OmniTrace Blog
Get the latest updates via email.
How To Find Your Adopted Child
How To Find Adopted Child
Here is additional information on how to find your adopted child. This post complements our previous article: Find Adoptee | Search By Date Of Birth Of Child, which we strongly suggest you read first.
Your adopted child’s date of birth, along with just a bit more information about the adoption and the adopting parents may be all you need to find your adopted child.
Our OmniTrace researchers have a lot of experience working with birth mothers attempting to find their adopted child. We understand how much stress you were under during your pregnancy up until your child was adopted. There is, of course, a lot you may not recall. So, you should make every attempt to interview anyone who knew you during that time period.
Of course we understand that anyone who had knowledge of the adoption may now be deceased, or perhaps no one you know has anything helpful to provide you. But, just in case, attempt to speak with:
- Your parents–if they helped you facilitate the adoption.
- Other members of your family– if they have any knowledge (e.g.: aunt, uncle).
- Friends of your parents to see if they were told anything–they may recall some small morsel about the adoption and your adopted child that might assist you.
- Former neighbors of your parents during the time of your pregnancy– to see if they were told anything. There is a chance that your parents shared some information about the adoption with them. Make sure that you bring some pictures of yourself taken around the time of your pregnancy. These may jar memories.
- Your family physician and/or birth physician during the time of your pregnancy–if the family physician and/or birth physician is still alive, they may recall something about the adopting parents and/or circumstances surrounding the adoption.
- Your family attorney during the time of your pregnancy– if an attorney handled the adoption, contact him/her for information. If the attorney is deceased, he may have left his records with a partner or a family member that took over his practice.
Okay, so hopefully you have found someone to speak with who has information about the adoption. Make sure you review and have all the facts at hand that you have developed to date. Try to conduct your interview in person; you may obtain more details this way than by phone or letter. There may be many small bits and pieces of information that they might have that they don’t realize are important. Write a list of everything that you want to cover. At the very minimum, you’ll want to ask:
- What can you tell me about the adopting family?
- Where were the adopting parents residing when the baby was born?
- Do you recall the adopting parents names?
- What were the ages the adoption parents?
- Do you know if the adopting parents had any other children (adopted or natural)?
- What was the educational background of the adopting parents?
- What was the religion of the adopting parents?
- When did the adopting parents pick up the baby?
- Do you know if the adopting parents paid any of my medical bills?
- Did you ever see the adopting parents? If yes, can you describe them?
- Can you recall any information about the birth physician?
- Can you recall any information about the adoption agency?
- Can you recall any information about the adoption attorney?
- Do you recall the names of any social workers?
- Was my child placed in foster care?
- When was the adoption of my child finalized?
- Did we receive a legal notice of adoption by mail or in a legal newspaper?
- Was my birth child named at birth?
- Do you recall what name the adopting parents gave to my birth child?
- Did the adopting family ever try to make contact with me? Did they send any letters, photos, or mementos to my parents that were withheld from me?
Your interview may go in many directions. You may be told something that surprises you, and you may forget to ask everything that you had planned. So, be sure to cover all the questions that you have on your list. And, write everything down!
Shortly, we are going to post articles on: (1) contacting the adoption agency (2) contacting the birth hospital and (3) we’ll address some secret methods that professional search companies like OmniTrace use to find an adopted child when you have reached a dead end and all seems hopeless.
Please post a comment if you have any questions.
You might enjoy these related posts:
Hello! My name is Rebecca Frazier. I am almost 21 years old. I have had a hole in my heart from the time I was 8 and found out I had a sister. I have tried everything. My mom was 15 when she gave my sister up through private adoption. My moms name is Betty Reanne Bray and my sister was born at garland memorial hospital on garland Texas on may 8, 1979. For years and years I have looked for my sister please if u nhave any info. Please contact me . I also know that her adopted parents had adopeted another child that was 5 or 6 at the time she was born and that the man was a dr and that Their last name was combes or combs again thank you.
how to find when a child was adopted/\? Iknow the date of birth of the child and parents names and the city where they reside.
