Search and Reunion FAQs
I hear about how hard it is for adoptees or birthparents to conduct a successful search, is that true?
The vast majority of adoptees and birthparents who start a search will succeed in finding the person/people they seek if they stick with it. When working with Adoption Network Cleveland, you maintain control over your search and you make it happen with our guidance. If you stick with it, all indications are that you will succeed. Searches are most often not as hard as you would think — there are many, many more resources available than most people realize. Working with experienced people can make all the difference in your search. In short, don’t be discouraged — there is help available.
Why does Adoption Network Cleveland require that I attend meetings as I start my search?
There is much more involved in searching and reuniting than simply conducting the necessary research. We ask that you come to at least two of our
General Support and Discussion Meetings as you are getting started to be sure that you are prepared and supported. Many people find these meetings so helpful that they continue to attend through their search and long into their reunion. If you live out-of-town, we do not require these meetings, but we do strongly encourage you to attend support meetings in your area. We maintain a listing of groups and resources across the country and are happy to provide that information.
How long does a search take?
Each search is different. Some searches take only days, others take many months. Most commonly, a search takes several months. Adoption Network Cleveland allows you to take your search as quickly or as slowly as you would like — you are the one that makes it happen.
Do I need to wait to join until I’ve attended my two meetings?
No. You can join anytime. However, the search itself cannot begin until you have attended two
General Support and Discussion Meetings (for local Search members) and received a copy of your non-identifying information, when available, from the agency where your adoption originated.
Can't I just hire a private investigator to do my search?
Adoption Network Cleveland offers an alternative to paid search (that is, hiring a person to do your search for you) in that we assist an individual to do their own search through sharing our expertise and resources. Many of us have found from experience that the process of searching is, in itself, personally satisfying. Through this process, the searcher often finds parts of themselves that they are looking for (maybe unknowingly), as well as the people/person that they are seeking.
It has been our experience that the searcher is better prepared for reunion from having attended Adoption Network
General Support and Discussion Meetings. Reunion is seen as a beginning, not an end. General Meetings continue to be helpful and often critical in the post-reunion period. Avenues for action are also offered for those who choose to play a part in changing the system to smooth the road for those who come after them. We feel it is important that individuals affected by adoption not only have the choice
to search, but also the choice in
how to search.
What is the law in Ohio regarding adoption records?
In the state of Ohio there are three sets of laws, pertaining to three time periods, regarding access to adoption records containing identifying information.
Pre-1964
Persons who were born and adopted in Ohio prior to January 1, 1964 have access to their Vital Statistics file which contains their original birth certificate and the court papers pertaining to their adoption. The adoptee must file a
special affidavit with the Ohio Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics along with two forms of identification and a fee of $20.00. This process can be completed through the mail by following the instructions at the bottom of the form.
Lineal descendants of the adoptee may also access this information in the event that the adoptee is deceased; this process must be completed in Columbus, Ohio. Identifying information is sealed to birthparents, birth siblings and all others.
1964 - 1996
Identifying information is closed to persons who were born in Ohio and adopted between 1964 and 1996. In 1986, Ohio created an affidavit system (sometimes referred to as an adoption reunion registry). Through this system a birthparent or birth sibling may file an Authorization for Release with the
Ohio Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics. The adoptee cannot "register," rather upon reaching age 21, may petition the Probate Court to check if there is a release on file. If there is a release or if the birthparents are determined to be deceased, the judge may release identifying information. The Probate Judge also has the authority to release information to the adoptee upon the showing of “good cause,” although we have found it is rare that the release is granted. To initiate this process, the adoptee files a "motion" with the probate court. If medical issues are the basis of the motion, it is important to have a physician attest to why information is needed.
Post-1996
In September 1996 the law changed to a standard of openness unless otherwise specified in adoptions from this date forward. At the time of surrender, the birthparents are asked to sign a form stating that ‘yes the birth certificate will be open,’ or ‘no the birth certificate will be closed.’ If the birthparent is not present to sign the form, the birth certificate will be open. “Open” means that the adoptive parents, when the adoptee is age 18, and the adoptee when s/he is age 21, will have access to the original birth certificate upon request. The birthparent is also asked to choose at the time of the adoption whether first names, photos and other items will be shared.
Non-Identifying Information
In Ohio “identifying information” is defined as: first name, last name, maiden name, alias, address, telephone number, social security number, place of employment, and other numbers used to identify the person. “Non-identifying information” includes social and medical history and everything not listed as identifying information.
Non-identifying information is available in most cases to adult adoptees who were adopted prior to 1996 (and should also be to birthparents and siblings), although the law is vague in this area and agencies may interpret it differently.
The 1996 law streamlines and clarifies the process for adoptions from that year forward.
Why is the law different depending on the year of birth/adoption? Is anyone doing anything about this?
The laws are different because new laws passed in both 1963 (effective 1/1/1964) and 1996, and both only pertained to adoptions from that date forward. Adoption Network Cleveland has been a leader in efforts to create access for ALL Ohio adoptees to their original birth certificate. So far we have had only limited success. We hope to have legislation in Ohio soon that will rectify the situation and give equity to all Ohio adult adoptees. See
www.AdoptionEquityOhio.org for more information.
My records are closed, can I still search?
Don’t worry. People whose records are closed can still complete a successful search. While we never get into closed records, we do help you to piece together information left behind in other places.
I’ve been advised to get an index list, what is that?
One of the search techniques that we are able to utilize in Ohio searches is an index list which in almost all cases can help us determine a name or names to focus on in your search. Index lists can be used to help adoptees, birthparents and siblings in search as long as the birth took place in Ohio. Adoptees born in 1969, 1971, 1972, 1974 and 1975 cannot utilize this option, but if your birth falls within these years we can do the work necessary to determine your correct birthname. Due to the time involved, we have a fee of $50 for this service, which is in addition to our search membership fee.
Are there any other steps I should take to get started in a search?
Adoption Network Cleveland recommends all who are either searching or willing to be found, register themselves with the
International Soundex Reunion Registry, a privately run non-profit reunion registry. Soundex does not charge for this service, but donations are greatly appreciated. To register please utilize the contact information below:
I.S.R.R.
P.O. Box 371179
Las Vegas, NV 89137
888-886-ISRR or www.isrr.net