include sites like Adoption.com, Adoption Reunion Support Forum, and Reddit’s r/Adoption subreddit.
Don’t underestimate the power of online support when gathering information and searching for biological family.
How To Find Biological Parents Conclusion
The process of trying to find biological parents can be an emotional yet rewarding journey for adoptees. It requires patience and persistence, but various strategies are available to aid in the search.
To start, gather any information you already have and discuss it with your adoptive family, as they may have helpful details. Filing a court petition can potentially open access to your adoption records. Adoption reunion registries and support groups also actively help connect adoptees with biological relatives.
Reach out to the adoption agency or lawyer who facilitated the process. They may have records to share. Online tools provide powerful search capabilities, too. DNA registries like Ancestry and 23andMe can match you to potential relatives, and social media platforms enable you to locate people from all over.
While the outcome is uncertain, stay motivated in your search. Having an open mind and heart will help the process, even if the reunion is not what you envisioned. Take pride in your courage to learn more about your roots. The journey will uncover your resilience and bring valuable self-discovery.
Melissa Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas State University and has over 20 years of experience in childcare services and administration. She is a Licensed Child Placing Agency Administrator, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring agency compliance with policies, procedures, and contract requirements, in conjunction with the Executive Director and Executive Administrator.About This Author
Melissa Rodriguez