I am looking for My Son (Joey) and Daughter (Jennifer) both born in December in (80 & 81) a year apart. Hope they want to know Mw as I have been looking for them since I found out They were placed in foster care
Hi
I am looking for my son who has been adopted by people i do not know. His birth name were jacques lukas swart and i do not know if his name and surname have been changed. I think the people who adopted him, surname is Lottering if i’m not mistaken, not sure if they were from Volksrust or Standerton South Africa. I would like to meet him and explain why he got taken away from me and i had to give him up for adoption (long story). I have two sons who would like to meet there brother; i’ve told them everyting. Please if anyone knows anything about his where abouts feel free to contact me. 011 3918940 / 0744061221
I gave my son up for adoption in Omaha, Nebraska, at a home run by the Salvation Army called Booth Memorial Hosptial. All these years have gone by, and every New Year’s Eve I think of where he is and how he’s doing.
I was 17 yrs old, and unlike in today’s society, my parents made me give him up for adoption. Although, I wanted him to have a mother and a father, and a good life. But it was the worst day of my life! I named him Christopher Ray Meigs, and he was born December 31,1969. It is my Biggest Wish to meet him someday!
Loking for a female born Mid-late September 1977 in Petosky Michigan, this person may be my daughter
I AM TRYING TO LOCATE MY DAUGHTER.
SHE WAS BORN AT EDNA GLADNE IN DALLAS I BELIEVE
DOB IS 14 OR 17 MARCH 1966
ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED
JOHN
I am trying to find my son who was born on the 2nd of October 1988. I understand that he has an adopted sister two years older than him. The adoption was closed and I have not had any information to go on. His birth name was/is Damon. My contact numbers are (South Africa) 039 317 3731 or 072 982 7415. Please call me anytime. Dawn
I’m looking for my fiances birth mother. He was born October 18th 1988. I think she was 17 and her boyfriend was 19. I’m pretty sure they both played sports. the hospital was in ohio and the adoption agency is now shut down. she left him a letter and the hospital started with st. something or another. His name is marco joseph gaietto. He has brown eyes brown hair. Please help if you read this and you feel that maybe your his mom please contact me. I’m not sure what he’s expecting out of it. I guess just to meet you but i’d like to meet you too.
He was born and adopted in ohio
Hello, My name is Christine Rae Carrico(Michaletz). I have a son that is out there in Texas some where. I was having a hard time with my husband Chester(Chet) Carrico Jr. at the time and I lived in LaPorte, Texas and Johnathon Michael Cook is my son and he was sent to the Boys and girls harbor in laporte, texas back in 2001-2002 and I havent’ seen him since. I miss him to death and I would give anything to find my son and hug him and hold him and never let him go again as his step dad passed away and I am living in Mississippi now and I him my son johnathon micael cook to know where I am and come see me or call me. johnathon had a friend tobey and emmaunuel and fernando. i can’t remember the boys’s last names but alls i know is that my son was in this boys and girls harbor and that he was adopted out to a family i think they live in jasper,texas. not quite sure. but johnathon was born on april 5, 1990 and i want to find him. it hurts to cry and think about where he is and if he is okay and if he thinks about me as much as i think about him. please if anyone knows my johnathon michael cook of maybe jasper, texas please contact me. I want to see johnathon michael cook and hug him and hild him and talk to him and never lose him again… he is 20 years old right now. i have looked for him on facebook and myspace and no luck.. please respond… thanks christine carrico
I’m looking for my daughter. My heart aches every single day. I didn’t want to let her go but I felt she would have had a better life. Born at Cold Spring Hospital on March 7, 1986. Given up through the Catholic Home Bureau.
Was she giving up for adoption in York, Nebraska? Not sure if this is your daughter but this women has listed Catholic Social Services as the agency. Her name is Sara if it is the right one.
