Hi Everyone, This came from my Maggie_Ohio list where recently we have had some adoption reunions that were helped along by the list. I asked Susan if she would create a list of information on just that and she sent me this. Maggie ------------------------------------------------------------------ FORWARDED MESSAGE - Orig: 1-Nov-98 19:54 Subject: ADOPTION SEARCH TIPS From: SUSANPI@aol.com ------------------------------------------------------------------ ADOPTIONS Miscellaneous Information 1. You must submit authorization to the county of the adoption. If your child/parent attempts to contact you. The county will give them your information. It is very IMPORTANT to keep this up dated. Most areas will allow you to write a letter and send a picture. Depending on the agency, they will often forward the letter to the last known address. If there is no information in your file they will abide by those strict privacy laws. 2. An adoptee usually must be 21 to receive and information on their adoptions. 3. Write the hospital where you gave birth /born do not mention being adopted, just state you want your records. You may luck out and get them, and a clue! 4. Ohio's vital statistic department is in Columbus. This is like a big secret:). You can set up an appointment to search the birth index. They will give you 3 hours to search. You ask for the birth index for the year you were born . You scan the entire year for your birth date, sex and county. Write down all dates and information that is similar. While you are there ask for the birth record/certificate. ( there is a form) If they come back and tell you there is no information available. It is likely an adoption. You will then have the mother's name and possibly the fathers. This is a major job and takes hours, they have 2 machines - but will only schedule you to one, BUT if no one else is there looking you can use both machines. So take someone with you. Also you may want to take eye drops. NOTE: Columbus has the original BIRTH INDEXthe birth index's in the library and other areas have been altered with the adopted parents listed. YOU MUST USE THE COLUMBUS BIRTH INDEX - The vital statistic department with not tell you that the original birth mothers name is on the index! 5. If you have your birth mother or fathers name - it is a lot easier:) 6. Never give up, you may have important information or clues, that will lead to the name or a connection ==== Maggie_Ohio Mailing List ==== !^NavFont02F07FB0007NGHHNFC31D0