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Tennessee Adoption – Find Birth Parents and Adoptee (s)
Tennessee Adoption – Find Birth Parents and Adoptee (s)
We recently received a message from one of our readers–Aimee–who is trying to find her birth parents. Here is her message:
“I’m looking to find my birth parents. I was born 10/24/1981 in Knoxville Tennessee. I was given the name Angela Lyrae Cates at birth. I’d love to find them if Y’all can help!!!”
Here’s some information we obtained from Adoption Media, LLC for those touched by adoption in Tennessee:
Obtaining Non-Identifying Information
Adopted adults who are 18 or older, adoptive parents, step parents or legal parents of an adopted adult, birth parents, birth siblings and direct descendants of adopted adults may obtain non-identifying information.
Obtaining Identifying Information
If an adoption was finalized before March 16, 1951, adopted adults who are 21 or older, birth parents, adoptive parents, step parents or legal parents, and birth siblings who are 21 or older can receive a copy of the adoption records, which includes the original birth certificate.
If an adoption was finalized after March 16, 1951, adopted adults age 21 or older, birth parents, adoptive parents, step parents or legal parents, and birth siblings 21 or older can receive a copy of the adoption records, which includes the original birth certificate. They shall not contact or attempt to contact in any manner any of the persons eligible to file a contact veto.
A contact Veto Registry has been established by the Department of Children’s Services for the purpose of permitting registration of the willingness or unwillingness for contact with persons who seek contact with them. All parties must go through this registry before contacting the subject of the search.
Aimee, we are not attorneys and cannot provide any legal advice. We suggest you call the following Department for further details, clarification and updates to the above referenced information on Tennessee Adoption Law:
Contact:
Department of Children’s Services
Post Adoption Unit
436 6th Avenue, NW
8th Floor, Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1290
615-532-5637
http://www.state.tn.us/youth/adoption/recordsaccess.htm
Once again Aimee, we strongly suggest you call the Department of Children’s Services. However, here’s sorta, kinda what you probably will hear…
- The state will send you paperwork to complete or ask you to send them a letter.
- The state will determine your eligibility for release of records. If eligibility is approved, then the state will send a bill for $150.00 and instructions on how to obtain your original birth certificate. You will not be able to obtain your original birth certificate until they approve your eligibility. You will have to sign a legal statement that you will not search for your birth parents if they have request no contact (please ask them for clarification on this).
- Once you pay the fee, sign the legal statement and send your completed forms, they will send you your original birth records and birth certificate.
Most people will be eligible to receive the original records. However, adoptions resulting from rape or incest may not be eligible.
Aimee, I hope this information helps. Can you write us back after you have undergone the process and share what occurred? Thanks!
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I’m samantha, I was born in Knoxville,TN in 1974,I’m searching for my birth parents. If anyone knows anything that could help me please respond!
Hi Samantha. You don’t need anyone to help you. You can help yourself. Please read our post titled: Tennessee Adoption – Find Birth Parents and Adoptee (s)
So, if i am not 18 or 21 i cannot find out anything about my birth parents or family???
Hi Ethan. You may have to wait until you turn 18 or get help from your adoptive parents. Hang in there. Enjoy life. You’ll have plenty of time to search in the future.
Memphis,Tn.,Dec.22-23,1970 – My baby brother was adopted by a couple at birth when I was 17.I was at the hospital & got to see him.It tore my heart out.I’ve always prayed over him but I do know it was the best thing for him.Mother wasn’t able to take care of him.I still miss him but all I know is(maybe)his birthdate,because it was the middle of the night,& now he’s just celebrated his 38th Birthday!I’d still know him anywhere-he looked exactly like my baby pix.His beautiful little face is etched into my memory forever.I only want his happiness so I’ll honor his wishes if he is content & wants no contact.I only want to know he’s happy & safe.Please help!
My legal name is “Sallie”-Sorry!
My baby brother just celebrated his 38th Birthday.I met the older couple(very nice people) who picked him up from the hospital(Methodist). She had knitted(crocheted?)a beautiful green sweater set for him(my favorite color).I’ve never doubted that we’d reconnect at some point.I love him & have prayed over him all his life.I asked God to watch over him & keep him safely in His care & even though Mother didn’t get to name him,I’ve always called him”Christian Noel”. Christian for Christ,Noel because both of our B’days are in Dec.,I have a Christmas-y middle name,so he had to have one,too!I’ve always wondered,when we do meet,if he’ll actually have that name.I’m SO excited-I believe he’s been looking for me,too!!!
I just happened on this website,so I’m not familiar w/it,but,if my brother also finds this,PLEASE feel free to call me ANYTIME!!! You were born on Dec.22-23,1970,@Methodist Hospital in Memphis,Tn.Sorry I don’t remember the time,I was heartbroken,but God allowed me to meet the people who kept you overnight til your adopted parents could pick you up.They were very sweet, stopped & allowed me to look at you,& she had knitted or crocheted the beautiful green sweater set for you that I mentioned before.She promised me she’d take tender care of you & even told me she had a rocker!I’ve always loved you!Mother just wasn’t able to take care of you,it wasn’t because she didn’t love you.And I believe there’s some misinformation on your birth certificate- your Dad’s name is Steve-I’m POSITIVE!
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girl born Sept. 24th, 1975- Memphis, Tenn. Looking to thank birth parents for my life. If anyone can lead me in the right direction, much appreciation. Have submitted info to the Dept. of Childrens…Nashville -just waiting.
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I was born 9/29/81, in Chattongga, TN. My biological mother was 14 at the time and might have been at Florence Critten, I am looking for her. God Bless
I’m looking for my Uncle, he was born June 11, 1954. His given name was Robert Eugene Kennedy. His birthplace: Campbell Co. TN.