I am looking for my daughter. I went through a private family attorney. She was to attend a christian school, in Maryland. I gave birth to her on December 10th. My sweet baby girl, you are in my heart and thoughts every day. I hope you have a wonderful life.
my name is lisa from troy n.y and im looking for my daughter she was born august 7th 1995 her maiden name was tiara brayman.her adopted name now is elizabeth.also looking for my son who was adopted together with my daughter.his maiden name is angel gonzalez and his adopted name now is andrew he was born on november 3rd 1998.there adopted parent name is lisa.please if you have any information come forth to me to help me find them.i miss them so much.
this is lisa from troy n.y my daughter now name elizabeth is gonna be 17 years old next year on august 7th.i was told when she turn 17 they can start there search for me.that info was giving to me by children and family services of albany county were herself and my son andrew was adopted out threw court.i believe there names are elizabeth and andrew stuttler.there adopted parents were lisa and chad.but as i just heard they divorced.and lisa is raising the children alone.there names before adoption was tiara brayman and his was angel gonzalez.please my arms are wide open to meet my children i havent seen them in so long.im pleading to whoever sees this and knows who im talking about please let them know im looking and contact children and family services of albany county with any info.they have all updated info on me to find me.I LOVE YOU BOTH AND YOUR ALWAYS IN MY MIND AND THOUGHTS EVERDAY.MOMMY,LISA
I am looking for my newphew his name is brain allen (spicer) not sure what the last name is now , his birthday is november 26 he just turned 18 . he was adopted out by saint vincent home for children on willow st in lansing,mi . I think he was living on the southside of lansing with any older couple that had adopted him ……hopefully this lead me to to answers thanks
Forgot to add he has three brother I think two that lived with him and one that was adopted by another lady .Well I remember them as brain, ryan, randy ,and brandon !please anyone with any info i would appericate it !
one of his adopted brothers is Andy Sell will be 16 in February 2011 and lives in Williamston, Michigan with his adopted family, Brandon (the youngest just turned 14 this December 2010), and Ryan is the second to the oldest and he turned 17 this past September 2010.
Hello my name is Sally Whitehill, my maiden name is Sally Wright. Please can anyone help me. I’m trying to find 5 children who have been in the Child Protective Services “System”. There names are Dillon, Montgomery, Jordan, Desraie, and Brontae, all with the last name Moody. These children are either in California or Arkansas. Please if anybody knows these children please get back in touch with me A.S.A.P. from mother to mother, sister to sister, mother to child please help me. I’M DESPERATE!!!!!!!!
How old are your children? If they are under 18 you will have to wait. Also, why cannot you not find out from Child Prtective Services where you children were placed?
I am looking for my niece and newphew,Devin and Ricki(Jaime) Derkach,I’ve been searching for them for years,they were from Pittsburgh but fostored in Connellsville,pa. There is a long story behind there fostor care and I believe they have been told lies and mentally scarred by fostor parents.If anyone has any info PLEASE CONTACT ME!If Devin or Ricki you see this I am your aunt and would love to meet up with you or help you in anyway I can,please call me or your uncle Randy,we love you guys and have never stopped looking for you guys,we love you guys!
Hello,
My name is Rev. Gary, I am trying to locate my 3 nephews that were adopted approx. 10 years ago. My wife and I were the only ones allowed visitation rights untill they were adopted and have lost contact with them. There names are Tyler, Garrett and Ryan, they would be 15, 14, and 12. Last were known to be in San Angelo, Texas. We loved them very much I and there Aunt Dot were the ones who took care of them when their parents abused them and left them.
I would appreciate any info on there where-a-bouts
I had forgot to mention that there last names were Moore before they were Adopted.
im looking for my daughter she was named Amanda redd born in maryland 1984 85
Hi my name is Deborah German Brogan. I am trying to find my daughter, born Feb 9 , 1978 in Allentown, PA. The attorney that handled the adoption was Joyce Ullman from Philadelphia. My daughter has a full sister, Nicole 31 and a full brother, Timothy, 28. Her dad and I got married and will have our 32nd anniversary this year. If anyone thinks they know my baby girl, please respond. Thank you.
Debi, at which hospital was your daughter born? Do you know the time of birth?
my name is Karlyn Boens an i am looking for my birth mother (Karlyn Howard) i was adopted in the year of 1997
I am looking for my adopted son, born August 1961 at Beaumont Hospital,Royal Oak Michigan. Adopted through the Methodist Children’s home in Detroit. His name given at birth was Johnathan Peter. Believe adoptive father was research scientist in the Detroit Area. They also adopted a son after mine a couple of years later.
