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Birth Mother Search – Obtaining Necessary Identifying Information
A birth mother search can be quite difficult for an adoptee to successfully resolve. That’s because most adoptees have very little identifying information on their birth mother when they begin to search. They also lack state-of-the-art search tools that are currently available to professional adoption researchers and investigative agencies such as OmniTrace. These tools allow access to and the capability to sort through virtually millions of public records. With the above mentioned search tools, you may be surprised to read that, in most instances, very little identifying information is needed to find your birth mother! Provided here are a number of examples of minimal identifying information that you may already have or can readily obtain that can allow a search professional (and even you) to find your birth mother. Any one of the following examples may be enough information to find her:
- The first name and date of birth of your birth mother
- The date of birth and state where your birth mother likely resided at the time of the birth
- The horoscope sign and last name of your birth mother
- The first name of your birth mother–if the name is uncommon
- The first name and middle initial of your birth mother
- The occupation and area where your birth mother resided when you were born
- The age and address of your birth mother at the time you were born
- The age of your birth mother and her address at the time of your birth
- The age range of your birth mother and where she and her siblings attended school (you may need age range of her siblings too)
- The occupation of your birth mother’s parents along with the area and age range of her parents at the time of your birth
- A criminal background of the birth mother allowing for use of Freedom of Information Act to request police records
- Description of your birth mother and education information along with the area where your birth mother resided
Once again, any one of the above examples or a combination of identifying information from the different examples might allow you to quickly resolve your search and reunite you with your birth mother.
One way to obtain your birth mother’s identifying information is to request what is referred to in adoption agency jargon: Non-Identifying Information. When you receive your non-identifying information there’s a chance that you will have enough identifying information (inadvertently supplied to you) to complete your search.
Very shortly, in a future post, we’ll explain what Non-Identifying information is, how to request it, and where to request it. Also, in future posts we’ll provide much information about the search tools and databases used by professionals. Visit us often. We type quickly!
Please make a comment with any questions or thoughts you may have about this post. Thanks!






hi, did you check classmates? or reunion.com
see if he is listed?
Joan
Ive searched and searched.. she must have remarried.. I’m at a dead end. And about to give up. Please if anyone can help me. My husband would just like to know where he came from and maybe a friendship. We have 3 small children that would love another grandma.
Thanks Tiffany & Joshua Borders
Hi, for anyone searching in Az , come to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arizonasearch_support
Write to the courts and ask for non identifying information. Also check out
http://www.registry.adoption.com database. and
http://www.isrr.net
Everyone should sign up on http://www.isrr.net
and
http://www.registry.adoption.com
keep checking registry.adoption.com registry too.
see the new entries.
joan
Kathleen Riley 2-23-1969
Born Rockledge Florida, Catholic Charities and
private atty Lloyd Campbell (deceased) for Adoptive Parents
Searching for birthmother or relatives
Birthmother Valerie was 17
Birthfather Michael was not told of pregnancy
Valerie’s parents John 47 and Nancy 37 they did get divorced prior to my birth
Valerie had 3 siblings John 15, Steven 6, and Tracey 5
(younger sibs may be from 2nd marriage but unsure)
Valerie and family were from Massachusetts possibly Boston Area
She came to Florida to have me and stayed in Cocoa Beach with friends.(unsure of this fact although written in mothers statement)
The main clue I have is her brother John was a sophomore at Boston Latin High School. I have a list from BLHS I’m working on (thanks to the beautiful search angels) and have eliminated 1 name of John Hickey.
Names I am currently working on is John Carroll, John Casey III and John Desmond, who were sophomores in 1969. I have chosen these names because Valerie’s father was a career officer in the Army and these 3 names have a military listing with birth year close to 1922 on ancestry.com. I have also emailed all 3 people on classmates.com.
I have no last names and ages listed are in 1969
thanks
Hello
I am attempting to track down my son’s biological father. I was in college at the time of getting pregnant. I went through many emotions whenever I found out (nervous, scared, embarassed, frightened) and I never told the biological father. He was a year ahead of me in school and finished and went on with his life. I continued school up until I gave birth. 8 months after giving birth I reconnected with a previous relationship and was married 8 months later and have been for 15 yrs now and my husband adopted my son to be his. Now, my son is 16 and is asking questions about his biological father. I need help in finding him and how to contact him without causing problems in his life. Here’s the info that I have: Age 36-37, was from Missouri, attended Shawnee Community College 1991-1992. His first name is T Doublin. I appreciate any help in this manner.
