Adoption Records - Genealogy

 

Obtaining Vital Records

Searching for Birth Relatives

Support Groups

 

 

Obtaining Vital Records:

 

Access to Adoption Records

http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/infoaccessap.cfm

"In nearly all states, adoption records are sealed and withheld from public inspection after the adoption is finalized. Most states have instituted procedures by which parties to an adoption may obtain nonidentifying and identifying information from an adoption record while still protecting the interests of all parties."

 

Obtaining Birth and/or Adoption Records

http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/search/records.cfm

"Resources regarding what is collected and how to access essential records in both domestic and intercountry adoption."

 

Obtaining Birth Certificates

http://www.adoptioninformation.com/Original_birth_certificate

Understanding the difference between birth certificates and amended birth certificates and how to obtain these documents.

 

State Laws Regarding Adoption Records Access

http://www.adoptiononline.com/aecstatebystate.html

State by state legislative information regarding access to adoption records. .

 

Searching for Birth Relatives:

 

Adoption Registry

http://registry.adoption.com/

An adoption reunion registry with thousands of adoption records.

 

Adoption Search Registries Listed by State

http://www.genesearch.com/people/adoptionsearch.html

Links to adoption resources arranged by state. 

 

The Definitive Guide to Self-Empowered Adoptee Search

http://www.plumsite.com/shea/series.html

Specifically for those who are adopted and are searching for their birthfamilies.

 

General Resource Sites: Adoption

http://www.cyndislist.com/adoption.htm#General

A variety of adoption links (forums, research guides, databases, and more).

 

NJ Adoption Registry

http://www.nj.gov/njfosteradopt/adoption/registry/

"The DYFS Adoption Registry facilitates contact between birth family members and adoptees whose adoptions were processed by DYFS or by its predecessor agencies: the Bureau of Children's Services, the State Board of Child Welfare or the State Board of Children's Guardians.  Registry services are not available to members of the adoption community whose adoptions were processed independently (through attorneys) or through private adoption agencies."

 

Search & Reunion Resources

http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/adoption-search-and-reunion-resources.html

Links to resources, support, tools, and guidance.

 

Searching for Birth Relatives

http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_search.cfm

A variety of publications about conducting a search for birth relatives.

 

Support Groups:

 

Adoption Support Groups

http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/adoption-support-groups.html

Support groups for adoptees and adoptive families.

 

National Foster Care & Adoption Directory Search

http://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/

Locate support groups, adoption agencies, and adoption resources by state.

 

Go back to the Genealogy Web guide main page. 

 

Go back to list of all Newark Public Library Web guides.