Sorry typed the year wrong in my previous comment, was 1967.
I AM LOOKING FOR 6 CHILDREN ADOPTED THROUGH D.C.S IN GREENEVILLE TENNESSEE,JOY & TROY LANE WERE TAKEN IN 1985 .RICKY & JESSIE LANE IN 1989, APRIL & NICHOL LANE IN 1990 ,THESE CHILDREN ARE MY NIECES & NEPHEWS, PLEASE IF YOU READ THIS I WANT YOU TO KNOW, YOU WERE & STILL ARE VERY MUCH LOVED& YOU KIDS HAVE A BABY BROTHER .WE MISS YOU
hi my names jabree and im looking for my mom. i was born on april 29 1994 at the st.francis hospital in california. all i remember is my mom’s name pamela richardson and my last name was jefferson. any info would really help thnks
Looking for a girl born around 1964 in Iowa,or Minnesota
Her mother’s first name is Kathleen.
I am looking for my three children who has been adopted by people i do not know.in elpaso tx
my children name are emmitt kimbleIII HE WAS BORN MAY 01,1992
GIRL NAME TONISHA MARRIE FRANCIS SHE WAS BORN OCTOBER 31,1994
BOY NAME TEVIN LEEKAIM KIMBLE BORN NOVEMBER 14,1995 THE CPS TAKE THEM AWAY PLEASE HELP ME FIND MY CHILDREN I CAN NOT SLEEP
Hi..I am trying to find any answer to solve what happened to my brother. Born summer of 1974/or 75 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland OR. My parents are Maria & John Williamson. My brother Hans? was taken down to Houston TX were I was born in 1977. I believe he was given to an adoption agency around October of the year born in an affluent area of Houston..or so I’m told. All I know is one day I had a brother and over a weekend he disappeared. I am willing to hire an investigator to give me answers. My parents lived out in Spring, lived in a rambler dad worked. on cars and Mom worked in a laundromat.
I’m trying to find my 2 children, Names at Birth {son}Timothy Mack David Allred Jan.4th or 5th 1978 AND {daugh.} Sheaka Lynette Allred April 25th 1979. They were took by DHR Gadsden Alabama. I feel more than sure that The DHR worker got them. Her name was Carolyn Kennah. There’s a long story behind it all. But I would like the chance to see & talk to them. And want them to know That their Mom always have & always will love them with all of my heart. I was young & & was done wrong in the courts. The last thing the Judge said to me was that “I was not unfit Just POOR & UNEDUCATED.
Searching for my mother’s biological sister. She was born in 1955 in Mannheim Germany to Renate Mueller and was placed for adoption. Her name was Beate Mueller. She was adopted by the Hensel family (Winifred and William) who was an Army Officer stationed in Mannheim at the time. The only record we have is that they changed her name to Theresa Ann Hensel and returned to the USA after his tour. We have no further info. Any details anyone would have or know of my aunt’s whereabouts would be appreciated! Thank you!
Hello my father was born on march 2nd 1961 he was adopted from Nebraska’s Childrens Home and he just turned fiffty i would love to help him find his family if you have any information it would be a great help Thank you so very much
My son was put up for adoption without my knowledge. (By his father) His birth name is Trevor Austin Taczak. Born in Newfane, New York. D.O.B. is 11/03/1999. His brother and I wish to find him. We do not have alot of money for Attorney fees. Please help.
IM LOOKING FOR RASHAD JULIUS, BORN MARCH 8, 1990. HE WAS BORN AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. HIS BIRTH MOTHER’S NAME IS CHANDA JULIUS-(WILLIAMS). I THINK WHEN HE WAS ADOPTED, HIS NAME CHANGED. I WAS TOLD THAT HE HAD BEEN ADOPTED BY A WELL TO DO MARRIED COUPLE IN HAMILTON OR MIDDLETOWN, OHIO. THEY MAY HAVE BEEN DOCTORS.
hi my name is rashad butler my name use to be rashad julious i dont really know what to say because its all shocking to me…my email is listed above for contact.