REminder : Maine has open records.
For NY : sign up with the state, and isrr.net
and
post your search include your birthday,city,state. and M. or fe.
Joan
Iso fe Dorsen. You had a baby around March 1944. IF you know someone by the name of Dorsen that had a baby in 1944, contact us.
Born in Nyc. At St. Clares Hosp.
My name is Jim Craig, I was adopted at the age of 5 months old , My birth mothers name was Mable Marie Collins and she was 16 years old at the time I was born. I was born March of 1966. I would like to find her and meet her or at least talk to her. My adoption took place in Oklahoma, Please contact my wife Renee or my self. This would be great .
Thank you Jim Craig
Hi, All people searching should be signing up on the state registry.
Plus everyone can sign up on http://www.isrr.net
you should print off the forms, and mail them in.
If you can’t print off the forms, call the toll free number and ask them for a form.
Aunts, uncles, siblings,cousins,grandparents, adoptees and parents can all sign up on here.
Its a mutual consent registry. Its been around a long time, and have made many reunions thru them.
Also check at http://www.registry.adoption.com
see if your loved one signed up there, right on line.
Put your search there, too. Keep it simple, and no birth cert.# should be put on line. Its not safe to do.
Joan of nyadoptees.and theRegistry
thank-you for this info i am just starting my search and this gave me somewhere to begin
Hi Joan. Thanks for posting.
You also wrote that Colorado adoption records are now open. We did not post your note about this because we have not been able to confirm this is in effect. Can you please provide more details? Thanks again.
Best regards,
Dana Betz
OmniTrace Corp.
This is on Colorado News station. About Open records.
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=117122&catid=339
hi, try http://www.veromi.com and see if you can find listing for the name Morris.
What year was mom born? did you check the birth index to see if you can find her birthday and first name.
Joan
Thanks again Joan for your information on Open Records in Colorado!
Best regards,
Dana Betz
OmniTrace Corp.
my name is karen I was 3 wks old when adopted through the Luthern,s Children Service Philadelphia Pa, Chester County 1965 my name given at birth I believe was Tersea both sets of my Grandparents were college graduates, I believe my mother was young, Im polish ,quit laughing,,anyway if anone I mean anyone reads this and can help me with any information please get back with me, I,ll be praying.TY all
Hi, Did you try getting information from Pa.
Btw, no one laughs at anyone. We take everything very seriously.
Also go to http://www.isrr.net and fill out the forms, and mail them in.
Joan
Hello, I am searching for my birth mother and/or siblings. I was born in Rooservelt Hospital in Manhattan, New York on October 3, 1972. I was taken away at birth. I know my birth mother’s name was Ida Rembert, her date of birth is November 19,1946. I also know the agency that took care of my adoption was Nassau County Department of Social Services, Long Island City, New York. I was also told that I may have had 5 or 6 older siblings. I dont know what else to do I paid an organization quite a bit of money to locate my birth mother. With all the information I gave them they were still unsuccessful. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Hi Did you write to nassau and ask for “order of adoption” papers.
That will reveal your mothers name.
Joan
Did you sign up with the NY state registry?
and
http://www.isrr.net
and
http://www.registry.adoption.com
Hi Joan,
Thanks for your response. I didnt write nassau but i will do that next. I checked myspace,facebook and twitter. Im beginning to believe that the name that was given to me was not my birth mothers real name. Do you know of any way I can find out who she is if she did use a fake name when i was born
Btw, did you check the social security death index?
Did you try facebook, but be careful how much you put on there.
or myspace?
joan
Hi,
I am trying to locate my sister that was placed for adoption. I do not know mcuh about her but I hope someone could help. She was born June 6th 1979 in Hershey Pennsylvania. Her birth name is Chantey Ruiz. My mothers maiden name is Corina Ruiz. The only other thing I know is that she was adopted by a catholic family.
I am new at this and I don’t even know where to start or what the Pennsylvania rules for adoption records are.
If ANYONE could help me I would appreciate it so much. I now have two children that I would love for her to meet.
