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How The Pros Find An Adoptee And Find Birth Parents
Many adoptees and birth parents who search are curious about the search methods used by professional researchers and search companies to find an adoptee or find birth parents.
Every search to find an adoptee or find birth parents is unique, and the tools and techniques used by professionals vary from case to case. In addition, various search companies and researchers have their own proprietary methods, resources and favorite procedures. Of course, the case first has to be reviewed to determine a course of action. In many instances, a search begins without a name and/or without much background information.
Below are some of the methods and resources that a birth parent and adoptee search professional may use to obtain name information or confirm name information and background information on an adoptee or birth parents:
- Conduct Interviews With Any Knowledgeable Parties To The Adoption
- Utilize The Assistance Of Local Birth Parent And Adoptee Search Specialists And Genealogists
- Identify and Research Birth Indexes (Birth Records) In Area Of The Adoption
- Request Medical Records, Nursery Records, And Hospital Billing Records
- Request Non-Identifying Background Information
- Locate And Contact Any Attorneys Involved With The Adoption
- Identify, Locate and Contact The Delivery Physician
- Determine If Court Minutes Are Available In The County Of Adoption
- Research Birth Announcements In The County Of Adoption
- Research Marriage Announcements In County Of Adoption
- Research Announcement Of Relinquishment In County Of Adoption
- Research Church Records In County Of Adoption
- Research Census Records And Genealogical Databases
- Research High School And College Yearbooks
- Contact Reference Library In County Of Adoption For Additional Resources
- Utilize The Freedom Of Information Act To Request Government Records
- Utilize Proprietary Database Resources
Once an adoptee name or the names of the birth parents is determined, and historical background information is established, search professionals utilize many of the following resources to find a current location of the adoptee or birth parents:
- Research Old City, Old Phone And Reverse Directories
- Research Voter Registration Records
- Contact Chamber Of Commerce
- Contact County And City Clerk’s Office
- Contact County Sheriff’s Office
- Contact Possible Ex-Employers
- Contact Possible Ex-Landlords
- Contact Military Locators
- Contact Motor Vehicle Department
- Contact Tax Assessor’s Office
- Research Government Depository Libraries
- Contact Local Post Office
- Contact Vital Statistics
- Contact Utility Companies
In addition to the above resources, some researchers and professional search companies (such as OmniTrace) have access to specialized, locator databases consisting of literally billions of public records.
In addition to the above aggressive approaches to find birth parents and an adoptee, there are more passive techniques used by professional searchers: (1) File Waivers Of Confidentiality (2) List Birth Parents And Adoptee’s Information With Major And State Specific Adoption Registries (please read: What Is A Reunion Registry) (3) Search All Major Registries For Information On The Adoptee Or Birth Parents (4) Post Your Information In Local Classified Ads (5) Post Your Information In Adoption Related Magazines and Newsgroups Many researchers and research companies such as OmniTrace will also act, on your request, as an intermediary when an adoptee or birth parents are identified and located.
We hope this answers some of your curiosity about professional birth parent and adoptee search companies. Of course, we understand that some of the above terminology and methods are unfamiliar.
Please share you comments and questions with us in the comments box. Thanks!
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Iam looking for my daughter, born 10-31-74 in Warren,Ohio.Forced to give her over to Children Services of Trumbull Co.,Ohio by parents.
I am trying to find my birthdaughter
Toni L Quinn. Her birthdate is 01/11/1973.
I am trying to find out if she lives at
14547 Evans Dr., Surprise, AZ 85379 with
her adoptive parents or in San Diego, CA
on her own. Any help that you can give me
will be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
DorothyCGeorge@aol.com
i am looking for my half brother, he is 19 years old and was born in st.louis ,missouri in 1989. our birthmothers name is elizabeth hackett, thats all i know please help me find him.
I was born on 12/15/1951 at cannon memorial hospital in pickens, south carolina. I was placed with the children’s bureau of s.c. in columbia, s.c. and was adopted by my adoptive parents when I was six months old. I was named, at birth, “james robert” and all I know is my last name started with a “J”. please help me find my birth parents or siblings.
