Should You Use an Adoption Reunion Registry
If you are an adult adoptee searching for your birth parents, the use of an adoption registry can help you during your journey. This guide explains what adoption reunion registries are, how to use them, and some of the pros and cons you should consider before taking advantage of these services.
Two types of registries can connect you to birth parents:
- A passive registry where information is posted publicly and anyone can search to find it.
- An active registry where you will be notified of new information that matches what you have submitted.
While both of these can provide useful information as you begin your search for your birth parents, there are some things you need to know about adoption reunion registries before making the assumption this is a foolproof path to finding your birth parents.
Anytime you have questions about finding your birth parents and family or adoption registries, you can reach out to an adoption counselor for answers and helpful insight. In the meantime, continue reading this guide all about adoption search registries.
What are Adoption Reunion Registries?
If you are an adult adoptee who grew up in a closed adoption, you likely have lots of questions about your biological family. If you have decided to begin your search for more information about your birth parents, an adoption reunion registry can be a great place to start.
An adoption registry is a tool that gives adoptees and birth parents over the age of 18 the ability to add their names and contact information to a listing that states they are willing and open to being contacted by birth parents, adoptees, and biological family members. Because you and your birth parents voluntarily add this information, it lessens the chances of intruding or forcefully finding someone who may not want to be found.
How Do You Use an Adoption Registry?
Whether you are posting your information or searching for a connection, using an adoption search registry is a fairly simple process.
Step 1: Find the registry you would like to use.
Step 2: Create a profile on the specific registry. It is suggested that you submit your information on a state-specific registry from the location you were born and the state your adoption was finalized. If you do not have access to this information, you may need to request your adoption records.
Step 3: Post your information. This will include information that allows you to be contacted. Name, phone numbers, email addresses, and potentially even your mailing address all may be included. Information about your adopted family may be added so that it is easier to find a connection.
Step 4: Search for connections. Based on the information you have on your adoption situation, search for possible connections.
Step 5: Keep an open mind and be patient. Not everyone knows about registries, nor does everyone use one. Just because you haven't been contacted early on does not mean you won't find a connection, but it also doesn’t mean you will.
Using an adoption reunion registry is a fairly simple process, but one you want to stay on top of. Keeping your information as up-to-date as possible will help increase your chances of a connection. Because these adoption search registries are constantly updated, you will want to search often.
Types of Adoption Search Registries
There are several different types of adoption registries. Depending on your situation, some may be more useful than others.
Passive Registries
These adoption registries allow anyone to post their contact information, as well as search for connections. Passive adoption reunion registries are the most common type of search tool.
Active Registries
This adoption registry is run by staff members who moderate the posts and searches and inform you if someone matches the information you have provided. Although active registries are less common, they are equally as helpful when attempting to find information.
State-Specific Registries
As of now, there are no moderated national adoption reunion registries, but there are several state-specific registries. These can be either active or passive and are the most commonly used free adoption registry, as they provide information from the specific state you were born in or where your adoption was finalized.
Private Adoption Search Registry
A private registry is run by a company or organization, non-profit, or group of people. They offer the same services and are generally used in areas that do not have a state-specific registry available. Many private registries charge a membership or subscription fee, but it can be a helpful service to get your information out in as many places as possible.
Below, you will find helpful links to adoption reunion registries:
Pros and Cons of Using an Adoption Reunion Registry
The best piece of advice we can offer you when you consider using an adoption reunion registry is to remain open-minded.
Registries provide a great tool to find your birth parents, as it is a way to make an immediate connection with someone you know wants to connect. The problem is, not everyone uses them, nor knows they exist. This can cause frustration and disappointment that you aren't connecting fast enough, or, in some cases, are not connecting at all.
Keep in mind, as an adoptee hoping to find your birth parents, you will face many different emotions and challenges along the way. While adoption reunion registries act as a valuable tool to connect, they do not necessarily prepare you for what happens after you contact your birth parents. If you are searching for your birth parents, remember that the journey may not go as planned or that the outcome may differ from what you were hoping to achieve.
Utilizing the resources available is a great start towards finding your birth parents and family. Adoption search registries can be a valuable asset to help you reach your goals. The journey of connecting with your birth parents can be a challenge, but it's a road you do not have to travel alone.
Adoption counselors can help guide you in the right direction and explain the benefits and process of using an adoption registry.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.