Thanks,
Damius Ruiz
Hi did you check the birth index for your mothers name?
Did they say where she was from?
Joan
Hi there,
Like the rest of us I am trying to find my birth parents and my siblings. I was born in 1957 in Los Angeles and was adopted 9 months later in a private adoption in Arizona.The adoption was finalized in 1960. My parents were truly wonderful and gave me a wonderful upbringing but that burning quest was always on my mind. From the youngest age I can remember my parents told me that I was adopted and that I had three older siblings, one of which was also adopted. When I was pregnant with my daughter I went to my pediatrician who was instrumental in the process. She had told me that my sister that was 2 years older than me had passed away at 18 from spinal meningitis four years earlier and unfortunately the adoptive parents opted out of her and I reuniting since they never told her she was adopted. This leaves me with tow siblings out there somewhere, but where and how can I have the records unsealed?
I have found records of my birth along with my birth mothers name but then I seem to hit a wall and can’t seem to go further.
Her name on the birth record was Lois Rose Valasek and mine was Regina Waggoner ergo..that damn brick wall. I have tried to contact the Arizona courts to get those records to no avail.
if anyone out there has any good suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
I look forward to all suggestions.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart:)
Hi Susan. We have been doing some research (free stuff) on your behalf. Hopefully, we’ll have some answers for you shortly.
Best regards,
Dana
OmniTrace.com
Iso of a woman who is named Rita Dorsen, (or used the name Rita Dorsen back in 03/06/1944 in Manhattan ny.
We only found two in the whole country by that name.
One was Rita dorsen by birth, but used the name Rhoda. Married, and
would there be a way to check if she married in 1942 or 1943? and divorced?
Joan
I stumbled on this and may have some information for you. Please feel free to email me at the above address or leave your phone number. I live on the west coast.
Suzy
Dear Suzy , I don’t see an email to contact you at. (not sure they let those thru.)
I live in phx.az.
I just saw this message now from you. So please email me: Joan85032@yahoo.com
I will be glad to speak with you.
I can be found at http://www.nyadoptees.com too
thanks,
Joan
Hi Joan. We let emails through but they have to be in the body of the note and not just in the email field.
Thanks for your frequent visits and assists to our visitors. If you are ever interested in working with us more closely, please send an email to the head of our research team: Chris Maione. His email is chris@omnitrace.com
Best regards,
Dana Betz
http://www.omnitrace.com
Hi Joan. Our researchers are taking a look at this for you and I’ll write you shortly.
Best regards,
Dana
OmniTrace Corp.
Hi Joan. Were you able to obtain non-id for this case? It would be helpful to know Rita’s age.
Dana
hi Rita’s age was 19/20. One non id says she is married, and 19, the other says single and 20.
so thanks for trying.
Update: I am sorry I spelled the Husbands name wrong, its Labowitz.
thanks,
Joan
Hi, I am searching for my birth parents and have already recieved the non identifying info to help, but having been born and placed for adoption in Montreal Canada and being raised primarily in California I wonder if you can direct me to a registry site for Canadian adoptees and or any other search advice you can give ?
Thanks Joan for your assistance! Tracy, here is some additional information that may help our readers in Montreal:
Records are not open and there is no central registry. Based on our research there are two agencies to obtain Non-Identifying Information from:
1) Centre de Protection de l’Enfrance ed de la Jeunesse
Service de l’Adoption
1001 Boul. Maisonneuve est, 6e etage
Montreal, PQ H2L 4R5
Phone – (514) 896-3200
Fax – (514) 896-3190
2) Batshaw Family Services (Formerly: Ville Marie Social Services Centre)
6 Weredale Park
Westmount, Quebec H3A 1Y6
Phone – (514) 932-7161
*Form for Non-Id, Registry and Intermediary Search (Free) on file.
Batshaw Family Services, has mostly records from English and Jewish agencies such as (Jewish Family Services, Children’s Aid Society of Montreal, Ville-Marie Social Services, Children Service Center.) and Centre de Protection de l’Enfrance ed de la Jeunesse, has mostly records from French and Canadian agencies.
*If agency is unknown you can try to call or write both.