My name is carla julius and I am searching for my children who where adopted in new York city
There names are Demetrius D’Aloisio, Robin Julius,walter julius jr,Robert Julius and Ian julius please any help anyone can give will be appreicetied I miss y’all so much with god’s graces I will find u some day
looking for biological son born Dec 29, 1980 in Agana Guam. He was listed as Baby K at the time and suppose to have been adopted by a military family. I too was military (USN) stationed there and circumstances just got in the way at that time so i had to give my child up. I have never forgotten him and think about him all the time. I would appreciate any help/info available. Thank-you so much, Robin
I am looking for my niece and nephew. Names given at birth by their real mother before given up for adoption were Candis Marie McCormick and William McCormick. William was given up for adoption in Albany New York thru Catholic Charities. Candis was given up for adoption in Worcester Massachusettes also thru catholic charities. Williams birthday is 1/11/80 Candis was born in August of 82 or 83. They were adopted it out to 2 different families but are natural siblings. Their mothers real name is Colleen McCormick Tersigni and real fathers name is William Kross. Any information on them would be greatly appreciated. Their real mother Colleen would love to be in contact with them.
I believe I might be the Candis you are looking for. I was born 8/27/1980 in Worcester, MA by the name of Candis Marie. My adoption was through Catholic Charities. Placed in foster care September 2, 1980. My biological mother was about 17 and, according to a summary I just recently found, a “pretty girl who has a lovely smile, although she has such a mass of hair that her small features seem lost.”
Emily, Colleen traveled from New York State and came to stay with me (Colleen’s oldest sister) in Westboro, MA for a few months until it was time for her to go to the home in Worcester, MA. We were able to visit with her on weekends until we moved to Virginia the end of June 1980.
The same could be said of you, ‘a very pretty girl (young lady) with a lovely smile.’
In early 1982 Colleen traveled to Virginia to help take care of my newborn son, David, for several months when I returned to work after David was born. Colleen then returned to New York State.
I am looking for my son, given birth on October 1, 1968 at a hospital in Ogden, Utah. He was given up for adoption in Ogden. During my pregnacy, I was placed through the Salvation Army with a wonderful family in Ogden, Utah named Rory and Barbara Youngberg. After giving birth, I returned to Rhode Island where I remained until May 2008; I then moved to Round Rock, Texas. His father is still in Rhode Island in the Lincoln area, near Providence. His name is Douglas F Paterson. His father and I loved each other, but due to personal circumstances, I allowed my son to be adopted. His birthday is approaching and although I think about him all the time, October 1st brings me to a standstill. I would love to make contact with him, so any information would be really appreciated.
looking for birth mother jeanette perez i was born on june 23 1988 and i was adopted at an early age
hello my name is patricia Evans Delaney,and I am looking for my son who I was forced to give up for adoption in 1979.his name then was steven shane evans .and he was born on june 4 1979.he was a premie.and was born in mobile ala .at usa medical center .I would love to know that he is alright and I would like to share medical information to him
HELLO I AM THE MOTHER OF A CHILD NAMRD AT BIRTH.STEVEN SHANE EVANS. HIS FATHER.S NAME WAS NEIL JARMAN,I WAS 17YEARS WHEN I HAD TO GIVE STEVEN UP FOR ADOPTION .HIS BIRTHDAY IS 6-4 -79 HE WAS BORN IN MOBILE ALA AT USA MEDICAL CENTER,AND WAS A PREMIE AND TO STAY IN THE HOSTAPAL FOR A LONG TIME.FOR ALL THOSE YEARS THERE HAS BEEN A HOLE IN MY HEART,I HAVE BEEN WANTED TO BE ABLE TO JUST FIND OUT IF HE IS ALRIGHT,I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH,AND I NEED TO DISUSS MEDICAL INFORMATION WITH YOU .PLEASE KNOW I AM NOT TRYING TO MESS UP YOUR LIFE ,I NEED TO SHARE MY STORY WITH YOU.I PRAY EVERYNITE THAT YOU READ THIS AND WANT TO CONTACT ME.BUT IF YOU CAN.T I WILL UNDERSTAD.ILOVE YOU SO MUCH STEVEN,AND THAT WILL NEVER CHANGED ,
I was born May 11/71. Adopted thru Catholic Charities near Roanoke or a southern Va town. Looking for family. I’m fine if you don’t respond. I’m a nurse and live in MD.
