How to Search Your Family History

IF YOU ARE SEEKING YOUR PARENTS.....

Here are some major organizations which can help, followed by a list of additional resources on the Internet:

NATIONAL ADOPTION INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE
This organization can offer facts on state adoption laws and searching for birth relatives, including a list of mutual consent registries in addition to other organizations and support groups.
P.O. Box 1182, Washington, D.C. 20013-1182 703-246-9095

INTERNATIONAL SOUNDEX REUNION REGISTRY
Matches data on adopted children with data on biological parents who have given up a child for adoption (a free service). Call for registration form. The registry will contact you if the computer turns up a match. The Reunion Registry, P.O. Box 2312 Carson City, NV 89702 702-882-7755

AMERICAN ADOPTION CONGRESS
Has local support groups around the country for birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents. Each offers psychological as well as search guidance.
1000 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 9, Washington, DC 20036 202 483-3399

CONCERNED UNITED BIRTHPARENTS
Offers some search information and support through a monthly newsletter and 14 local branches around the country. First year membership is $50. 2000 Walker Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50317 800-822-2777

ADOPTEE LIBERTY MOVEMENT ASSOCIATION
This groups holds search workshops at 62 chapters around the world. It also offers a registry for people adopted from foreign countries who seek their biological relatives. P.O. Box 727, Radio City Station, New York, NY 10101 (973) 586-1358

ON THE INTERNET -- Just a few of the many search and support Web sites which can help those looking for family members lost through adoption:

  • Michele's Adoption Reunion Scrapbook
    A site with many interesting stories of how people found each other plus tips on searching lost biological family.

  • Adoptee's Internet Mailing List
    This site offers a range of information, including advice on conducting a search, discussions about reunion outcomes, and social, legal and media issues related to adoption.

  • Switchboard.Com
    Switchboard is a basic starting point for anyone searching anyone else in the country. Just type in the name, city/town and state. An address and phone number will be delivered back within seconds.

  • BirthQuest
    As of late November 1996, over 9,000 registrations are on this international searchable database for searching adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents and siblings. (A registration donation is requested.)

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