Thankyou Joan and Dana, Sure wish I found them looking for me, or had a name to work with. Though I understand why they shouldn’t give out the identifying info, it is so frustrating to be denied the ability to let them know I am OK and that I have no hard feelings before something happens to us if not too late allready.No matter how much a child is wanted…how well taken care of by those that raise them, there is something missing only thier birth family or parent can provide and they should consider that during the time the decide to put one up for adoption… Be brave and Don’t make it closed forever
You’re welcome Tracy. Unfortunately, Quebec/Montreal is an area where we currently have no resources. Hopefully, things may change there in the future.
We’ll keep an eye out for you.
Best regards,
Dana Betz
OmniTrace Corp.
I Just started to look for my daughter who is 19 know she was placed for adoption i did not want her put up for this but CAS thought it was best but i
alot when they took her from me and then I get my life together they take the last 5 away from me. All my kids where health happy and walk by the time they where 8months old. I
alot at night and on speacel things like there bithdays at christmas ijust hope find them in time
My name is Gwendolyn. I was born in Columbia,South Carolina on Dec.19,1959 at the old Columbia Hospital (Harden Street) on the colored ward. Dr.Worell delivered me in the clinic there. My birth name was Linda. My mother had 4 boys and 2 girls at the time of my delivery. I was the seventh child. She lived with a solider to whom she was not married. My birth father’s family was from another country. He was a garage mechanic and married to another women; he denied paternity. My biological brother was born in August of 1957 and his name was Tony. My grandparents were sharecroppers and my mother had several brothers and sisters and one brother was in the air force. This is the non-identifying information I have. I am trying to find my biological mother and any siblings.
COrrection: Dec. 19, 1958 and was adopted in June of 1959. Did spend some time in foster care. I was 5 months old at the time of my adoption and was adopted thru a South Carolina Agencey.
Hi, if you are from Maine, or Mass. or colorado,
you can get your information now.
ttyl,
Joan
Hi, Did anyone go to the Foundling reunion?
It was a three day event.
Should be exciting to hear what the members say…..
Joan
LOOKING FOR A CALIFORNIA AUGUST 1964 BIRTH MOTHER OF A FOUNDLING YOU HAVE 3 GRANDCHILDREN.
Hi, come to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theregistry for ca. search help.
Also check at http://www.registry.adoption.com
and
sign up at http://www.isrr.net
Joan
Or, if you are really serious about finding your birth family, please sign up with http://www.omnitrace.com/birth-family.
Non-identifying information is very limited. I received my birth mother’s age, martial status and state she resided in. Not much to go on especially if you are born in one state (Florida) and adopted in another state(NY). Florida says check with NY and NY says check with Florida, Neither one helps and since I am 72 years old and only found out 2 years ago that I was adopted, I could be dead before I get any more information. My children and grandchildren are very concerned regarding predisposition to certain medical conditions, which we all have a right to know about.
Hi, what is your birthday.? You were born in fl.?
but adopted in ny? Did you try writing to the courts? What agency?
What city? were you adopted in?
Joan
Hello,
My name is Michael and I was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1982 at St. Edwards Hospital. I’m simply wanting to know who my birth parents were.. possibly meet them.. but if they oppose to that then I understand. If I ever find them.. I would at least like to get a picture of them to have and keep.
I’m 28 years old now.. and I am my own person… but! It’s kinda hard to explain.. but I have many reason as to why I want to at least know who my birth parents are.. this way I could possibly meet them and get a picture with them.. and just find out who I am.. you know? Also, if I inherited any possible health problems that I need to be aware of.. you know it would be nice to know that too.
My adoptive parents… to simply put it.. I couldn’t have asked for better. I was blessed with two great adoptive parents.. and they both back me with wanting to find out as much as possible about my birth parents which is cool and they know I appreciate them doing that.
When I was born.. I was pretty much adopted right out of the womb. Which is strange.. because when I ask or bring this issue up with my adoptive mother.. its almost like she’s leaving something out and not giving me all the information you know?
I’ve decided that I will not leave this planet.. even if I’m 90 years old and still searching for them.. I’m not going anywhere until I find them. Period.
Well, I mean I sure hope I get to find them before I pass into the after life in heaven.