i was 3 when i was given away. my name then was broyles.i have a sister marie and pattie,and a brother ernie. our mothers name is margrett. she has a sister named margie and a brother named jim lane. i was born in viginia in 1965. thank you very much for any information.
Hi, my name is Michele. My dob is 10/28/1965; i was born in Cadiz, Spain to a wonderful woman, Ramona Ruiz. I do not know my birth father and it truly upsets her to discuss him. I have a wonderful relationship with my “dad”–He found my mother and me while stationed in Spain in 1965 to 1968. he married my mother and adopted me. I have an older sister and 2 younger brothers. I don’t want to hurt my mother’s feelings by asking to many questions so figured I could start here. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease this year and now have medical concerns. Thanks for your time.
My twin brother and i were born January 8, 1972. We were adopted by a wonderful family in St Louis, Missouri. We are looking for our birth parents. We are fraternal twins, a girl and a boy.
I suspect that a former girlfriend had a baby by me and gave it up for adoption because I wouldn’t marry
her. Our fling only lasted 3 weeks, at which point she packed up and moved out of city without saying why or when she might return. We knew each other from High School. She resurfaced almost exactly 1 year later saying she had lived in Greenwood County,
Kansas. If I’m right, baby was born in Greenwood County, Kansas about 1982 to 1984. Her maiden name is Joyce Walker. We both lived in Wichita, Kansas.
Can’t contact her because of her new husband.
i am looking for my mother glenis ann tydfiil jones age 70 i was adopted in 1956 from st bernardoes westham london i also have a brother
I am the birthmother of a boy,born 11/29/72.He was put up for adoption,by my father and it was a private adoption,so I do not know if he even knows he IS adopted.
He was born in Lankeneau Hospital,Philadelphia,Pennsylvania.
I was only 17 years old.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him.
There is a hole in my heart.
He needs to know that I love him.
OCTOBER 12,1977 Is my birth date. I was adopted and I’m looking for my birthparents. It’s been very difficult finding anything but non-identifying information out about them. Are they looking for me?
October 12,1977 LONGMONT,COLORADO
LONGMONT UNITED HOSPITAL
BABY GIRL
I am trying to help my mom find her daughter she had to give up because of her parents. her birth name is carol ann noto she was born at Dorchester hospital for women in mass. her birthday is 1/29/1968 she was adopted from catholic charitys and the family was from Reading,mass. If you might be her PLEASE contact me 702-785-2954
I am looking for my half brother who was given up for adoption and born on Dec. 7th 1967 at Providence Hospital in MA. He was brought to Brightside Adoption Agency. Name at birth was Gregory Francis.
White Male…I was born Jan 8 75…was adopted feb 14 75…was adopted from Hickory NC I believe…anyone out there? I have blue eyes blondish brown hair…6 7 240 lbs
Looking for full blood caucasian brother born May 16, 1969, Bexar County, Texas. Parents were Debra Stowe & Jim Stitt. They married 3 years later after highschool, and had me, Jason a couple years later. email res18m18 @ verizon.net
White male with birthdate of 6/10/68 born in St. Louis, MO, but adopted through Catholic Social Services in Belleville,Illinois. I know my biological mother was young when she gave birth and have no information pertaining to biological father. Would like to contact for medical information please email at mueller98@windstream.net
I was born sept 29,1965 I have a son, birth name michael ira, born 03/17/83 in sandusky michigan also another son, birth name Russell lee,born 03/22/84 in tawas michigan also i have a daughter,birth name Alyssa Sue,born 4/27/85 if you know anyone of these please contact me at my email kelin65@aol.com
The three that was listed previously have a sister name brandie lynn kincaid hall and she is the oldest out of the 4 I would love to be able to connect her with her siblings.Please email me at kelin65@aol.com
Looking for birth mother. I was born March 24, 1958 in Putnam County Tennessee. I was placed with my adoptive parents when I was around 10 months old. Looking for any info that would help my search. Thanks for reading this.
