How to access adoption records in your state
The process of acquiring information about your adoption depends on the state where you were born and/or adopted. Each state has statutes that govern what kinds of information may be shared and with whom. Information about the child to be adopted and his/her family of origin is usually compiled by the adoption agency and/or the child welfare agency. In states without open records, an adult adoptee may be able to "hire" a state agency or private adoption agency or may have to petition the court to designate a confidential intermediary to complete the history of the birth family minus identifying information.
Note: GRC does not consider state intermediary programs (described above) a reasonable substitute for equal access. Learn why.
Search and reunion is not part of our mission although many of our members are successfully reunited with our families of origin or conducting a personal search. When possible, we will refer search inquiries to a local support group or a useful on-line forum. But you can start here to learn more about searching: http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/search/.
To learn the law in your state, begin here:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/index.cfm?event=stateStatutes.processSearch