Well, take care everyone and God Bless all of you.
peace
I am looking for my birthmother. I was born November 26, 1975 in Conroe, Texas (Conroe Regional Medical Center?)to ____Mackey around age 26 at that time. I was adopted around July 1976 in Conroe, Tx. (Montgomery County). My birth parents had an office romance. He, I think, was married. My Mom had singing talents. My adoptive parents Nancy Keesee and James C. Walter lived in Elk City, Oklahoma (Beckham County) at the time. I live in Tulsa Oklahoma.
P.S. I was taken directly from the Conroe, Tx. hospital to Elk City, Oklahoma, at 2 days of age by my adoptive parents.
Hi, did you parents ever say how they knew of you if they lived in OK.
Were they arranged before your birth? Did mom come from OK?
Check old phone books for Mackey name in OK.
Joan
Or you can sign up with OmniTrace and find your birth family now! http://www.omnitrace.com/birth-family/
Dear Joan : I am an adoptee from Indiana. I was adopted from the Bronnenberg Home in the early 1950′s.I was born in Jonesboro, Indiana on 11-17-1950. I believe my real last name may be Clark. I would appreciate any help you can give me ! Thank you !
Have you requested your non-identifying information yet?
What if u don’t know the name of the birth mother how do go about finding her
Hi Crystal. In most instances, when we begin a new adoption related case, we don’t have the name of the birth mother. However, we have numerous ways of obtaining name information that varies from state to state. Give us a call Monday thru Friday at 1-888-965-6696 and ask to speak with one of our search consultants for a free search evaluation.
Hi, what is your birthday city,state? Then also check at http://www.registry.adoption.com Also sign up at http://www.isrr.net
These are two largest databases of people searching around.
So check them. and sign up.
Once you mention a city, state and birthday, then it will be easier to tell you how to proceed.
Hi my name is rachel barter and my mothere gave a lil girl up around 1977 or 1978 my sister was in foster care for a lil bit b4 she was adopted she wa took by child welfare as well as our brother. . .born out of boston ma. . My mother was also adopted out of boston ma her date of birth is march 1 1958 plz help me im a single mother of 2 and dnt have money to pay.i just want to no my family b4 i die. .
I’m sorry I meant to say I have wonderful parents who adopted me back when I was 18months old…and through non-id info was able to find out that my last name was Williams before adotion was finalized..also there was 2 daughters she had before me 1 was also put up for adoption and the other she kept with her….would love to even have a sister at this age and time of my life would be great.
Hi my name is Megan I was born November 22 1983 and I am now starting to look for my biological mother. her name is Karen Peters Im sure that’s not her last name now but it’s a start. I was adopted very quickly I was two days old when i went home with my adoptive parents. I’m just curious to see where I came from and if I have any other siblings. it’s not that vital that i find her but im just curious. I also know that my biological mother was adopted too so im sure trying to find any medical history is going to be very hard. I was born in St. Louis Missouri. I recently found out that the name on my original birth certificate is Amanda Marie Peters. I just would like to find out some info and possibly meet her and find out where I came from
I was adoped when i was a baby. and my mom allwasy told me i had a bother and sister but i never meet them. and then like years ago i meet this family and now they are likme my best friends. but anyway they told me they have these too kids in there family . named deven and shawenss. i allways loved thos names.
but then my mom found out that they where my real brother and sister and they new about me. but i never meet them but then yester day i meet them. i got my puic takin and m brother and sister where acting really odd. my dad said they where acyting odd form meeting ur real your blood broher and sister.. but what should i do.
Looking for friends daughter born in late year of
1969 or 1970 in
Oklahoma City who was adopted out. I have a lot of info of biological family. Brenda Sue Young, I know was very pregnant on Thanksgiving of
’69 or ’70. We think she had baby at
Deaconess Hospital. Brenda’s birthday is 12-7-53. We believe she was 16 0r 17 when she gave birth.
Brenda was killed in car accident many yrs ago. Her parents are still alive and a son and daughter. They would like to meet her.
any info please contact me.
i am helping a friend of mine look for his birth mother, but we arent having any luck findig her we were wondering if you could help us. any information would be greatly appricated.
I was adopted when i was about 3 weeks old in 1974. i was born in anaheim, ca and placed in the children’s home socitey in santa ana. my parents have always been honest with me about being adopted but i have a missing link and would like to find my birth family my birth mom was 18 and my birth dad was 31 at the time i was born also i do know that my dad had other children before i was born. any help would be great to find someone:)