X X X X X  FAQ http://adoptionsearching.com
X
X   ALT.ADOPTION.SEARCHING FAQ & RESOURCES
X

1.  ALT.ADOPTION.SEARCHING
      1.1  FORWARD
      1.2  GENERAL PURPOSE OF ALT.ADOPTION.SEARCHING
      1.3  USNET AS A PUBLIC BIRTH INDEX
      1.4  ABOUT POSTINGS
      1.5  LOW BUDGET BRUTE FORCE SEARCH STRATEGY
      1.6  REGISTRIES
      1.7  ADOPTEES - MAKE YOUSELF EASY TO FIND
      1.8  SECURITY
      1.9  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

2.  SEARCHING USENET
      2.1  HOW TO SEARCH IN ELECTRONIC FORM
      2.2  ORGANIZED DIRECTORIES
      2.3  DATES ARE A HORRIBLE MESS
      2.4  SEARCH CRITERION MAMAGEMENT
      2.5  HOW TO SEARCH THE NEWSGROUP ARCHIVES
      2.6  LIST OF ADOPTION RELATED NEWSGROUPS
      2.7  KEYWORDS AND PHRASES
      2.8  MY SOLUTION TO THE DATE PROBLEM

3.  SEARCH RESOURCES
      3.1  GENERAL SEARCH TOOLS
            3.1.1  PEOPLE LOOKUP
            3.1.2  SEARCH ENGINES
            3.1.3  TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
            3.1.4  CRIMINAL RECORDS
            3.1.5  MILITARY RECORDS
            3.1.6  SOCIAL SECURITY & DEATH RELATED
            3.1.7  PROFESSIONALS
                  3.1.7.1  SEARCH DATABASES
                  3.1.7.2  SEARCHERS BY STATE

      3.2  REGISTRIES AND RESOURCES
            3.2.1  ON LINE REGISTRIES AND RESOURCES
            3.2.2  OFF LINE REGISTRIES AND RESOURCES
      3.3  SUPPORT GROUPS AND LISTSERVERS
      3.4  BY LOCATION
            3.4.ALL  ALL STATES
            3.4.CAN  CANADA
            3.4.PA   PENNSYLVANIA
            3.4.NYC  NEW YORK (CITY)
            3.4.TX   TEXAS
                  3.4.TX.1  TEXAS SEARCH SITES 
                  3.4.TX.2  TEXAS SEARCHERS    
                  3.4.TX.3  TEXAS SUPPORT GROUPS
            3.4.LIB  STATE LIBRARIES

4.  OPENING RECORDS
      4.1  LETTER TO REQUEST MEDICAL RECORDS
      4.2  BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND DEATH CERTIFICATES IN ITALY
      4.3  STATE LAWS - OPENING RECORDS
      4.4  MAKING CONTACT

5.  ADOPTION INFORMATION ORGANIZATION
      5.1  STATE BIRTH CERTIFICATE NUMBERS
      5.2  WHAT STATES CHANGED WHAT INFORMATION
      5.3  MANY STATE LAWS

6.  FEELINGS

7.  THE WORLD WIDE REGISTRY
      7.1  WORLD WIDE REGISTRY SEARCH ENGINE
      7.2  ABOUT THE WORLD WIDE REGISTRY

8.  POLITICAL ACTION


X X X X X
X
X   1.1  FORWARD
X

Those touched by adoption have a special bond. It is my feeling that the lost information should be free and in that spirit I created the World Wide Registry and this newsgroup.

news:alt.adoption.searching
http://adoptionsearching.com
David T. Gray


X X X X X
X
X   1.2  GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE ALT.ADOPTION.SEARCHING NEWSGROUP
X

The primary purpose to provide a separate friendly place for adoption related searching, self-help, search-help, assistance and rebuilding the public birth index.

If you don't know how to access the newsgroups, contact your internet provider - they all do it differently.


X X X X X
X
X   1.3  USNET AS A PUBLIC BIRTH INDEX
X

http://adoptionsearching.com/dejaform.html


X X X X X
X
X   1.4  ABOUT POSTINGS
X

The postings to his newsgroup are nothing more than fancy emails. After these "fancy emails" appear in this newsgroup, they disappear after 5 or 10 days. However, they are not gone forever, as they travel to the 10,000+ news servers across the planet the postings are collected and stored by Universities and assorted search engines and thereby becoming a large public archive.


X X X X X
X
X   1.5  LOW BUDGET BRUTE FORCE SEARCH STRATEGY
X

1. Sign-up for a free special purpose email address.
2. Sign-up with any Registry that is free.
3. Get on mailing lists.

You can maintain a degree of confidentiality by using the email address instead of your real name.

X
X    CONSEQUENCES OF THE LOW BUDGET STRATEGY
X

1. You are contacted by of helpers.
2. You get lots of junk email.


X X X X X
X
X   1.6  REGISTRIES
X

In the case of a likely match some registries like our World Wide Registry provide the contact information on-line, others, require you to contact them directly. Some will want to sell you the information, some may ask for contributions, others, will give you the information and their assistance, all they require is 'smile'. If an organization is a non-profit organization, that means they don't make a profit, that doesn't mean they don't collect money. I suspect that most of online websites and searchers are non-profit, whether or not they have an official IRS non-profit designation. My own feeling is that 'anything-goes' as long as the information is free.

In most cases we all share the 'common bond', so if you have 'money', spread-it around. Always remember, the basic rule of the internet, 'if someone tries to sell you something, somebody else will give it free.'


X X X X X
X
X   1.7  ADOPTEES - MAKE YOUSELF EASY TO FIND
X

The adoptees are the most aggressive with their personal information. Seventy percent of the people registered with the World Wide Registry are adoptees and I expect this to be true of Registries generally. The birth parents are more reserved (for obvious reasons) and prefer watch. The moral of the story is, if you are an adoptee, make yourself easy to find.

X X X X X
X
X   1.8  SECURITY
X

As the internet has evolved, 'vested interests' have created a climate of fear, 'virus - virus - virus - nobody is safe'. Who would want to visit an insecure site? Of course their site is secure. Get the picture?

If you buy-into this histeria you will be artifically limiting your possibilities. Generally speaking the internet is the most secure place you can be. I have been downloading programs for twenty years, visiting the insecure websites and have yet to encounter a 'deadly virus'.


X X X X X
X
X   1.9  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
X

The information contained herein was assembled from a number of  sources. I want to thank Pat Zimmer mailto:[email protected] for supplying much of the information. Pat found her Son, Manning, he was born on 12/06/68 in CT. Found in Phoenix, AZ on 03/19/99 First Contact via Telephone for 1-1/2 Hrs. on 03/20/99.


X X X X X  
X
X   2.1  HOW TO SEARCH IN ELECTRONIC FORM
X

When using any search engine always use lower-case. The birth date is the most important piece of data mainly because it is the most reliable piece of information, then the state and city where the birth occurred.


X X X X X
X
X   2.1.1  ORGANIZED DIRECTORIES
X

In America Online they have a member directory where people list their birth dates and you can search it, so send them an email and ask if you are related. Other services have similar directories.


X X X X X
X
X   2.1.2  AOL 4.0 
X

Click "People" (Top right side of screen)
Click "Search AOL Member Directory"
Click "Advanced Search" (Right next to the words "Quick Search", right above the first block to type in)
Fill in the DOB, and remember, type it in every way you can think
of, i.e.

Many information sources on the internet have "people directories", so find out what format the date is-in and search-it accordingly.


X X X X X
X
X   2.3  DATES ARE A HORRIBLE MESS
X

Dates are a BIG problem. In the United States there are many widely used date formats, like 1/5/67 (D/M/YY) or 01/5/67 or 1/5/1967 or 1967/1/5 or 1967/01/05 or January 5, 67 or January 5, '67 or January 5, 1967 or  Jan. 5 '67 or Jan. 5, 1967 ..etc. In other countries 5/1/67 is used, note the month and day are reversed. We as humans, can usually sort this out, but computers have problems.

Computers are nothing more than very fast idiots. They will only find what you ask for. If you ask for 5/10/67 you will miss 05/10/67, 5/10/1967 etc. So you have to submit separate searches for the alternative date formats or incorporate them into a long "OR" statement (these formats vary between search engines).

Like: 5/10/67 OR 05/10/67..
Like: 5/10/67 | 05/10/67 | 5/10/1967..
Like: 5/10/67 05/10/67.. This is an implied "OR" but in some search engines it's an implied "AND", you have to read the instructions.

Like: (1/5/67 OR 01/5/67 OR 1/5/1967 OR 1967/1/5 OR 1967/01/05 OR "january 5, 67" OR "january 5  '67" OR "january 5, 1967" OR "jan. 5 '67" OR "jan. 5, 1967")

Note: I used lowercase. Phrases have quotes around them and I added parentheses - most search engines allow these groupings.


X X X X X
X
X   2.4  SEARCH CRITERION MAMAGEMENT
X

Make a text file with the Windows Notepad.exe and save it on your desktop, then construct your search criteria in Notepad and copy it into the various search engines. This makes it easy to modify and you can make different versions.

In case of "people directories" the date format is standardized - this makes things easier.


X X X X X
X
X   2.5  HOW TO SEARCH THE NEWSGROUP ARCHIVES
X

In the adoption related newsgroups, anything referring to the birth date might be important.

X X X X X
X
X   2.6  LIST OF ADOPTION RELATED NEWSGROUPS
X

alt.adoption
alt.adoption.searching
alt.adoption.issues
alt.birthright (I used this for search postings in 1997 & 1998)
soc.adoption.adoptees

You can add these to your list of possible dates with the appropriate OR's.

Like: AND (alt.adoption OR alt.adoption.searching OR alt.adoption.issues OR alt.birthright OR soc.adoption.adoptees)


X X X X X
X
X   2.7  KEYWORDS AND PHRASES
X

adoption
adoptee
search
searching
looking for
birth
birth date
born
child
birth mom
bmom
genealogy
iso - in search of
WorldWide - these are search keywords I use for
the World Wide Registry
.WorldWide
..WorldWide
.WorldWide
..WorldWide


These keywords can be added to the list search terms.

