Search Requirements

Adoption Network Cleveland assists members in searches at the request of the member. In order to get started with us in a search, we require: For all persons wanting to search:

• Paid one-year search membership - Local: $100 or Nonlocal: $150 (Membership must remain current until the completion of the search.) A search membership includes ongoing support and services of search personnel.
• Renewal membership - $40/individual or $50/family
  (There may be additional fees if you search for more than one person.)

Other recommended steps:

• Request your non-identifying information from the agency that handled your adoption.
• Register with the International Soundex Reunion Registry at 888-886-ISSR or online at www.isrr.net.
• Complete a form with search-related information for adoptees or birthparents or siblings and return it to Linda Bellini, Program Coordinator/Adult Adoptees and Birthparents, at Adoption Network Cleveland.
• Click here to visit the website of the Ohio Department of Vital Statistics. If you are an adoptee, you can see if a copy of your original birth certificate is available, or if you are a birthparent or sibling, you can register with the Ohio Adoption Registry.
• Request your non-identifying information from the agency that handled your adoption.

For all persons in the Greater Cleveland area (in addition to the requirements above):

• Attend at least two of our General Support and Discussion Meetings
• Local area members manage their own search with the assistance of Linda Bellini, Program Coordinator/Adult Adoptees and Birthparents, and can make individual appointments to discuss their search at our office. Telephone and/or email guidance and support is also available throughout the search.

For out-of-town members (in addition to the requirements above for all persons who want to search):

• Call Linda Bellini at (216) 482-2323 or send all information you have, along with a specific request for search assistance to our office:
  Search Coordinator
  Adoption Network Cleveland
  4614 Prospect Ave, Suite 550
  Cleveland, Ohio 44103
• Your case will then be assigned to a volunteer search manager. Your search manager's role includes doing legwork and making local calls related to your search, guiding you on actions you can take from where you live and communicating with you. (Please remember that your search manager is a volunteer and needs to keep expenses on each case to a minimum. If you prefer to talk on the phone rather than receive emails or letters, calls need to be at your expense.)