Find Birth Parents — California Non-Identifying Information

Find Birth Parents In California By Obtaining Non-Identifying Information 

We just received a comment to one of our posts from Lynn.  She asked us for help to find her birth parents.  Here’s what she wrote: 

“Hi, I was born on 10/24/1964 in Torrance,CA Los Angeles County. The hospital was Torrance Memorial Hospital. The agency was Los Angeles County Bureau of Adoptions. The Decree was finalized on 9/24/1965 in the Superior court of Torrance, CA LA County. The Judge was Alen Miller. My State file # on BC: 64-310109 Local #7089 056263. I was told my mother was a highschool student and 14 years of age. My Birthname was Baby girl O’Rourketo complete.”

Lynn, when searching for birth parents, in many instances, having a last name is not enough to complete a successful search, particularly when the name is common like “O’Rourke.”  Even having both the first and last name of your birth mother may not be enough.

The most important step you need to take is obtain your non-identifying information.  Non-identifying information is background information about your adoption.  When it is prepared, the preparer typically (but often not too successfully) attempts to remove all the identifying information.  Non-identifying information might disclose…

• Age information on your birth mother
• Education background of your birth mother
• Her religious affiliations
• Her physical description
• Medical history of your birth mother
• Your birth family nationality
• Professions of the birth mother and her birth parents
• If the birth mother and father were single or married
• Hobbies
• Why you were put up for adoption
• Ages of the birth grand parents
• First names of grand parents
• Additional historical information 

Here’s what you need to do to obtain your non-identifying information:

Send a letter to:

California Department of Social Services Adoption
Support Unit 744
P. Street, MS 3-31
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-8088  

Here’s what you should write: 

“Dear CDSS:

I find myself in urgent need of a copy of the non-identifying information on my birth parents.  The following is information you will need.  Please note that I am not requesting any identifying information or an amended birth certificate.

Present Name:
Current Address:
Date of Birth:
Adoptive Mother’s Maiden Name:
Adoptive Father’s Name (when it is available):

Any efforts you can provide will be appreciated more than you could ever know.  Thank you very much.

Sincerely…,”

Lynn, please have your letter notarized before mailing to CDSS. 

We have to warn you here, it may take a few weeks or more before you receive a response from CDSS.  Then after following their directions, it may take you several more months before receiving your non-identifying information.

Once you obtain your non-identifing information, please write us back and refer to the date and title of this post.  We’ll then assist you in finding your birth mother.  Our treat!

Please write back if you have any questions. 

You might enjoy these related posts:

• Birth Mother Search – Obtaining Necessary Identifying Information-Part 2
• City Directories – A Good Source To Find Birth Parents
• Searching For Birth Mother; Searching For Adoptee – Call The Library!
• Searching For Birth Mother – You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get
• Anatomy Of A Birth Mother Search
• Looking For Birth Mother
• Good News About Finding Birth Parents In New Jersey…
• Tennessee Adoption – Find Birth Parents and Adoptee (s)
• Do You Need To Find Someone Fast?
• Searching Legal Notices To Find Your Birth Parents