Like: AND (adoption OR adoptee OR search OR searching OR "looking for" OR birth OR "birth  date" OR born OR child OR "birth mom" OR bmom OR genealogy OR iso WorldWide OR .WorldWide OR ..WorldWide OR .WorldWide OR ..WorldWide)

**OUR SEARCH CRITERION BECOMES

(1/5/67 OR 01/5/67 OR 1/5/1967 OR 1967/1/5 OR 1967/01/05 OR "January 5, 67" OR "January 5 '67" OR "January 5, 1967" OR "Jan. 5 '67" OR "Jan. 5, 1967") AND (alt.adoption OR alt.adoption.searching OR alt.adoption.issues OR alt.birthright OR soc.adoption.adoptees) AND (adoption OR adoptee OR search OR searching OR "looking for" OR birth OR "birth date" OR born OR child OR "birth mom" OR bmom OR genealogy OR iso OR WorldWide OR .WorldWide OR ..WorldWide OR .WorldWide OR ..WorldWide)

This is the basic idea of how to construct a targeted search - unfortunately this is too complicated for most of the search engines to handle - but, you can break-it apart and add your own
criteria and do-it in pieces.


X X X X X
X
X   2.8  MY SOLUTION TO THE DATE PROBLEM
X

In dealing with the date problem I used the 1967/01/05 format in the World Wide Registry. The nice thing about this format is that the postings will sort in order ie. first by year, then month and day

YYYY/MM/DD

1967/01/04
1967/01/05
1967/01/06
1967/02/01
1977/01/01

this is helpful for contacting other people born about the same day. For redundancy I also included the date in the 1/5/67 format in the postings and made the Subject line of the posting as follows:

1976/01/10 USA  TX Austin ...WorldWide Registry

19YY/MM/DD 1234 12 123etc ...WorldWide Registry

If you would like my registration form to compose your posting automatically go to http://adoptionsearching.com/form.html .


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.1  PEOPLE LOOKUP
X

10% OF THE POPULATION OF THE U.S.
http://adoptionsearching.com/mine.html

ABII
http://www.abii.com

AIN american information network
http://www.ameri.com/index.htm

ANYWHO (most up to date free search available)  
http://www.anywho.com  

BIGFOOT
http://www.bigfoot.com 

BIRTHDAY SERVER
http://www.cs.vu.nl/~michel/birthday/search.html  

DATABASE AMERICA
http://www.databaseamerica.com 

MESA
http://mesa.rrzn.uni-hannover.de 

DOGPILE
http://www.dogpile.com

DMV SEARCHES
http://www.ameri.com/dmv/dmv.htm

IAF
http://www.iaf.net  

INFOSEEK
http://www.contractjobs.com/tel  

INFOSPACE
http://in-142.infospace.com/_1_187892279__info/index_ppl.htm  

LAW CRAWLER
http://www.lawcrawler.com  

MERLIN (feebased but there is a free trial.)
http://www.merlindata.com  

METACRAWLER
http://www.go2net.com/search.html 

METAGOPHER
http://www.metagopher.com  

NORTHERN LIGHTS SEARCH
http://www.northernlight.com

POPULUS
http://www.populus.net  

SWITCHBOARD (anyone who orders magazines will be listed here--however addy's aren't necessarily current)
http://www.switchboard.com  

TRACKEM
http://www.toolcity.net/~richreen/trackem.html  

MAIDEN NAME DIRECTORY
http://members.aol.com/maydyn   
http://members.aol.com/hermaiden/register.htm 
http://www.plumsite.com/shea/series.html 

ULTIMATE SEARCH
http://www.theultimates.com/white 

WHO WHERE
http://www.whowhere.lycos.com  

WORLDPAGES
http://www.worldpages.com/whitepages 
http://www.zip2.com 

WORLDWIDE PROFILE REGISTRY
http://www.wizard.com/wwpr.html#search 


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.2  SEARCH ENGINES
X

AOL NETFIND
http://www.aol.com/netfind  

ALTAVISTA
http://www.altavista.com

DEJANEWS
http://www.deja.com

DOGPILE
http://www.dogpile.com

ELECTRONIC NEWSSTAND
http://www.enews.com

EXCITE
http://www.excite.com 

FIND A COUNTY FOR ANY CITY IN THE U.S.
http://www.mit.edu:8001/geo 

GTE SUPERPAGES
http://www.superpages.gte.net 

HOTBOT
http://www.hotbot.com

HOTMAIL - free email
http://www.hotmail.com 

INFOSEEK
http://www.infoseek.com 

INFOSPACE
http://www.infospace.com/pla/people.html 

INFERENCE FIND
http://www.infind.com 

INTERNATIONAL BIRTH, Death and Marriage Records
http://www.tip.net.au/~dnum/bdmos.htm 

JUNO - free email
http://www.juno.com

LOOKSMART
http://www.looksmart.com

LYCOS
http://www.lycos.com

MAGELLAN
http://www.mckinley.com

METACRAWLER
http://www.metacrawler.com

MSN
http://home.msn.com

NETSCAPE
http://home.netscape.com

NEWS INDEX
http://www.newsindex.com 

NEWS, TIPS
http://www.searchenginewatch.com 

NORTHERN LIGHT
http://www.northernlight.com 

SHAREWARE.COM - software
http://www.shareware.com

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/8928/morelinks.htm 

USA.NET
http://www.usa.com

WEBCRAWLER
http://www.webcrawler.com

WHOWHERE
http://www.whowhere.lycos.com 

YAHOO
http://www.yahoo.com


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.3  TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
X

ALL-IN-ONE SEARCH PAGE
http://www.allonesearch.com/all1user.html#People

ANYWHO: Find Telephone Number, Email, Home Page
http://www.anywho.com

AUSTRALIA PHONEBOOK
http://www.whitepages.com.au

AUSTRALIA YELLOW PAGES
http://www.yellowpages.com.au

BELGIUM ADDRESS/PHONE LOOKUP
http://www.infobel.be

EXCITE REFERENCE: PEOPLE FINDER
http://www.excite.com/Reference/people.html

INFOSPACE - find people, business
http://www.infospace.com

NATIONAL ZIP CODE/ADDRESS SERVER - US POSTAL SERVICE
http://www.usps.gov/ncsc/lookups/lookup_zip+4.html

NATIONWIDE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
http://www.switchboard.com

PEOPLE SEARCH DATABASES (many, many links to phone directories, databases, etc.)
http://www.lawresearch.com/v2/CePEOPLE.HTM

REVERSE SEARCH
http://adp.infousa.com 
http://www.databaseamerica.com

REVERSE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
http://www.pimall.com/nais/s-yhpn.html  (Yahoo)
http://www.411locate.com  (411 Locate)

SWITCHBOARD (includes Criss-Cross Directory)
http://www.switchboard.com/

TELEPHONE BOOKS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (Search)
http://www.contractjobs.com/tel/us.asp

TOLL-FREE DIRECTORY
http://www.555-1212.com

ULTIMATE WHITE PAGES
http://www.theultimates.com

UNLISTED PHONE NUMBERS SEARCH (Dig Dirt, Inc.) Fee:
http://pimall.com/digdirt

WHERE DID THEY GO?
http://www.semaphorecorp.com/wdtg/wdtg.html

WHOIS / WHITE PAGES / Directory Services
http://galaxy.einet.net/hytelnet/DIR000.html

WHOWHERE? Phone Numbers & Addresses
http://www.whowhere.com

WORLD E-MAIL DIRECTORY
http://www.worldemail.com/wede4a.shtml

WORLDPAGES - residential, business, and government listings integrated with  mapping and other information.
http://www.worldpages.com


YAHOO! PEOPLE SEARCH - telephone, address, email and home page
http://www.yahoo.com/search/people
http://phone.yahoo.com  (Criss-cross directory)


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.4  CRIMINAL RECORDS
X

CORRECTIONS AND INMATES, SEX OFFENDERS
http://www.inil.com/users/dguss/GATOR70.HTM 

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION INMATES ONLINE - PAST AND
PRESENT
http://www.idoc.state.il.us 

SAN DIEGO OUTSTANDING WARRANTS ONLINE
http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/cnty/cntydepts/safety/marshal/warrantdata.html


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.5  MILITARY RECORDS
X

AIR FORCE LINK
http://www.af.mil  

AIR FORCE PERSONNEL
Center Air Force Times On Line ($3.50/month access fee)
http://www.airforcetimes.com  

AJAX U.S. & International Government Military & Intelligence
Agencies Access
http://www.sagal.com/ajax  

ARMY TIMES ON LINE ($3.50/month access fee)
http://www.armytimes.com 

CENTER OF MILITARY HISTORY
http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg 

DEFENSELINK
http://www.defenselink.mil  

LOOKING FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
http://chariott.com/~schmidt/spiel/general/mili.html 

FEDERAL POW/MIA DATABASE
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/powquery.html  

GRAND REUNION '96
http://www.vhtown.com  

GULFLINK
http://www.gulflink.osd.mil 

KOREAN WAR PROJECT & CASUALTY LISTS
http://www.onramp.net/~hbarker  

MARINE CORPS edition of Navy Times on Line ($3.50/month access fee)
http://www.navytimes.com/marinetimes  

MARINE QUEST
http://www.thefew.com  

MILITARY BRATS
http://www.military-brats.com 

MILITARY CITY Online Web Outpost (Locator)
http://www.militarycity.com

Military & Civilian Personnel Records
http://www.archives.ca/www/PersonnelRecords.html  

MILITARY FAMILY INSTITUTE
http://mfi.marywood.edu  

MILITARY PERSONNEL RECORDS - NPRC(MPR)
http://www.nara.gov/regional/stlouis.html

MILITARY SITES
http://www.the-seeker.com/milseek.htm  

MILITARY SHIPS ONLINE - PAST AND PRESENT ALONG WITH CREW MEMBERS LISITINGS
http://www.plateau.net/usndd/ddslinks.htm

NATIONAL ARCHIVES & RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
http://www.nara.gov   

NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER (Military & Civilian Records, Bay St. Louis, MI)
http://www.nara.gov/regional/stlouis.html 

NAVY TIMES On Line ($3.50/month access fee)
http://www.navytimes.com  

THE SEEKER, Reuniting America
http://www.west.net/~awon/awmain.shtml  

VETS.COM MAGAZINE
http://www.vets.com  

VIETNAM ERA PRISONER OF WAR, Missing in Action Database (The Library of Congress)
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pow/powhome.html 

VIETNAM MEMORIAL DATABASE (Everton's On-line Search)
http://rro.everton.com/vietnam.html-ssi?<IDNUMBER> 

VIETNAM VETERANS HOME PAGE
http://grunt.space.swri.edu 

VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL WALL
http://www.thewall-usa.com  

VIETNAM VETERANS HOME PAGE - Vietnam Vets
http://www.vietvet.org


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.6  SOCIAL SECURITY & DEATH RELATED
X

