How to Do a DCFS Search for Adopted Children

Reunite with adopted family members

If a child in your family was adopted through a state agency such as DCFS, CPS or HHS, you may be able to use that agency's search service to find information about her and make contact.

Instructions

1. Check the regulations and restrictions on adopted child searches in your state. Each state's agency has different restrictions on who can search for an adoptee's records and under what circumstances. Visit your state agency's website or call an agency representative and make sure that you and your situation fit those restrictions. You may be allowed to request a search only if you are the child's birth parent, for instance, or if he has reached 21 years of age, or for the purpose of communicating important medical and genetic information.

2. Download and print a search request form from the state agency's website, if it's available there, or call the agency and ask to pick one up in person or have it mailed to you. Fill out the form.

3. Review the agency's regulations, and make a list of all the materials required along with your forms. You may only be required to submit the search request form, or you may also have to present identification and additional documents. Make copies of the documents you have in case something happens to your search request. Get forms and documents notarized if this is a requirement in your state.

4. Call or visit your agency one more time, with your request form and all other documents and materials in hand. Discuss your materials with an agency employee and make sure that you haven't overlooked any requirements or steps in the process. Once you're sure that your paperwork is complete, submit the search request to the agency.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give up hope if your state won't allow you to request a search. Birth parents can still give consent to contact, which makes their information available to the child should she ever seek contact, and all birth relatives can join reunion registries. (See Resources).

• Even if a lot of information about the search request process is available on the agency's website, don't just visit the website. It's especially important that you talk to a live person to make sure the online information is complete and up to date.

• Even if you only have a little information about the child you're trying to find, answer as many questions as you can and be as detailed and thorough as possible..

• If you are a birth or first parent, consider joining a support group to help you through what can be an emotional process. Many communities for birth parents exist online, as well. (See Resources.)

• Be particular with your paperwork--even if it seems like a tiny detail, any omission or deviation from procedure may make your state agency reject your request and you'll have to start over.

References

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
• Georgia DFCS Adoption Services: Reunion Registry
• Wisconsin Department of Children and Families: Adoption Record Search Program

Resources

• Sunflower Birthmom Support Group
• International Soundex Reunion Registry