My name is Stephanie (mothershead curry) Jones. I have a 14 year old daughter and a 13 year old son born Dec 5 of 1996 and 1997. It was a bad situation and I did what I thought was best. I was able to keep track of them for a little while because my ex-husband’s family got them. Unfortantally I have not been able to find them in about 5 years. I believe they may be in Tennessee or Georgia. Also her adopted sister was the on who was burned badly in a fire in Feb of 2011. Her name is Brandy Curry. If anyone can help me I would greatly apprecate it.
Looking for my biological son born February 3rd 1993. I named him Andres’ Share Farmer but his name was changed after the adoption I believe to Benjamin. Mixed race… black and white. He was born at Southwest Memorial hospital in Houston Tx and I was told he would be living in Nacogdoches Tx. It was an open adoption but I lost all of the contact info I had about a year after he was adopted when I couldn’t pay my storage bill. I will never give up on my search..He has brothers, sister cousins and more family that are waiting to meet him.
my son justin matthew jones jr. 9.8.99 was adopted 3 years ago. my ex husband put him in foster care while i was in jail make a long story short i need my son please sumbody help me we reside in las vegas nv thanks
I recently learned that I may have a son out there somewhere. This child will be in his mid-twenties by now. I was clueless about his birth. His birth mother’s name would be Lori Ann Mackay, maiden name of Cole. He may have been put up for adoption as an infant and may not know of his birth mother’s name. This child will be of mixed race (white and black) but would be of very light or white skin tone.
Any information about this child would be greatly appreciated.
i am trying to find information on how old an adopted child must be in the state of illinois to “find” their birth mother.. i know where my adopted kids are, they live with their bio dad and adopted mother. i have a Fb account as do they. i dont want to contact them on there just incase i step on some laws.. please send me a message and let me know what i should do. thanks again
My name is Luz, looking for my adopted daughter born june 1971. She was adopted out of westchester county. Her was Elizabeth ann Pabon at birth. Been searching for her for a very long time. Hope she is good and enjoying life. Please help me find her. Thank you, Waiting a very long time. Any infomation would be appreciated.
hi im from namibia i am looking for my sister she must be 18 or 19 now. her adoptive parents were from south africa my mom saw my sister @ birth and mom told me we look like twins anyone pls help me to contact her pls i feel as if part of me is missing as im writing this i have tears in my eyes. The adoptive parents first painted the childrens room blue for a boy and to pink thats what my mom told me and they also sent my mom flowers the day they tool my sister. 00264813770837
my name is karissa im looking for my daughter viktoria kay blevans she is almost 3 she was born june 22 2008
lookin for carmen simone born dec 23 1998 adopted parents father named larry dont remeber the mother name she did or stil works at duke university carmen should be 13 now with pretty brown eyes i think about my daughter all the time and to let her know that i think about her all the time and do love her and miss her
love your birth mother april
Hello, I am looking for my son, that was put up for adoption in Oct/Nov 1970, he was born at Baptist Hospital in Miami Flordia in the early morning. Private adoption handled by Leo Roth ot Dade county fla. My name was Diana Lynn Lodge, age 13,only possible info remembered was her was to be named Christopher, and family was from either new york or new jersery.I was very young at the time the adoption took place and have often thought about this child and if he was well and happy, any information would be wonderful, and to find out if he might want to know about me, and to let him know her has three half sisters who know about him and would like to meet him.
Hello. I am looking for my niece born in Johannesburg, South Africa on he 27th april 1995.She was born in Joburg General Hospital. her mums name was Pam.my sister is now deceased, and all i have left of her is this baby.
Hello, my name is Diane. I gave up a beautiful 9lb5oz baby girl in 1976. I have always thought about her, but always afraid of looking her up just for the fact of rejection. I am very comfortable with my decision of adoption, but once again afraid to find out if she had a rough life. I know it was best but then again if her life was rough it would just kill me. Do you have any suggestions on how to look her up? any information would be appreciated. I’m new with the internet so anything would be helpful. Don’t know where to turn. Thanks Diane
I am looking for my son born september 1, 1981, huntsville alabama, his name was mario dajuan mcglocklin, he was adopted from birmingham alabama,