ANCESTRY HOME TOWN
http://www.ancestry.com

CEMETERIES, GRAVEYARDS, Burying Grounds
http://www.potifos.com/cemeteries.html

CEMETERIES IN THE USA
http://www.totentanz.de/usa.htm

CYNDI'S LIST OF CEMETERIES, Funeral Homes, Obituaries
http://www.cyndislist.com/cemetery.htm

DEATH CERT. - don't need complete dates
http://www.mtjeff.com/~bodenst/ssdi.html

NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM, Dept. of Veteran Affairs
http://www.va.gov/cemetery/index.htm

OBITUARIES
http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/grd/resguides/obit.html

THE OBITUARY PAGE
http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Obituary

THE ONTARIO CEMETERY FINDING AID
http://www.islandnet.com/ocfa/homepage.html

SOCIAL SECURITY: enter a ssn and it will tell you what state it was issued in, and approx what year - free - rest is not
http://www.informus.com/ssnlkup.html 

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION Locator/Mail Forwarding
Instructions
http://www.ssa.gov/faq_services.html#letter

SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX SITE (SSDI)
http://www.ancestry.com

SOCIAL SECURITY F.A.Q.
http://www.ssa.gov/faq_services.html

SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/9606/socialsecurity.html

SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE
http://www.ssa.gov

ULTIMATE FAMILY TRACER (SSDI Site)
http://www.uftree.com

THE UNITED STATES CEMETERY PAGE
http://we.got.net/docent/cem/uscem.htm

**CONTACTING A MISSING PERSON THROUGH THE SSA

Regulation No. 1 of the Social Security Act does not permit SSA to disclose information about the whereabouts of a missing person except as provided for the Parent Locator Service (service for locating a parent who has skipped out on child support payments). However, circumstances may arise when it would be proper to inform the missing person of information about which he would want to know. Where strongly compelling circumstances of this nature exist, SSA may forward a letter to him/her. The letter forwarding policy is restrictive because:

1) The inquirer can be helped only if the addressee replies to the letter. It would serve little purpose to forward a letter to an individual unless it contains information that he/she could reasonably be expected to want to receive and which would cause him/her to reply.  This excludes requests which are primarily for the benefit of the requester rather than the missing person.

2) SSA does not want to burden employers. Most letters must be forwarded through the last employer of record. Some large employers have asked SSA not to send letters to the employees in care of the company.

3) If all requests to forward letters were honored, the volume would significantly interfere with normal SSA operations.

4) The addressee may consider receipt of the letter as an unwarranted invasion of his/her privacy.

A letter will not be forwarded unless the following conditions are met:

1) There are strongly compelling reasons for wanting to get in touch with the missing person such as: a close relative of the missing person is seriously ill, is dying or has died; a child is left without parental care because of the death or incapacity of the remaining parent; a defendant in a felony case is seeking a defense witness; a parent wishes to locate a missing son or daughter; the consent of the missing person is needed in connection with an adoption proceeding for his/her child; the missing person is the beneficiary of an estate and the executor is trying to locate him; other instances where the missing person is due money or valuable property; a doctor or hospital wishes to contact a missing person for health reasons.

2) The missing person would want to know about the contents of the letter.

3) The missing person's disappearance occurred far enough in the past that SSA could reasonably expect to have a usable mailing address (wages are reported by employers only once a year, so the most recent information SSA has will be at least a year old).

4) All other possibilities for contacting the missing person have been exhausted.


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.7.1  SEARCH DATABASES
X

10% OF THE POPULATION OF THE U.S.
http://adoptionsearching.com/mine.html

ADOPTION SEARCH BY DOB/STATE
http://www.adoption-assist.com

THE AMERICAN INFORMATION NETWORK, Inc.
http://www.ameri.com

CDB INFOTEK (Current Database & Price list: 1-800-427-3747) http://www.cdb.com

COLORADO MARRIAGE/DIVORCE RECORDS (free)
http://www.quickinfo.net/madi/comadi.html

CSRA Online - very inexpensive $3 or less)
http://kadima.com
 
CYBERPAGES INTERNATIONAL - Lost & Missing Relatives
http://www.cyberpages.com/PERSONS.HTM

THE DAILY WATCH - ST. LOUIS, MO -- Online Public Record http://www.dailywatch.com/StLouis

DATA SEARCHES & OTHER UTILITIES
http://www.dhc.net/~design/search.htm   

DIRECTORY OF DATABASE SERVICES
http://www.facsnet.org/report_tools/CAR/cardirec.htm 

DOCUSEARCH USA - Database
http://www.docusearch.com

FIND A FRIEND
http://www.findafriend.com

FIND PEOPLE FAST
http://www.fpf.com

INFORMATION SEARCH INC. (Public records)
http://www.information-search.com

INSTANT TECHNOLOGIES, Ltd. - Missing Persons
http://missing.inthe.net
Email: mailto:[email protected]

INTERNET SLEUTH (1800 searchable databases)
http://www.thebighub.com

INVESTIGATION ONLINE (Searchable Databases)
http://www.lainet.com/factfind/database.htm

INVESTIGATIVE RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL (Investigation & Public Records)
http://www.factfind.com/records.htm 

KALE INVESTIGATION AGENCY - Worldwide Private Investigator Database(Adoption Searches)
http://www.kaleinvestigation.com

LEXIS-NEXIS
http://www.lexis-nexis.com 

NATIONAL CREDIT INFORMATION NETWORK http://www.wdia.com/ncihome.htm   

NATIONAL PEOPLE FINDERS
http://www.webspawner.com/users/xpertpeoplefinders

NAIS PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR'S LINK LIST
http://pimall.com/nais/links.html

ONLINE DATABASES (Great for any Searcher) 
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/9606/databases.html

PUBLIC DATA CORPORTATION (PDC) (New York City Public Records)
http://www.pdcny.com   

RMI ONLINE INFORMATION SERVICES
http://www.tecs.com/rmi   

SCOUT: PUBLIC RECORDS
http://www.scoutserv.com/info/pr.html   

SEARCHAMERICA, INC. (FEE-based: search Surnames, Addresses, Telephone Numbers, & Directory Assistance)
http://www.searchamerica.com

Searches (200 Different-good for all types)
http://home.hiwaay.net/~pvteye/source.html

SEARCH4EM
http://members.aol.com/SEARCH4EM/index.html    

STATE PUBLIC RECORDS LIBRARY LOCATEME
http://www.locateme.com   

STATE AGENCY DATABASE SEARCH (NAIS)
http://www.pimall.com/nais/linksi.html
 
COMPUTER SEARCHERS
http://www.pimall.com/nais/n.ten.ss.html

UNPUBLISHED TELEPHONE NUMBERS
http://www.4private-investigator.com/missper.htm

WEBGATOR
http://www.webcrawler.com:80/select/resdir.16.html

WESTLAW
http://www.westpub.com


X X X X X
X
X   3.1.7.2  PROFESSIONALS
X

**BY STATE

AZ:
Debbie Walker
Az Confidential Intermediary Program
mailto:[email protected]

CA:
Denise Gray
Mailto:[email protected]
http://members.aol.com/dgray92237/index.html

DC:
Brenda Craig
mailto:[email protected]

MD:
Brenda Craig
mailto:[email protected]

OH:
Ohio Adoptee Search
[email protected]

SC:
Brenda Craig
mailto:[email protected]

VA:
Brenda Craig
mailto:[email protected]

TX:
State Wide: Crane & Hibbs Investigations (very reasonable prices)
http://www.hibbspi.com
mailto:[email protected]

**GENERAL SEARCH HELP

Jaymie is a birthmom & professional searcher!! and is very reasonable!
mailto:[email protected]

John Apel
mailto:[email protected].

Chris is VERY expensive BUT very good - you DON'T pay until she finds
http://kinsolving.com/locate
mailto:[email protected]

United Locators
(334)602-4841.

Barbara Meroney
mailto:[email protected].

Paul Brown
http://www.idir.net/~pbrown

Elton Smith
6706 Revere Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53201

Gary M. Wise
mailto:[email protected]

Sheila Fritsch
mailto:[email protected]

Footprints From Heaven
http://www.footprintsfromheaven.com/


X X X X X
X
X   3.2.1  ON LINE REGISTRIES AND RESOURCES
X

ADOPTEE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
http://adoptionsearching.com/congform.html
http://www.absnw.com/right_to_know

ADOPTEE BIRTHFAMILY CONNECTIONS:
http://www.birthfamily.com/registry/

ADOPTEES MIRACLE SEARCH NETWORK
http://www.idir.net/~pbrown/index.html  

ADOPTEES RIGHT TO KNOW GUEST BOOK
http://www.alt.net/~waltj/shea/guest3.html  

ADOPTION NETWORK
http://www.adoption.org   

ADOPTION TRIAD
http://www.AdoptionTriad.org 

ADOPTION AND SEARCH LINKS
http://server1.dragon-street.com/missy/alinks.html  

ADOPTION RESOURCES
http://www.adopting.org 

ADOPTION REUNION REGISTRY - World Wide
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/4427/search.html   

ADOPTION SEARCH
http://www.adoptionsearch.com  

ADOPTION SEARCH AND REUNION
http://www.highfiber.com/~rema/index.html  

ADOPTION SEARCHING NEWSGROUP FAQ
http://adoptionsearching.com 

ADOPTION 101
http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/hollyoaks/178/4.html 

ADOPTION CONNECTIONS PROJECT: WOMEN'S JOURNEYS
http://www.sover.net/~adopt

ADOPTION READER - Birth Mothers, Adoptive Mothers & Adopted
Daughters Tell Their Stories
http://www.sover.net/~adopt/Book.html  

ADOPTION REFORM
http://www.primenet.com/~patdenn/adoption.html  

ADOPTION TRIAD OUTREACH
http://www.adoptiontriad.org

ADOPTEES WAIVER OF CONFIDENTIALITY
http://chariott.com/~schmidt/spiel/general/free.html 

ALUMNI, STATE BY STATE
http://www.alumni.net  

AMERICAN RESEARCH ROOM - an online resource for information about tracing your American roots.
http://www.lineages.com/usa  

ANCESTRAL FINDINGS - Free Searches
http://web.mountain.net/~wfmoney/cd  

APPHIRE 3'S ADOPTION SEARCH
http://members.xoom.com/Sapphire3

BASTARD NATION
http://www.bastards.org 

BIRTH DAD'S MAILING LIST
E-mail: mailto:[email protected]

BIRTH FATHER
Email: mailto:[email protected] 

BIRTH FATHER'S RIGHTS
http://www.thestork.com/father.htm  

BIRTHMOMS
http://www.neca.com/~mjcop/bparents.htm

BIRTHPARENTS SEARCHING
http://www.geocities.com/hotsprings/4427/birthparents.html  

