Access to Family Information by Adopted Persons

Series Title:	State Statutes Series 2004
Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 95 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	2004 - 4 pages

In nearly all States, adoption records are sealed and withheld from public inspection after the adoption is finalized. Most States, therefore, have procedures by which parties to an adoption may obtain nonidentifying and identifying information about an adopted person and the adopted person's birth relatives from an adoption record. This resource, current through June 2004, provides definitions of nonidentifying and identifying information, an overview of who may access such information, and information about access to original birth certificates.

The ALMA Society (Adoptee Liberty Movement Association)
This organization advocates for the rights of adoptees everywhere and maintains a comprehensive and successful reunion registry.

American Adoption Congress
Composed of individuals, families, and organizations committed to adoption reform. Examines the benefits for children offered by institutional care versus family foster care.

Impact of Adoption on Birth Parents: A Factsheet for Families

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 89 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	2004 - 9 pages

This factsheet discusses some of the emotional issues that parents face after making the decision to place an infant for adoption, in surrendering the child, and in handling the feelings that often persist afterwards. In addition, it addresses some of the emotional issues of parents whose children are permanently removed from them and whose parental rights are terminated. This factsheet may be a helpful resource for birth parents, as well as family members, friends, and others who want to support birth parents. It may also provide some insight to adopted persons and adoptive parents who want to understand the struggles ...

International Soundex Reunion Registry
A mutual consent reunion registry for persons desiring a reunion with next-of-kin.

Intestate Inheritance Rights

Series Title:	State Statutes Series 2003
Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 249 KB) Order Publication ($1.70 - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	2004 - 17 pages

Issues of property distribution may arise when a birth parent or adoptive parent dies without making a valid will or without naming an heir to particular property (referred to as "intestacy"). In these cases, State law determines who may inherit from whom. All 50 States and the Territories of the United States specify an adopted child's rights of inheritance from and through the adoptive and biological parents. Current through July 2003, this document sets forth the laws of each State and Territory regarding intestate succession as it affects adopted children.

National Adoption Organizations that Provide Support to Adopted Persons, Adoptive Parents, and Families

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 115 KB) Order Publication ($0.40 - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	2004 - 4 pages

This resource listing provides the addresses and phone numbers of selected organizations that provide support to adoptees, adoptive parents, and other family members touched by adoption. Each entry includes a brief description of the function of the organization and e-mail and web addresses when available.

Searching for Birth Parents
Children's Bureau Express article highlights Birthright: An Adoptee's Right to Know, an information packet recently released by the National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning.

Searching for Birth Relatives: A Factsheet for Families

Author(s):	National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 95 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	2004 - 10 pages

The purpose of this factsheet is to provide some guidance on the search process and information access, as well as resources for further help in conducting a successful search. This factsheet is designed to address the concerns of both adopted persons who are searching for birth parents or other birth relatives, as well as birth parents (both mothers and fathers) who want to locate a child who was adopted. While not a complete "how to" guide to searching, this factsheet provides information on the decision to search, steps in the search process, hiring a professional searcher, international searching, and reunion ...