Family is what connects us, so it’s only natural to want to know more about where you came from and the people who gave you your unique genes. Many adoptees decide to seek out their birth families when they become adults. Birth parents may also have this same desire and one day begin a search for their children. And, adoptive parents may want to get in touch with their child’s family of origin to better understand health history, interests, personality traits and more. So how do you go about beginning such a search? Here are some tips.

Adoption Agency
It’s a good idea to start with the agency that handled the adoption. Even if they aren’t able to give you addresses or phone numbers, many times they have records and can point you in the right direction.

Adoption Registries
You could also try searching an adoption registry, such as Adoption.com’s Reunion Registry (https://registry.adoption.com), International Soundex Reunion Registry (https://www.isrr.org) or Find My Family (https://www.findmyfamily.org). Many adoption registry web sites will also offer search tips, articles and support.

Court Records
The court where your adoption was finalized will also have records that you may be able to access to help in your search. Depending on the court and its policies, you may not be able to receive identifying information. However, some courts have confidential intermediary programs to help locate biological parents.

The Internet
No doubt you’ve seen a post on Facebook or Twitter of someone seeking their birth parents or child. Since social media is such a large part of our lives these days, your post could potentially result in thousands of shares, tweets or responses. And who knows, the right person may see it and help with your reunion.

Each search is different, but with some digging and support, you may be able to successfully locate and make contact with your biological family. Some reunions offer hugs, joyful tears and a chance to develop an ongoing relationship. Others are more lukewarm, with minimal contact. Although not every reunion is joyful, most offer closure and a chance to finally have questions answered. When it comes down to it, we all want to know: “Who Am I?”