My name is Ulus Hill…my birth name is Ulus Williams…i was born 4/28/1981…im looking for my birth mother
We are looking for our half brother. He was born in 1978 in Buffalo, WY. Our mother was 17 when she had to give you up for adoption. We believe that you were adopted by a very loving and well known family with the last name of Nolan. If you have any information please contact me at staceyleis@yahoo.com
I am searching for my birh mother or sibliings.Her name was sharon marie steinbrenner, her birth date is july 4 1942.She was from kevin montana. I would love to hear from anyone that might have any ideas as to where i might find her or siblings. The adoption took place in MilkRiver alberta in 1966.
I was born November 18, 1958 in Pittsburgh, PA. My birthmother is Greek. She named me Barbara Zacky Pateras on my original birthcertificate. I understand she had an older daughter; I would like to find both of them.
I am looking for my biological son who was born I believe in 1969 or 1970 (believe the birth month was April). He was born in New York and was immdeiately put up for adoption to I belive a family living in New York. I would like to make contact with him if possible.
Hey Steven!
I am engaged to a wonderful man who has always dreamed of finding his birth parents. He was born in Waterloo, NY in 1969 (but his birth month is August). He was immediately put up for adoption and was also immediately adopted by a family living in NY. Don’t know if we are talking about the same wonderful man, but that would be great if we were.
WAS BORN 12/24/71 IN N.Y.C. NAMED STEVEN BY BIRTHMOTHER,GIVEN UP IMMEDIATELY TO CATHOLIC HOME BUREAU.RECORDS SEALED. ALL I KNOW IS SHE WAS 21YEARS OLD AND SUPPOSEDLY IRISH/TYROLEAN AND FATHER POLISH(LONGSHOREMAN OR MERCHANT MARINE).NOT POSITIVE IF NATIONALITIES OR JOBS ARE TRUE,JUST HEARSAY.C.H.B.SAID MOST LIKELY BIRTHFATHER NOT INVOLVED WITH ADOPTION. 845-456-0034.
P.S. I WAS GIVEN TO FAMIL FIRST WHO WORKED FOR C.H.B. AND THEN PLACED WITH C.H.B. DIRECTLY IN CARE OF NUNS UNTIL 9/25/73 WHEN MY ADOPTION WAS FINALLIZED.
My name ijenny I was born june 9 1982.I’m looking for my birth mother whose name may be adrian my birth certificate says I was born in brigham city utah that’s all I know if your out there contact me 778 317 5130 or 604 324 7481
I am looking for a half brother that was given up adoption by my Mother. He was born May 1, 1965 at John Smith Hospital in Fort Worth Texas. The adoption was through Catholic Adoption Services. I just learned about this adoption and my Mother would like know that the baby she gave up is ok. If you have a any information it would be appreciated.
Mothers name is Marie or mary. Gurley. Adopted tho cathloic charieties st louis missouri age3 born st marys hospital. 1-14-1977. Please any info??
Looking for my First cousin. Found out that he was put up for adoption shortly after Birth on Guam, U.S.A. Born in Naval Hospital, on January 14, 1984 or 85. Lived on Guam up until the age of 5 years old. His adoptive parents adopted another child and moved the Mainland United States before having a child of their own. He would be around 27 or 28 years old now. Your birth mother is looking for you and hopes to get in touch. Not a day goes by, since the time she put you up for adoption, that she hasn’t stopped thinking about you. She is looking for you so if you are out there and know you were adopted and born on the date above please contact me. Please. Your Birth Mother’s name is Nelda Joyce Gould Terlaje. Please we are trying to find you.
