Kathy, It seems that you have us all intrigued! There have been some great suggestions that I hope will prove helpful. I am inclined to think that he was not a 'stolen' child, as the family does not fit the profile. Rather, I think the answer lies within the family system (I think you think that, too!) Some questions for clarification... what year was your husband born? Was there a father listed on his birth certificate? Was he born in the same town (San Bernadino) as the 'adoptive' family? It is possible he was a foster child, even informally, as in days of old many agencies didn't do a thorough background check to find out the creepiness. That' one reason to check the local government agency. But a more compelling reason is this...the reason why Tom's step-bro is in prison. If the disclosures were made before the children were 16, there would have to have been an investigation to convict, and that would have involved the local child protection services. There must be a family file that did a family assessment and that provided the 'evidence'. Tom (I think that is your husband?) would have access to that (you wouldn't!). Prison-guy's children may know something. Prison-guy's behaviour came from somewhere. Check Tom's step-dad. (I know he is dead but someone knows the family secret....) Does Tom remember a 'nice lady' who would visit or pay him attention? Favourite aunt? Were there any Lattie's in the family system? Perhaps someone's maiden name. Check city directories for the years around Tom's birth. Look for step family and the neighbours, as well as Rebecca's family. Somebody knows something. Does Tom have access to police files? although I suppose that would be a conflict of interest! Keep us posted, we are all trying to find resources!! Wendy

Hi, Kathy. I find it inspiring that everyone's heart has gone out to you and your husband. I may have missed it, but have you considered having DNA analysis done? Also, there must be some agency or "adoptive parents search" group, who may assist you in your search, possibly free of charge. Hiring a private investigator, if financially feasible, might be an alternative - they have access to alot of personal information and could look at his "parents" background. Does you husband have any early recollections that might give clues? For example, of visitors (I know someone suggested this already)? Best of luck, and don't give up. I have a distant cousin who, with his siblings, were brought up as orphans and sent to Australia as Barnardos Boys. Later on when UK law changed and allowed access to records, he found that his parents hadn't died until much later. It was their economic situation that had made them abandon the children. He has since found his ancestors, and living relatives as well. Dawn ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robt & Wendy Stevenson" <stevensons@odyssey.on.ca> To: <nir-down@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 9:26 AM Subject: Re: [NIR-DOWN] I need to pick your brains=off topic > Kathy, > It seems that you have us all intrigued! There have been some great > suggestions that I hope will prove helpful. I am inclined to think that > he > was not a 'stolen' child, as the family does not fit the profile. > Rather, > I think the answer lies within the family system (I think you think that, > too!)