Greg, When the confidential intermediary is appointed by the court to assist the adoptee to find the birth parents, or by a birth parent to find the adopted child, there is no contact between the parties unless both sides agree. Reading RCW 26.33.343, the confidential intermediary signs, under penalty of contempt of court, a statement of confidentiality, to follow specific rules to maintain the confidentiality for all sides. This even extends to the case of a petition filed on behalf of a natural parent or other blood relative of the adoptee, when written consent of any living adoptive parent shall be obtained prior to contact with the adoptee if the adoptee is less than 25 years of age and is residing with the adoptive parent, or is less than 25 years of age and is a dependent of the adoptive parent. As far a a "civilian" helping an adoptee find a birth parent using other than confidential records, I would suggest the assisting searcher should first consider whether they believe that the adoptee has a "higher right" to find out who the birth parents and siblings are and what in the family's medical history may effect the adoptee. Many reunions turn out wonderfully, but some can be very disappointing and angry. This is where I believe the confidential intermediary can safeguard both sides, not necessarily from disappointment, but from a traumatic, ill-prepared meeting. Bob Witherspoon