BIRTHQUEST - An Online International Searchable Database Dedicated to Searching Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents and Siblings (registration $20)
http://www.birthquest.org  

BIRTHRIGHT REGISTRY WEBMANIA
http://ddi.digital.net/~islander  

BIRTHROOTS $36 fee but check for links
http://w3.bbsnet.com/~users/hipakari/birthroots.htm

BLACKMARKET Links Baby Perkins' Home Page Black Market "Cole
Baby" Adoptee In Search of Birth Parents
http://mypage.goplay.com/babyperkins/?noses=1 

BPA DATABASE
mailto:[email protected]  (Louise Oflaherty)

BUTTERBOX BABIES
http://www.monmouth.com/~ssteinhauer/index.html  

CALIFORNIA BAR ASSOCIATION - LAWYER LOOK UP
http://www.calsb.org/MM/SBMBRSHP.HTM 

CAROLYN JEAN WATSON KING'S FAMILY SITES
http://www.geocities.com/gulflady_13/GulfiesSearc.html
http://members.tripod.com/Beckling/genealogy.htm

CARTER THOMPSON'S HomePage
http://www.armory.com/~cartert

CHILDQUEST INTERNATIONAL
http://www.childquest.org

CLARK COUNTY NEVADA MARRIAGES AND DEATH INDEX ONLINE
http://www.co.clark.nv.us/RECORDER/mar_srch.htm 

CLASSMATES
http://classmates.com

CENTER FOR ADOPTION (support & service for Adoptees, B.Parents & A.Parents)
http://www.webcom.com/adoption  

CENTRAL ADOPTION REGISTRY
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/bvs/car/car.htm  

COLE BABY REGISTRY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Fields/9298/Colebaby.html  

COOK MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY'S ONLINE GENEALOGY RESOURCES
http://www.cooklib.org/genrefer.htm

COUNTY VOTER'S REGISTRATION OFFICES
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/9606/databases.html 

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - SUITE 101
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/adoption   

CRANE AND HIBBS INVESTIGATIONS SEARCH DATABASE
http://www.hibbspi.com

CYBER PAGES INTERNATIONAL LOST & MISSING RELATIVES
http://cyberpages.com/lostprsn.htm

CONCERNED UNITED BIRTHPARENTS (CUB) (SO FAR nothing in PA-want to start a chapter?
http://www.webnations.com/CUB 

DAWN'S BIRTHMOTHER/ADOPTION RESOURCE PAGE
http://members.tripod.com/~HevensDawn/adoption.html  

DEMETER PROJECT
http://rampages.onramp.net/~morra/index.html  

DIFFERENCE REGISTRY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/6743/index2.html

EARLE BARNES METRO REUNION REGISTRY
http://www.MetroReunionRegistry.org

ELIZABETH ORSAY'S GENEALOGY LINKS
http://members.iquest.net/~etorsay/genealogy/genlinks.html  

ELLEN'S REUNITING FAMILIES
http://www.highfiber.com/~rema/index.html  

EVERTON'S GENEALOGICAL HELPER
http://www.everton.com 

FAMILY FINDERS
http://www.freeyellow.com/members4/familyfinders 

FAMILY TIES ADOPTION
Search Database
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/1049 

FAMILY TREE MAKER RESOURCES BY STATE
http://www.familytreemaker.com/00000174.html  

FAMILY WORKINGS - Lots of useful genealogy links, ancestor queries, adoption queries, obituaries, donated research, and much more for all genealogists!!!
http://www.familyworkings.com  

FERGUSON'S GENEALOGY & ADOPTEE RESEARCH
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/5061/Triad.html

FIND ME REGISTRY (Has a 25.00 for 3 years fee)
http://www.findme-registry.com

FLORENCE CRITTENDON HOME INFO
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/6436/Florence.html 

FORGET ME NOT FAMILY SOCIETY ($24 yr. Membership but look for links)
http://www.portal.ca/~adoption 

GENEALOGY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/1637

GENEALOGY ANCESTRY HOME TOWN
http://www.ancestry.com

GENEALOGY HELPLIST - consists of volunteers who are willing to help others by looking up specific items at institutions near them, or help supply other information easily accessible to them.
http://posom.com/hl  

GENEALOGY HOME PAGE
http://www.rootscomputing.com

GENEALOGY PRIMER
http://www.usgenweb.org 

GMW (geneaology's most wanted)
http://www.citynet.net/mostwanted/adoption/adoption.htm

GROUND WORK - Genealogy on the Internet
http://members.aol.com/ssmadonna  

HALL, LANE, PUCKETT AND ROBERTS
http://Gulflady.tripod.com/index-2.html

HELEN TANOS HOPE ADOPTIONS
http://home.att.net/~mdnicholas/children.html    

HICKS CLINIC Birth Registry
http://www.hicksclinic.com  

IDEAL MARERNITY HOME--(Butterbox Babies)
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/bhartlen   

INVESTIGATIVE RESOURCES ON THE WEB
http://www.inil.com/users/DGUSS/wgator.htm  

I.S.R.R. (International Soundex Reunion Registry)
http://www.plumsite.com/isrr  

JANET'S ADOPTEE/SIBLING/BIRTHPARENT REGISTRY & DATABASE
http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/3686/database.html  

JANYCE'S ROOT DIGGIN' DEPT
http://www.janyce.com/gene/rootdig.html  

KINDRED PERSUITS CANADOPT an Adoption Registry for Canada, United States triad members are welcome
http://www.kindredpursuits.org

KNOW X - PROPERTY TAXES, BAKRUPTCIES, PEOPLE LOCATER...MOST ARE FREE SERVICES -FOR ALL STATES
http://www.search.knowx.com/infoamc/infoam.exe?form=infoam.htm

LATTER DAY SAINTS - FAMILY NAMES AND BIRTHS
http://chariott.com/~schmidt/spiel/general/lds.html 

LDS WORLD (MORMON'S SITE) Family History Centers, if you decide to use them, I've been told they don't believe in opening records re: adoption, tell them your are doing genealogy research re: your family history. United States of America
http://www.ldsworld.com

LONG LOST FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD
http://www.yourfamily.com/lost_bb.cgi 

LOST N FOUND ADOPTION REGISTRY
http://www.niwot.net/adopt 

LYNCHES ADOPTION REGISTRY (special TWINS registry also!)
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/9942/registry.html 

MEDICAL LICENSE IN CA
http://www.docboard.org/ca/df/casearch.htm

MESSAGEBOARD
http://www.insidetheweb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb38108   

MISSING PIECE ADOPTION SEARCH AGENCY
http://www.teleplex.net/deer  

MISSING PERSONS
http://missing.inthe.net

MISSING PERSONS DATABASE
http://www.hibbspi.com/chmiss.htm 

NATIONAL GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY - Home Page
http://www.genealogy.org/

NORMA TILLMAN, MISING PERSONS
http://www.reunion.com/norma.htm  

NAIS PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS LINK LIST
http://www.pimall.com/nais/links.html  

OHIOADOPTEE
http://ohioadoptee.com/bindex.htm 

OWEN'S QUICK-LINK ADOPTEE RESOURCES
http://www.personal.riverusers.com/~oburt/links.htm  

PBN REUNION BUREAU
http://www.pbnreunion.com

PEOPLE FINDER
http://www.peoplesite.com   
http://www.ReunionRegistry.com    

PERKINS COUNTY NEBRASKA MARRIAGE INDEX ONLINE
http://www.rootsweb.com/~neperkin/perk-bim.html 

PETITIONING THE COURT to Open Your Adoption File (for adoptees adopted in the United States)
http://www.absnw.com/right_to_know/petition.html

POLITICAL GRAVEYARD - Tells Where the Dead Politicians are Buried Genealogy's Most Wanted
http://www.citynet.net/mostwanted  
http://www.potifos.com/tpg/index.html 

REGISTRATION FORM
http://www.idir.net/~pbrown/page25.html  

RELINQUISHED - Catholic Charities
http://freeweb.wpdcorp.com/relinquished

RESOURCES BY STATE
http://www.science.org/tedc/adopted/resources_by_state.htm

RESOURCES FOR ADOPTEES (Includes Databases)
http://www.inil.com/users/dguss/gator9.htm  

REU-NET INTERNATIONAL Reunion Net-Work Registry ($25 fee to join but you can search the registry for FREE)
http://www.reunion.com

REUNIONS MAGAZINE Summer Home Page
http://www.reunionsmag.com

ROOTING AROUND THE WEB
http://www2.lib.udel.edu/ref/docs/rooting.htm   

ROOTS REGISTRY
http://www.MetroReunionRegistry.org

ROOTS-L United States Resources
http://www.rootsweb.com/roots-l/usa.html  

SALVATION ARMY
http://ps.superb.net/salvationarmy

SAN DIEGO COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS
http://www.sddt.com/notices

SEARCHING FOR LOST FAMILIES
http://www.golden.net/~gail

SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE
http://www.cedar.buffalo.edu/AdServ/person-search.html  

SEEKER
http://www.the-seeker.com  

SHEA'S SEARCH SERIES
http://www.plumsite.com/shea/series.html  

SOCIAL SECURITY LOOK UP SEE WHAT STATE ISSUED AND WHEN
http://www.informus.com/ssnlkup.html 

SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE
http://ftp.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

SUNFLOWER LADIES
http://www.bmom.net

T.I.E.S. Terminal Illness Emergency Search
http://www.ibar.com/voices

THE DIFFERENCE REGISTRY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/6743/index2.html 

TINA'S REUNIONS, Registries and Forums for Adoptees
http://www.geocities.com/capitolhill/9606/reunions.html  

TOGETHER AGAIN'S ADOPTION PAGE
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9235/index.html  

ULTIMATE PHONE DIRECTORIES
http://www.theultimates.com/white 

UNIFORM ADOPTION
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/8928/morelinks.htm 

UNITED STATES COUNTIES - counties are listed in two different orders: by state and by county name
http://www.genealogy.org/~st-clair/counties/welcome.html  

VOLUNTEER SEARCH NETWORK, this is a very good place to post information
http://vsn.org

WELCOME TO ANCESTRY.COM
http://www.ancestry.com 

WHO ME
http://who-me.com  

WORLD GENWEB PROJECT
http://www.worldgenweb.org  

WORLD WIDE REGISTRY
http://adoptionsearching.com/birth.html  

WORLD WIDE WEB OF ADOPTEE RELATED SITES
http://www.best.com/~damsel/library/#direct  

YOUR FAMILY
http://www.yourfamily.com/lost_bb.cgi  


X X X X X
X
X   3.2.2  OFF LINE REGISTRIES AND RESOURCES
X

SEARCHING MINNESOTA
http://www.geocities.com/lespring/home.html

http://www.geocities.com/rj_info_services/SearchingOklahoma.html


X X X X X
X
X   3.3SUPPORT GROUPS AND LISTSERVERS
X

**ADOPTEES ONLY

AIML available for adoptees ONLY, over 1300+ membership,
mailto:[email protected]  in the body type subscribe adoptees and your first and last name (example subscribe adoptees alana miller)

ADOPTEES INTERNET MAILING LIST
http://www.aiml.org

**BIRTHMOMS ONLY

Alana's group is available for bmoms ONLY. It is a great place for friendship, support and search help. write mailto:[email protected] . for details on how to subscribe. or go to the birthmoms web page:
http://www.bmom.net 

LOVE ONE ANOTHER
Christian Adoption Support & Prayer Chain List for Birthparents & Adoptee's
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/1710
Send Subscription & Prayer Requests to:
mailto:[email protected] 

LESLEY'S OPEN ADOPTION BIRTHMOM LIST
This list is for bmoms in semi-open, open or cooperative adoptions to meet and chat via the internet. Contact Lesley for more information: mailto:[email protected] 

**SEARCHING

If you are searching, you want to subscribe to this one. It will have hundreds of search postings to it each week. All of the World Wide Registry and the AOL postings...but more. For info write Kath
mailto:[email protected]

To subscribe send e-mail to mailto:[email protected] . In the body type subscribe searching your email address or subscribe searching digest your e/mail address.