Looking for my Uncle who was giving up for adoption. His birth name is Michael Allen DeRito born in Ny on 09/30/1955
try switchboard.com. There is a M. DeRito in Flushings, NY. Good luck, Robin Weber
My name is Logan Anderson. Im 16 soon to be 17. I have a biological sister who was given up for birth. She was born in south carolina, Mrytle beach I think. She would be in her 20’s now. Her and my father’s name is Blake anderson, Mother Michelle Anderson, maiden name kannenberg. It was a scam, not through an adoption agency. The lawyer and doctor got alot of money out of it. THe mother is allowed to change her mind in that day to keep her baby. My mom did and they wouldnt give her back, they wouldnt even let her see her. My granpa spent thousands of dollars fighting to get her back and Sadly got nothing. I know she has a complete different life, but she’s still my flesh and blood sister and I would like to find her.
desperatly searching for my niece and nephews that were taking away and placed in foster care!!!there names are Johnathan william,tara renee,Kennith Eugene and Andrew Dean Barrett,if anyone knows of there where abouts please contact me!
I was born 2.5.85, baby girl, was 2 months premature weighing 4.6, in St Louis, MO, I believe mothers name was Brittany Lindquist. If any info please email.
I was wondering if you have ever looked at switchboard.com. There is a listing for a B. Lindquist in Joplin, Mo…It’s a thought anyhow. Good luck to you. Robin Weber
I am looking for the daughter of my cousin, upon her request. My cousin gave birth to a girl named Kristi Robinson or Parra on August 20, 1961. If her daughter wishes to make contact, my cousin would be so deeply happy to!
Re Kristi Robinson or Parra, let me add that she was born at St. Ann’s Maternity Home in Los Angeles, CA and that the date was August 24, 1961.
I am 27 born 2-8-83 in Elkhart Indiana. I was given away at birth. Birth Mothers name was Kathy Ann Cole, daughter of Barbara and LeRoy Cole from Michigan. Also had children Jason, Jamie, and Brandy Cole. Birth fathers name is Johnny?? Looking for family as far as I know birth family wasn’t even aware that Kathy was pregnant with me.
Hi, My name is Lorelei, I am looking for my birth daughter born May/?/1984, in Winnipeg Manitoba. Name given before adoption was Melissa Dawn Ditchfield. She was adopted through Child and Family Services in Winnipeg. Birth Mother Lorelei Miller
Hi My name is David Bevilacqua; I was born on October 14,1969 in Charlottesville,Va. at Marywashington hospital. I know that my Mother was around 18 years old and she attended an all girls private school around the Richmond area. My father was also in a private school aroud the same area, he also had a scholarship from football to go to colledge. Iam not sure he knows about me but I would truley love to meet my birth parents..
Hello,
My girl-friend was born on 11/22/1968 in St Louis and she is currently ISO her birth mother.
She is an only child. She was informed by her parents that she was stolen as an infant (unsubstantiated). She was born with a defect (blindness) to her right eye. She is currently 5’2 with brown hair and if it helps, she has an attitude problem (this too may be genetic) Both her parents are deceased and the remainder of her parents family have no more information to share or are unaware of the situation.
My name is Alysia and I am looking for my 43 year old sister born on June 16th or 17th 1966 at the University of Washington hospital in Seattle, WA. Mother’s name at birth was Paula.
Hi i was born in RHODE ISLAND MARCH 20 , 1966 . Im looking for my Birth Mother . I was name Mark . Hope i could get any kind of information . Thanks
My name is Eileen and I am looking for my almost 40 year old daughter borngust 8, 1970 in Staten Island New York.
Do not know birth parents but she was adopted.
Looking for my almost 4O YEAR OLD daughter born on August 8, 1970. She was adopted but I do no know by who.