Non-IDentifying INFOrmation: Non-ID information is located in the adoption files that exist at the adoption agency. Typically, there are three different types of files. 1) The PRE-adoption file (on the birthmother), 2) POST-adoption file (on the birthmother) and 3) ADOPTEE-adoption file (on the child). These files contain correspondance and paperwork that was processed at the appropriate times of the files. Requesting this information, (generally with the IDENTIFYING information blacked out), will give you an insight to possible clues.
2) Find their address and/or phone #. Be very careful how you word things.. you don't want to antagonize the person or be too pushy. By the same token, you want to act and sound interested.
3) You want to request all of the NON-Identifying information from all of the adoption files. This should include whether or not the child was in foster care... ask for names of foster parents, and social workers who were involved in the case both then and now. They should be able to tell you what line of work (occupation) of one or both of the adoptive parents. More often than not Non-ID information doesn't contain a lot of helpful information, but sometimes you find a small clue that opens up other doors.
4) Ask them if information and/or letters have been placed in the files for you by your child or their parents.
5) Ask them HOW to add a letter to your child's file, (should that child ever come looking for information, you want to include a current name, address and phone # in the letter that you submit to the file.) Be sure to keep this information current.
6) Birthparents and/or adoptees may file a "Consent to Release of Information Form" with the placing agency at any time... This is a notarized form (or they might have your write a letter), stating that you give permission for release of your infomation to the adopted child and/or their adoptive family. This would include your name, address.
7) You will want to file an *Up-to-Date* medical history on yourself and your family... also, if you know anything about the birth father's medical history, add that, too. MANY adoptee's start the search wanting medical history.
Sometimes birth mothers just can't remember some details... don't panic. You might get some of the details in the non-ID information, and some things might come to you as you search. You will eventually need to know the EXACT D.O.B. (Date of Birth) of your child.
Keep in mind... waiting for information is the hardest part of the search process!
Please remember.... you're not alone. There are many people out here who are more than happy to help, listen, and be supportive of your situation. Those of us who have found our family member, have been where you are... and we understand.
Adoption Information, Laws and Reforms (great site!)
Adoption Laws - State by State
Concerned United Birthparents
Info for Native Americans
Tips and suggestions(state by state great site!)
Laws of Other Nations
Missing and Homeless (Search Engine)
"Adoptee Searcher's Handbook" (Book with Info on how to search for Adoptees, but birthfamily members can glean information from this website, also)
Search Tips (pay service.. but has free info)
Search Triad (All Volunteer non-profit search and support group)
Shea's Search Series
Standing One's Page (Native American search help)
State Relinquishment Documents
Volunteer Search Network Volunteers that are willing to help with your search.
Return to: *Denise's Adoption/Genealogy Home-Sweet-Home page*
This page was updated 23 Mar 2002
Design and updates of this page are by Denise Frederick , Copyright © 1999-2002
This Page Has Been Visited times....since 29 Jul 1999