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.ALL ALL STATES
X

ALABAMA BIRTHLINK
http://ala_birthlink.home.mindspring.com 

ALABAMA CITIES/TOWNS
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/commonbond/index.html  

ARIZONA ADOPTION REGISTRIES
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/7173/registry.html  

CALIFORNIA RESEARCH Denise Gray - Adoption searcher. Can help nationally. Phone:1-888-624-2929 Pin# 1596647
http://members.aol.com/DGray92237  
E-mail: mailto:[email protected]

DELAWARE REUNION REGISTRY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/4392  

FLORIDA
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9704  

INDIANA SEARCHING
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Country/9577

KENTUCKY VITAL RECORDS INDEX - on-line search
http://ukcc.uky.edu/~vitalrec/

MASSACHUSETTS REGISTRY
http://members.aol.com/Espaura/MAadopt.html  

NEW MEXICO ADOPTION REGISTRY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Woods/8681  

NEW YORK - ADOPTION INFORMATION REGISTRY
http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/consumer/vr/about.htm

NEW YORK - OUR LADY OF VICTORY SEARCH DATABASE
http://www.angelfire.com/ny/olvadoption/index.html  

NEW YORK - SYLVIA ACKERSON'S website and mailing list at
 http://home.nccoast.net/nyadoption/

NORTH CAROLINA, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland,Virginia, and District of Columbia Bits and Pieces For
http://members.spree.com/family/pieces

OHIO ONLINE REUNION REGISTRY (All entries are echoed to the Worldwide Registry and C.A.R.R. Registries nationwide.)
http://ohioadoptee.com/ohioform.htm  

OKLAHOMA AND KANSAS ADOPTEES AND BIRTH PARENTS.
http://www.dragonfire.net/~lori/counter.cgi 

PENNSYLVANIA CHILDREN'S ADOPTION INFORMATION NETWORK
http://members.aol.com/Pachain/pachain.html  

TEXAS - TXCARE ONLINE TEXAS ADOPTION SEARCH REGISTRY
http://www.visualimage.com/txcare

TEXAS - BORN IN TEXAS
http://adopteesearching.com/birth.html

TEXAS - CRANE AND HIBBS INVESTIGATIONS SEARCH DATABASE
http://www.hibbspi.com 

TENNESSEE REUNION REGISTRY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/3592/reunion.html  

VIRGINIA
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/6436   

WASHINGTON STATE ADOPTEE/BIRTH-PARENT REGISTRY
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/4312/washington.html  

WISCONSIN REGISTRY
http://www.jvlnet.com/~icare


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.CAN  CANADA
X

CANADIAN ADOPTEE & BIRTH FAMILY REGISTRY
http://www.bconnex.net/~rickm/index.html   

PARENT FINDERS CANADA
http://www.portal.ca/~adoption/Resources/Canadian.htm 


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.PA  PENNSYLVANIA
X

CHILDREN'S PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTION INFORMATION NETWORK
http://members.aol.com/Pachain/pachain.html  

ORBIT PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS ADOPTION SERVICES
http://www.dailyorbit.com/pennsylvania/min17.shtml 

PALC MEMBERSHIP
http://members.aol.com/Pachain/membership.html  

PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTION MESSAGE BOARD
http://www.insidetheweb.com/mbs.cgi/mb145841

PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTION SEARCH & EDUCATION
http://members.tripod.com/rombergers/main.html

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT GENEALOGY RESOURCES
http://alphaclp.clpgh.org/CLP/Pennsylvania/genclass1.html 
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/7345/palinks.html 
http://www.pa-roots.com/jefferson/index.html 

PENNSYLVANIA GENEALOGY FORUM
http://genforum.familytreemaker.com/pa 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE VITAL RECORDS Office has over 200 sites related to adoption/excellent place to go.
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/9606/states/pennsylvania.html 

VITAL RECORDS, STATE DEPT OF HEALTH
P.O. Box 1528
101 South Mercer Street
New Castle, PA 16103
PH: (724) 656-3100
Fax: (724) 652-8951

WALKO, DON REP.
State Representative
20th Legislative District http://www.pahouse.net/walko/index.htm


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.NYC  NEW YORK (CITY)
X

There is a birth index at the main branch of the NY Public Library at 42nd & 5th in Manhattan.  This index is extremely useful to adoptees born IN 1 OF THE 5 BOROUGHS.

The boroughs are Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

The adoptee can take the last 5 digits of their amended birth cert number (which are identical to the original birth cert), and check for the birthname.  It is *extremely* tedious and time-consuming work, but it is 100% do-able.

Contributed by Susan Mc


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.TX.1  TEXAS SEARCH SITES       
X

AMERICAN RESEARCH ROOM FOR TEXAS - Vital Records Offices
http://www.lineages.com/usa/state.asp?StateCode=TX 

BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS, DEPT. OF HEALTH
P. O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(512) 458-7111
mailto:[email protected]

CERTIFIED COPIES OF BIRTH OR DEATH CERTIFICATES
http://www.tdh.texas.gov/bvs/registra/certcop.htm 

CYNDI'S LIST OF GENEALOGY SITES ON THE INTERNET - Texas
http://www.cyndislist.com/tx.htm 

GENEALOGY HELPLIST - TEXAS
http://posom.com/hl/usa/tx.shtml 

INDEX TO TEXAS COUNTY VITAL RECORDS OFFICES
http://vitalrec.com/tx.html#County  

MARRIAGE & DIVORCE VERIFICATION
http://www.tdh.texas.gov/bvs/registra/marr.htm

ORDER A CERTIFIED TX BIRTH CERT.
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/bvs/registra/certcop.htm#qualif 
http://members.aol.com/mavsice/links.html   

RELINQUISHED REGISTRY
http://freeweb.wpdcorp.com/relinquished

CATHOLIC CHARITIES at onelist
http://www.onelist.com (keyword search: Catholic Charities )

STATE OF TEXAS
http://www.state.tx.us

STATE OF TEXAS VITAL RECORDS
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/bvs/default.htm 

TEXAS COUNTY & DISTRICT CLERKS
http://www.tdh.texas.gov/bvs/registra/address.htm 

TEXAS GENEALOGY RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~cgaunt/texas.html 

TEXAS MAPS AND INFORMATION
http://fermi.jhuapl.edu/states/tx_0.html 

TEXAS USGENWEB PROJECT
http://www.rootsweb.com/~txgenweb

VITAL RECORDS INFORMATION GUIDELINES
http://vitalrec.com/guidelines.html 


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.TX.2  TEXAS SEARCHERS  
X

ADOPTEE REUNION SPECIALIST - Linda Srength: Bacliff, TX
mailto:[email protected] 
Phone:281.339.1129

CHELS - FINDME
[email protected]
http://www.findme.org 

DFW GENEALOGY SEARCH
E-mail Address(es):
mailto:[email protected] 
http://gensearch.hypermart.net/request.htm 

LIFE MATTERS
Carol Demuth Dallas, TX
mailto:[email protected]
Phone: 214.361.0055

MARYWOOD POST ADOPTION SERVICES
David Duffey Austin, TX
mailto:[email protected]
Phone: 512.472.9251

PEGGY DORN OF TEXAS
does a lot of searching... and she may be able to help you. Her phone number is 713-723-1757. She may be able to guide you as to Texas Law... and may have some ideas for you to learn more. Be sure to tell her your story.... I do not have an email address for her. You could request information from the State of Texas... perhaps they can help you.... Texas has a REGISTRY... inquire about it.
Contact: DHS/Post Adoption Unit
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, TX 78714-9030
Phone: 512.450-3301

RESEARCH ROOTS AND MISSING LINKS
Glenda Allen Coppell, TX
mailto:[email protected]
Phone: 972.471.0744

TXCARE & ADOPTION TRIAD FORUM
Alicia Lanier Richardson, TX
mailto:[email protected]
Phone: 972.699.8386

TEXAS ADOPTION SERVICES
Bonnie P. Solecki Ft. Worth, TX
mailto:[email protected]
Phone: 817.834.9713


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.TX.3  TEXAS SUPPORT GROUPS
X

ALMA CHAPTER
Peggy Perleins
P.O. Box 14089
Austin, TX 78761-4089
Adoption Knowledge Affiliates
P.O. Box 402033
Austin, TX 78704

ALMA CHAPTER
Marcia Morehead
P.O. Box 1293
McAllen, TX 78502

BEVERLY CATES
10432 Achilles
El Paso, TX 79924

HOMEWARD BOUND
(817)732-1319
P.O. Box 11032
Ft. Worth, TX 76110

MARYWOOD SEARCH SUPPORT GROUP
(512)472-9251
510 W. 26th St.
Austin TX 78705
Orphan Voyage
Linda Crenwelge
1305 Augustine Court
College Station, TX 77840
mailto:[email protected]

OPENING AN ADOPTION RECORD
This lady's name is Wilma write her with your story and see if she can help you, she may not answer your e-mail but she will post the information on her registry, be real specific with your story, and attach anything that you think will help her help you.
mailto:[email protected]
http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/bvs/car/car.htm#opening

RIGHT TO KNOW
P.O. Box 1409
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Orphan Voyage

SEARCH
B. Scott
5730 Crest Grove
Corpus Cristi, TX 78415
Love, Roots & Wings

SEARCHLINE OF TEXAS
Pat Palmer, ISC
1516 Old Orchard
Irving, TX 75061

SEARCHLINE OF TEXAS, INC.
725 Burnwoord
Irving, TX 75062

TRIAD SUPPORT GROUP
4208 Roxbury
El Paso, TX 79922

ADOPTION SEARCH AND SUPPORT
Box 371
Pasadena, TX 77501
Adoption Triad Forum
P.O. Box 832161
Richardson, TX 75081

ADOPTION REFORM GROUP
Rep. Ann & Jim Rockwell
A.L.A.R.M. Network
706 Gresham
Smithville, TX 78957

SALVATION ARMY - TEXAS
http://www.sa-texas.org/2index.html 
mailto:[email protected]


X X X X X
X
X   3.4.LIB  STATE LIBRARIES
X

ALASKA STATE LIBRARY
http://www.educ.state.ak.us/lam/library.html 

ARIZONA STATE ARCHIVES/ RECORDS LIBRARY
http://www.dlapr.lib.az.us 

ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY
http://www.state.ar.us 

CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY
http://www.library.ca.gov 

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL LIBRARY
http://www.calhist.org/index.html 

CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY
http://www.cslnet.ctstateu.edu 

DELAWARE: STATE LIBRARY OF DELAWARE
http://www.lib.de.us/libraries/de-libs 

FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES
http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/barm/fsa.html

GEORGIA PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES
http://www.public.lib.ga.us 

IDAHO LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
http://www.idaholibraries.org 

ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY
http://www.sos.state.il.us/depts/library/isl_home.html 

INDIANA STATE LIBRARY
http://www.statelib.lib.in.us 

IOWA: STATE LIBRARY OF IOWA
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us 

KANSAS STATE LIBRARY
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/kansas/KSL 

KENTUCKY VITAL RECORDS ON-LINE (FREE)
http://ukcc.uky.edu/~vitalrec/

MAINE STATE LIBRARY INFORMATION
http://www.state.me.us/msl 

MICHIGAN: THE LIBRARY OF MICHIGAN
http://www.sos.state.mi.us/history/archive/circular.html
http://www.sos.state.mi.us/history/archive/referenc.html  http://www.libofmich.lib.mi.us  

MINNESOTA'S STATE GOVERNMENT LIBRARIES
http://www.state.mn.us/libraries/calco.html 

MISSOURI STATE LIBRARY
http://mosl.sos.state.mo.us/lib-ser/libser.html 

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY
http://msl.mt.gov

NATIONAL ARCHIVES LIBRARY
http://www.nara.gov/nara/naralibrary/refmenu.html 

NEVADA STATE LIBRARY
http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us

NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE LIBRARY
http://www.state.nh.us/nhsl 

NEW JERSEY STATE LIBRARY
http://www.njstatelib.org 

NEW MEXICO STATE LIBRARY
http://www.stlib.state.nm.us 

NEW YORK STATE LIBRARY-GENEALOGY
http://unix2.nysed.gov/gengen.htm 

NORTH CAROLINA: STATE LIBRARY OF NORTH CAROLINA
http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/NCSLHOME.HTM 

NORTH DEKOTA STATE LIBRARY
http://ndsl.lib.state.nd.us 

OREGON STATE LIBRARY
http://www.osl.state.or.us/oslhome.html 

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY
http://www.state.sd.us/state/executive/deca/st_lib/st_lib.htm

SOUTH CAROLINA: STATE LIBRARY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
http://www.state.sc.us/scsl 

TENNESSEE STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/statelib/tslahome.htm 

TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
http://link.tsl.texas.gov/

UTAH LIBRARY NETWORK
http://www.state.lib.ut.us

VERMONT: STATE OF VERMONT
http://www.state.vt.us

WYOMING STATE LIBRARY
http://www-wsl.state.wy.us

**MISC
AUSTRALIA: STATE OF VICTORIA
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/

AUSTRALIA: THE STATE LIBRARY OF NEW SOUTH WALES PRESS
http://www.slnsw.gov.au/press/press.htm

MALAYSIA: PERLIS STATE LIBRARY
http://spl.pnm.my/~perlis  

GENEALOGY LIBRARIES ON THE WWW
http://www.genealogy.org/~holdiman/LSG/libraries.html


X X X X X
X
X   4.1  LETTER TO REQUEST MEDICAL RECORDS
X

Date: (Date you send the request)

Hospital:
Address:
City, State and Zip:

Attention: Medical Records

I need to have ALL of my medical records forwarded to me as soon as possible.

Please include the following: Admission and discharge, nursery, labor and delivery room, and any other records kept by your hospital during my stay there.  What types of records do you keep, and what are they called? Please list hem so that my physician may review this list, and at a later date, as for more detailed information.

Name: (Your name at the time, if fake name, use it)
Born: (Your date of birth)
Date/month/year: (of your stay... if you can't remember the exact date, just put the month and year. The more info you give them, the easier to locate your records.)

I have included a money order in the amount of $______ to cover the cost of copying these records.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signature________ Dated ________

Your Name
Your Address
City, State and Zip
Your Telephone Number

*YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE THIS LETTER NOTARIZED

Also, send a money order for the cost of copying your records. Most places usually charge ten (10) cents per page. So send $10.00, or if you can't manage that, send $5.00. This will hopefully prevent any hold-up of copying your records.

Also, if you have any other info that will help them in locating your records, please include it. Under your name and date of birth, if you have it, also include the doctor's name. Add your SS# if you think you used it, baby's date of birth, weight, height... whatever you can!

Also... be sure to make a copy of the letter for your records, and write the date you mailed it so you'll have it for follow-up purposes.
*********************************************
Date: (Date you send request)

Name of Agency
Address
City, State and Zip

*DAYNA'S THOUGHTS - AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW

Even in the days of digital technology, most hospitals L&D departments still keep a written record of all births. Adoptees are listed in this record. The clue is that the last name of the mother is coded. The hospital I worked at used "Zymo", hence my birth mother would be listed as Zymo, Carolyn. Many times the baby is the only one coded and the mother's name is there along with other valuable information. This was the case at the hospital where I was born. (they used a different code name) If you have the date and exact time of birth finding the record is very easy. Getting your hands on the book may be a different story. I did it by asking a resident that was at the birth hospital to look it up for me. Perhaps you could ask your OB/GYN (or your spouse's). Maybe even a friendly chat with one of the OB nurses. I would suggest NOT asking the department manager or the records department. They will say NO. A nurse on the floor may not be too sure if it is okay or not and she may be just a nice person. If you do ask a nurse from the department, I would like to add that the night nurses may be more helpful.



X X X X X
X
X   4.2  BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND DEATH CERTIFICATES IN ITALY
X

This information has been prepared by the Office of Citizens Services at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy as an aid for those persons who are in need of vital records from Italian authorities. Location of Records: Under Italian law, records of birth, marriages, and deaths are maintained by the Registrar of Vital Statistics (Ufficio della Stato civile) in the City Office (Comune or Municipio) of the place where the event occurred. There is no central, regional or provincial office which keeps such records. Information Required: When applying for one of these certificates, the applicant must supply all relevant information. The office of the registrar cannot undertake extensive  research of its files to locate a record which is not properly identified.

For a BIRTH CERTIFICATE (Certificato di Nascita): provide full name of person at birth, place and date of birth, name of parents; specify that the document should include the name of parents.

For a MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (Certificato di Matrimonio), provide full names at birth of both parties, their birth dates, place and date of marriage.

For a DEATH CERTIFICATE (Certificato di Morte), provide full name at birth of deceased, date and place of birth if available, place and date of death.  Translations: It is strongly recommended that all requests be translated into Italian.

Requests received in a language other than Italian may be subject to extensive delays or not answered at all.

Addressing your Request:
If your request is directed to a large city, address it as follows:

Ufficio dello Stato Civile
Comune di ______
Italy

A request to a small town may simply be addressed:
Comune di ________
Provincia di________
Italy

Fees: A small fee, varying from place to place but on average not exceeding L.5.000 (around $2.50), is charged for the issuance of each certificate. Though it is customary for Italian city offices to waive the small administrative fees for foreign applicants, their budget does not allow for  expenditures of funds to cover their services and postal charges. It is recommended that international postal reply coupons (available through most  U.S. Post Offices) be included with any request for services.

Apostille: If a document is intended for use as evidence before a court  or other legal proceeding, it must be authenticated with an "apostille" by the responsible Italian authorities in accordance with the terms of the Hague Legalization Convention of October 5, 1961 (effective in the United States on October 15, 1981). Please indicate in your request whether an apostille is required.  Note: Italian registrars are not required by law to assist in genealogical research work. In most places, records dating back as far as the mid-19th century are available but unless complete and correct information is provided, no search can be undertaken. If you are engaged in family tree reconstruction and do not have the essential information bearing on your ancestors, you may wish to retain the aid of professional researchers. A separate list of firms or individuals specializing in genealogical work (ancestry, coat of arms, etc) is available from the Office of American Citizens Services . April 1998, American Citizens Services.


X X X X X
X
X   4.3  STATE LAWS - OPENING RECORDS
X

**CONNECTICUT

Briefly, birth mothers have "reverse search" rights in CT. The right to ask the agency which placed their child to search for the now adult person and ask them if they are willing to release their identity to you. The agency can charge you a fee.  Some agencies are capable and motivated, and others aren't. There are also private searchers. To my knowledge, the changes that are expected will first be expanding adoptees records rights - birth parent rights are down the line.

**LOUISIANA

Louisiana has a mutual consent registry operated by the Department of Health and Human Services for adoptees (age 25 or older), birth mothers and birth fathers if the father has legitimated or formally acknowledged the child as provided by law or has signed a voluntary abandonment and release for the child's adoption. One hour counselling is required upon registration.

For registry information, contact: Louisiana Voluntary RegistryDepartment of Health and Human Resources
P. O. Box 3318
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821
Telephone: (504) 504-342-9922 or 800-259-2456
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 9:40:91

**MISSOURI

Missouri's birth and death lists can legally get a list of all Missourians born on a particular day by sending $27.50 for the first thousand names from the Missouri Department of Health (make check out to Missouri Department of Health), mail to Wayne Schramm, of the Bureau of Data Analysis, Missouri Department of Health, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Also, journalists are allowed even more leeway in obtaining birth information legally. If you want more specifics mail me at
mailto:[email protected] .

**PENNSYLVANIA

In Pennsylvania, an adult adoptee (age 18), or adoptive parents of adoptees under 18 may petition the court for release of identifying information concerning birth parent(s). The court must appoint either a county agency or a private adoption agency to attempt to locate and contact the birth parent(s). The court may deny the request to search for the birth parent(s) if it believes that there is a substantial risk that persons other than the birth parent(s) would learn of the adoptee's existence and relationship to the birth parent(s).

An adoptee or his or her adoptive parent may also make a direct request to an adoption agency to search for the birth parent(s). Identifying information concerning the birth parent(s) may only be released if both birth parents consent. If only one birth parent consents to the release of the information, only information about that birth parent may be disclosed. Birth parents may file with the court or the Department of Health a consent form granting permission to disclose to the adoptee the information contained in the adoptee's original birth certificate. Such information may not be released without such a consent and only to an adoptee 18 years of age or older (with adoptive parent permission, if under 18). 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. 2905.

**TEXAS, DALLAS COUNTY ONLY

If the name of the adoptive parents are known. It cost$5 to get the file. It takes 2 weeks to get your file. Contact:

JIM HAMLIN, DISTRICT CLERK
HENRY WADE JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER
LONE STAR DR., MAILBOX 1

The lady that now (02/00) handles opening records name is Candace. The phone # to Judge Gaither's office is: 214-698-4903 then ask for the records dept. and then Candace.

Contributed by L&G Funderburgh


X X X X X
X
X   4.4  MAKING CONTACT
x

When the time to make connect finally arrives, everyone is eager to move forward. Contact should be made when you are ready. Don't let others force or influence when you make contact! There are some basic things to remember about reaching out to someone that doesn't know that they have been the main focus of your life for some time. Contact may be the most difficult part of the search process. It becomes important to determine if the letter or the phone call is going to be your mode of contact. Many factors play in this decision. The most important thing to remember is - CONTACT IS THE FIRST IMPRESSION MADE AFTER MANY YEARS OF SEPARATION! It is time to put your best foot forward. How to chose between letter or phone?

Selecting the phone call or the letter depends on the information you have been able to gain during your search. You may have a full address and phone number. Or you may just have the address or phone number. It is not always necessary to obtain all information, if you are certain that the information you do have is accurate.

Many searching want to have all information about the family member before contact. That is not necessary. Learning about your family member can come after your contact has been made. Over investigation may be viewed by the receiver as an invasion of privacy! Once you are sure that you have the correct information, it is important to determine your contact method. You can be thinking about this during the search process. This all depends on YOU! It is time to look deep inside yourself and ask how you would like to be contacted if the shoe was on the other foot. Ask yourself if you would like to be contacted by a simple letter. Or would you prefer to receive a phone call. You know if you are a letter person. You know if you are a phone person. There is a good chance that your family member may have similar feelings as you.

There are many different views on the phone call vs. the letter contact. There are not any right or wrong answers to this question.  As stated above, it is important for you to determine what is the best form for you to follow.

**THE PHONE CALL
The phone call is the direct way of reaching the person and having an instant answer to your important questions. It allows you to hear the receiver's voice. You get at true sense of how they feel about being contacted. When making the phone call you are able to make sure you are speaking to the right person and no one else can intercept the call.

Simple suggestions to prepare for the call:

Make your call at a reasonable time. Don't call early in the morning or late at night. Always be aware of time zone differences. It is not considered proper to call before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. It is not the best idea to call anyone at work. It may be against company policy to receive personal calls or it could disrupt their work day.

It is not advised to call during the dinner hour. We know that the dinner hour is not the same in all homes. If you know there are children within the home, it is likely that there will be dinner preparation and family time going on anywhere between 5:00 thru 8:00 p.m.

It is not appropriate to call on a holiday. Many  searching want to attach the contact with a birthday or a holiday. This is not always appropriate. Making the holiday an important part of your contact may set you up for hurt feelings and disappointment.

Have someone with you when you make the call. Many times the callers have actually lost the ability to speak due to total excitement. It is a good idea to have someone there to step in, if necessary. It is nice to have someone with you after you get off the phone for sharing.

Record the call if you can. Many answer machines have 2-way calling which should allow you to record the call. Have several tapes handy in case your call is lengthy! The excitement level is so high when making the call, many don't remember much of the call until days later.

Make sure that you have time for a lengthy call. You don't want to feel rushed. Make sure that children are cared for in another room or away from your home. This is not the time for that kind of interruption!

If you can use the *70 feature of blocking any incoming calls, it is best to do that before dialing. You don't want to be interrupted by other calls at this time. If you don't know about *70, call your local phone company and inquire if this feature is available to you. If you are not able to block call-waiting. DON'T ANSWER CALLS COMING IN. IF IT IS IMPORTANT THE PERSON WILL CALL BACK. This is not the time to be interrupted by a busy phone!

Be prepared when making the phone call. Have some questions written down ahead of time so that you will be able to gain the specific information you seek. Write your questions on lined paper and leave blanks for taking notes. These may be very important to you at a later time. You may wish to rehearse your call with someone, so that you know what you will be saying in the beginning of the call.

Don't leave a contact message on an answering machine. This contact is far to important to leave on a machine! If you have tried to reach the person several times, and there is never an answer, try calling at a different time. They may work unusual hours. If you are calling during a holiday or vacation time, keep in mind they may be away.

When you have reached the correct person-speak clearly  and slowly, but not unnaturally. Ask if they have time to talk privately, because you have something you would like to discuss with them of a personal nature. They will most likely ask who you are at this point. Give them your name and ask that they write it down with your phone number, in
case, you get disconnected for any reason.

Then it will be time to start into why you are calling. It can be very simple by stating the birth date involved with your search and the location of the birth. If this doesn't get an instant response, then you will have to mention adoption. From this point on, the conversation will take on a life of it's own. If you become overly excited, take a  deep breath. This will calm you down and allow the receiver to respond.

Keep in mind that this is a shock to the other person, even if they are thrilled that you have made contact. Their mind may be working a mile a minute trying to determine how they are going to deal with this in their life. There may be many pauses in their conversation.

You, as the caller, will have to allow them time to process and keep the conversation going. Be prepared! If the receiver denies the relationship, have some prepared points of fact available in your notes to ask them. But don't hit them with a barrage of questions. This may frighten them and put an end to the conversation.  If the receiver becomes upset and doesn't wish to continue the call. Understand that they may need some time to think things over. Offer to contact them at another time. Or offer that they call you back. It is not good to push the issue if the receiver is not able to continue with this call.

Kindness and understanding is the word of the day!  Never make promises that you cannot keep. If the receiver is upset and doesn't want you to contact again. Don't make that promise! So many times the caller makes promises that they know in their heart will not be kept. Just be understanding and end the conversation.

Of course, you wish that your contact will be well received. You should be prepared for the possibility of a negative reaction. This doesn't mean that there will not be a relationship. It may only mean that the receiver needs time to share this with family or someone close to them. You have had the time to process your feelings during the search.  Plus you have been able to understand the reason for the search and contact. Now, you may have to give some needed time to the receiver. It is hard to be patient, when you are so excited and are wishing for an immediate and open acceptance.

Patience is the key!

In all cases, it is appropriate to follow up the phone call with a letter and pictures. Do this very soon. If you have received a less than positive response, sending a kind and tender letter of reassurance with pictures may make all of the difference in the world.

**USING AN INTERMEDIARY
Many searchers and organizations encourage the use of an intermediary person for contact. Don't feel pressured into using this form of contact, if you are not comfortable with it. There is always the chance that a well intended person could jeopardize your contact. You will never know for sure if the contact goes poorly.

If you wish to use an intermediary, make sure they have experience in making contact. They should be totally familiar with your search. And if at all possible, you should be there when the call is made. All of the suggestions about the phone call apply to the intermediary call. Many states now have Intermediary Systems in place for the search and contact. In those states, you will need to follow the rules that apply.

**THE LETTER
The letter is a very nice way of reaching out after many years of separation. It allows the receiver to read the letter over and over. It becomes a keepsake forever 

The letter does take time for a reply. It is not as instant as the phone call. But it may be the best way of reaching out if you are not a phone person. It maybe the only method available if you have not been able to obtain an accurate phone number (more and more people are requesting non-published phone numbers, this makes the letter your only option).

Many are concerned that the letter may fall into the wrong hands. In most case, this doesn't happen. Make sure you address the letter correctly. It is not advisable to send the letter by registered or certified mail. This only brings attention to the letter and may cause problems within the household. It seems that many times anyone can sign for a registered letter, so there is not really a guarantee the person it was addressed to got it!

Go greeting card shopping. There are many lovely blank cards available that would be very appropriate for a first contact. You may even find a card that does state your feelings exactly. Take some time and you will find something that is right for you. If your contact is in a card, it will probably not draw any undo attention within the  household.

**WRITING THE LETTER
Even if you end up making a phone call, it is a good exercise to write a letter to clarify your thoughts and get ready for the contact.

Writing the letter doesn't need to be an overwhelming task. The letter should be short and simple. Always keep in mind that this is your first contact in many years. It is not the time to express sorrows and great needs. It is a simple contact asking for communication.

The letter doesn't need to be lengthy. It can be as short as 5 paragraphs! The following is a simple listing of the paragraphs and the kind of information you may wish to express in your first contact.

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph. State your name and the connection date of birth. Offer the city and state. Then state your triad position in relationship to them.

The second paragraph is a good place to say why you have written. Keep this simple! It is not the time to express deep pain, hurt or unfortunate circumstances pertaining to your adoption experience. Simply state that you wish to share medical and heritage information or to gain this information.

You may wish to state that you have always wanted to learn more about the other person.

In this paragraph you can state some data about yourself. It is not necessary to tell your life story. That will come after you have received a reply. You may wish to share your education, family structure and interests.

This is the paragraph where you state what you want. You may wish to receive a letter or phone reply. You may want to state that this letter may be shared with the adoptive or birth families. If pictures are very important to you, state that here. You may want to ask for letters, phone conversations or a possible meeting. Keep in mind not to ask for too much in the beginning. Your contact may be overwhelming, be understanding that asking too many questions may offend or confuse the receiver. (For adoptees-this is not the place to ask who your birthfather is!)

The closing paragraph should state how they can reach you. If a collect call is acceptable, state that. Make sure you offer the best times to reach you. This is very important for those that have odd work hours. Or if you are not comfortable with the phone at this time, ask that they write you back. Always ask for a note of acknowledgment. This will inform the receiver that you are waiting for a reply.

Selection of a closing word or phrase is difficult for many. Select a word that you feel comfortable writing: Always, Fondly, Love, Sincerely, Yours, etc. You will need to find the word that fits you best. You may wish to include a picture or two in your letter. A picture is worth a thousand words. Of course, only send pictures that are flattering! It is not possible to sit down once and write the perfect letter.

Plan on writing several drafts before formulating your final letter. Take out some lined paper (lines help keep your thoughts in order.) Write a letter. Then put it away. Then, write another letter. Write as many as you need. Then take out all of your letters and mark the parts you like the best.

With those marked portions, write a new letter. This way you will be able to express yourself well. Once you have come up with the letter you feel shares your feelings and wishes, have someone else read your letter-a friend, spouse, your searcher or group leader. Accept their remarks and suggestions on if you agree with them. If you are not a great speller or your grammar is not the best, make sure you have someone review your letter for spelling and grammar. You would hate to find that the person you are writing to is a English teacher!

Then make a final draft of your letter. Reread your letter and decide it if expresses your feelings and needs for this first contact. Write you letter in the card you have purchased or write it on separate paper to be inserted in the card. If your handwriting is not readable, it is appropriate to type your letter. But state this is why it is typed. Otherwise, always hand write your letter. It is more personal. Address the envelope and get it ready to mail.

If you are not ready to send the letter, put it out where you can see it daily. Ask yourself when you see it, if this is the day to mail it? You will know in your heart the right day! Most like to take the letter to the post office and drop it into the slot to guarantee that it is mailed.

Now, you will have to wait for the letter to be delivered and processed by the receiver. This does take time. You may become concerned that you didn't hear back the day the letter should have been received. Don't let this get you down. Remember how long it took you to write the letter. It may take the receiver that much and more time to process and reply. Or they may just pick up the phone.

Waiting for a Reply-What to do if you have not heard back in a couple weeks? Wait at least two more weeks! The letter is a slower way of receiving a response. But it does offer the receiver time to process and reply. The receiver is not aware that you are sitting on the edge of your seat and that you have developed a close relationship with your postal carrier as you wait at the mailbox daily!  All they know is that they need to reply, but the sense of urgency may not be there.

If you have not received a reply in 4-6 weeks, you may wish to place a phone call. Or simply write a new note stating that their reply is of great importance to you. You should not have to totally rewrite the letter.

**OTHER SUGGESTIONS
Knocking on the door is NOT acceptable. It has been done with great success, but by confronting someone without warning may start the reunion off on the wrong footing. This action may take years to recapture.

Many times a drive-by may be possible. If you are able to do this-don't stop and stare. Don't bring attention to  yourself. That last thing you want is to have a neighbor calling the police because they have an active Neighborhood Watch program in effect!

Always keep in mind that you are looking into the lives of others that are not aware of your search. Be respectful on all accounts. It will pay off.


X X X X X
X
X   5.1  STATE BIRTH CERTIFICATE CODES
X

For instance 142-67-123456 the 142 is the State Identication code, i.e. 142 is Texas; the 67 is the year of birth, i.e. 1967; and the 123456, is your unique number.

For instance 123456-67 the 67 is the year of birth, i.e. 1967; and the 123456, is your unique number.

AK - 150
AL - 101
AR - 103
AZ - 102
CA - 104
CO - 105
CT - 106
DC - 108
DE - 107
FL - 109
GA - 110?
HI - 151
IA - 114
ID - 111
IL - 112
IN - 113
KS - 115
KY - 116
LA - 117 or 157
MA - 120?
MD - 119 or 154
ME - 118
MI - 121
MN - 122
MO - 124
MS - 123
MT - 125
NC - 132
ND - 133
NE - 126
NH - 128?
NJ - 129
NM - 130
NV - 127
NY - 131? or 156
OH - 134
OK - 135
OR - 136
PA - 137?
RI - 138
SC - 139
SD - 140
TN - 141
TX - 142
UT - 144
VA - 145
VT - 143?
WA - 146
WI - 148
WV - 147
WY - 149

It appears as though not all states adhere to the federal system, namely NH, PA The numbers with a question mark are states that I cannot verify the number and am just guessing. It appears as though MD and NY issue a completely new number to adoptees. The fourth and fifth digits in the bc number signify the year on all.

The explanation given from an IL hospital is the last six numbers are sequential numbers issued to hospitals in group lots of a given number, ie, Jones Hospital would get 000001 thru 000500, and Smith Hospital would get 000501 thru 001000. When the hospital uses up all its assigned numbers it requests more from the state.


X X X X X  
X
X   5.2  WHAT STATES CHANGED WHAT INFORMATION
X

We have all heard rumors that states changed
information/falsified information, thus leading the adoptee down the wrong trail when looking. Since, unfortunately, this is the case in many states, I am working on compiling a list of What States Changed What Information. The credit for the below information can be given - for the most part - to Kate Workman  - who already had a list in progress. I am passing her list, plus what I accumulate on my own, on to you, so that you may reference it prior to attempting to find your match on the registry. Good luck and happy hunting everyone.

ARIZONA
Amended birth certificate looks like normal birth certificate. Adoptees in the state of Arizona may not even know that they are adopted.

FLORIDA
Date and/or City of birth. Florida will change the city/county of birth to reflect that of the intermediary or the adoptive parents. It is believed that Florida stopped changing dates of birth around 1972 or 1973, though this has not been substantiated.

GEORGIA
Date of birth; and/or birthplace. Non-id. Georgia will change the city/county of birth to reflect that of the birthparents. This may carry over state lines, when involving GA/TN or GA/AL adoptions. There have been reports that GA has changed dates of birth by more than a year. Also, non-id, inclusive of medical history, has been falsified.

INDIANA
Date of birth. Change of date of birth. Also, like Arizona, amended birth certificate looks like original. People in Indiana may not even be aware that they are adopted.

MARYLAND
City of birth. A reunited Adoptees birth certificate shows she
was born in Maryland. However, she was actually born in
Washington, DC.

MICHIGAN
Date of birth and Falsification of Non-id information.

MISSISSIPPI
Date of birth. Mississippi STILL allows the change of date of birth bytwo weeks either way.

NORTH CAROLINA
City of birth. Changed to reflect that of adoptive parents.

RHODE ISLAND
City/State of birth. An adoptee born in Massachusetts birth certificate stated she was born in Rhode Island. Home of her adoptive parents.

TEXAS
City and Date of birth. Allows changing of city of birth and date of birth. However, year of birth is never changed.

WASHINGTON DC
City of birth. Those born in Washington DC, may find that their birth certificate states they were born in the city and state of their adoptive parents.


X X X X X
X
X   5.3  MANY STATE LAWS
X

ADOPTION STATUTES and Legislative Code by State and Country
http://www.plumsite.com/shea/states.html

FLORIDA STATUTES AND CONSTITUTION
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/citizen/documents/statutes/index.html  

LAW SITES ON THE WEB:
http://www.law.indiana.edu/law/v-lib/lawindex.html 
http://www.netsmartinc.com/lawlinks.htm  
http://www.lawofficecomputing.com 
http://www.fdn.net 
http://www.lawresearch.com/v2/casedex.htm 
http://www.lawsource.com  
http://www.findlaw.com 
http://www.llrx.com 
http://www.lectlaw.com 
http://www.catalaw.com  

MISSOURI In 1989, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge ruled that .....
http://www.missouri.edu/~foiwww/access/vital.html

OBTAIN VITAL RECORDS
http://vitalrec.com/index.html#territories 

STATE BY STATE LAWS & LEGISLATIONS
http://www.webcom.com/~kmc/adoption/adoption.html  


X X X X X
X
X   6.  FEELINGS
X

THE TRANSFORMATIONAL PORTAL - sharing with others will unburden
http://adoptionsearching.com/trans.html

THOUGHTS, EXPERIENCES, FEELINGS and People Resources
http://adoptionsearching.com/resource.html

THE UNBARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING ADOPTED.
This essay exploring the objective complex of adoptee ethos and relatedness deprivation from the perspective of some 700+ adoptees through the largest adoptee study of it's kind. While it's clearly scientific it is also a review of all the aspects.
http://www.netaxs.com/~sparky/adoption/sir.htm


X X X X X
X
X   7.1  WORLD WIDE REGISTRY SEARCH ENGINE
X

*THE FIRST SEARCH BOX - http://adoptionsearching.com/dejaform.html

The first search box is for our online database search. It's a free-form search with entries separated by spaces.

*DATES

/67
will all find entries containing a slash followed by a six and a seven

/67 gra
will search for all the entries containing /67 and words like gray, gravy, etc.

Dates are supposed to be entered as M/D/YY. Like 5/1/67, but, the database is not perfect, it is has evolved over many years, people used to enter the dates in their own format, so try alternative formats.

Instead of searching on 5/1/67 - a better strategy is 5/ 1/ /67 -- note the space in between this will catch entries like 05/01/67.

*AUTOMATIC EMAIL REDIRECION FOR CONFIDENTIAL ENTRIES

For confidential entries click on the ID number to send an email. The auto-responder program that answers our email will automatically redirect your email to the other party.

*THE REMAINING SEARCH BOXES

The remain search boxes are filtered searches of our newsgroup archive designed to extract search related postings.


X X X X X
X
X   7.2  ABOUT THE WORLD WIDE REGISTRY
X

Matching adoptees with birthFamilies and rebuilding the lost birth index. The largest free user maintained database - 35,000 people 02/00.

Registrations are automatically echoed to hundreds of other registries and adoption related listservers.

For public registrations our online search engine provides the email address of the other party, enabling immediate contact.

For Confidential registrations the identifying information is removed. Inquiries are sent to the confidential party using email redirection from the search engine.

Our people database containing roughly 10% of the U.S. population can be used to search for the recent location.

Creator of the alt.adoption.searching newsgroup.

DAVID T. GRAY - Since 1993


X X X X X
X
X   8.  POLITICAL ACTION
X

A.B.O.R.N. (Adoptee Birthparent Open Records Nationwide)
http://members.tripod.com/ABORN.Webring/Aborn/index.html

PETITION FOR CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT TO OPEN RECORDS
http://members.tripod.com/ABORN.Webring/Aborn/Petition.htm

MAM2000 ADOPTEE & BIRTHPARENT MARCH 07-15-2000
http://members.aol.com/deitrahs/MAM.html

GOODBYE 20/20, MAURY & 21,ABCNEWS, SALLY, MONTEL, REGIS & WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, JERRY SPRINGER AND ANY SHOWS ON ABC: READ HERE WHY I BAN AND BOYCOTT ABC!!!
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/2991/boycottabc.html

OREGON ADOPTIVE RIGHTS (search & Post)
http://www.oara.org  


X
X X X X X

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