As long as I have been doing genealogy, I never really delved deeply into adoption research. I have had good reason to do it – I have adopted siblings, and a few of my DNA matches have been adopted or otherwise disconnected from their biological parents. Yet, I have been reluctant to go beyond the basics. It is a daunting a task, and it seems that I should know more about the ins and outs of DNA to be effective. However, I recently contributed to a MyHeritage article about finding one’s biological family, and I am more motivated to do more of this kind of work than ever. I never realized how many ways a brick wall could be built. In terms of how a person could be separated from his or her biological family of origin, I learned that there are more possibilities than a non-paternity event…there could be fostering situations, adoptions – open and closed, in state, transnational and international – and even abductions. This highlights the reality that searching for biological family members is a complex process. Whether you are an adoptee or a genealogist who is researching on an adoptee’s behalf, I hope to give you some simple ideas about how to begin adoption research.
Careful attention should be placed on being emotionally and psychologically prepared for the journey. One of the most important things you can do before you start adoption research is to gather your psychological resources. That is, reflect on what will guide or support you in this arduous process. First, what is your vision, and what are you willing to do to create it? AmericanAdoptions suggests that adoptees consider their overall goals and potential responses if they don’t find what or whom they’re seeking. Secondly, determine the people and resources (e.g., financial, time) that will be useful in this process. Can you count on particular family members or friends? Who should you avoid consulting or interviewing?
Of course, DNA is the best strategy for identifying biological relatives. Autosomal (atDNA) testing can help connect you with siblings, aunts and uncles, and close cousins, while y-DNA testing for males may help you determine paternal relationship. Taking tests with multiple companies and uploading DNA to sites that aggregate that data (e.g., GEDMatch) will maximize results. Of course there are risks to sharing DNA, but, if you are inclined to proceed, there are many strategies you can use to assist you in analyzing and interpreting your findings…and possibly discovering biological relatives. Here are some links you might find helpful:
- Genetic genealogists: Blaine Bettinger and Dana Leeds
- https://www.ancestry.com/c/dna-learning-hub
- https://education.myheritage.com/learn/dna/all/recent/
- https://isogg.org/wiki/Beginners%27_guides_to_genetic_genealogy
DNA testing can pose a few obstacles, such as paying for tests and getting matches to respond to communications; fortunately, there are other ways you might be able to get useful information about your biological family. Lori Carangelo’s The Ultimate Search Book: Worldwide Adoption, Genealogy & Other Search Secrets outlines a plethora of resources for those searching for their biological relatives. She shares strategies, case examples, and state-based, national, and international sources, as well as a list of questions that may guide adoptees’ interviews and consultations with parents, adoption agencies,and courts. Aside from the most obvious suggestions to ask the close or adoptive family who might know about your biological relatives, here are some compelling strategies:
- Consolidate the information you have, gathering what you know from records, documents, and family members. As Carangelo advises, organize a list of “all known names, dates, and places” – those related to your birth and the adoption or other separation event and those of adoption agencies or lawyers. Add any facts, about biological and adoptive parents and relatives, both identifying and non-identifying.
- Request the complete hospital record of your birth (including the “statistical” or “index” card) or the petition/final decree of adoption or divorce/custody papers.
- Educate yourself about the laws and policies of the state where the separation event occurred. For example, in Texas, adoption court records are sealed and may be released only by court order, except under certain circumstances.
- Look for “DNA angels” – people whose mission and special skills will lead you to your treasured information, and connect with adoptee networks and social media groups that are geared toward using DNA to identify biological relatives.
- Enroll in registries specifically designated for adoptees and missing persons. For example, Texas’ Department of Health and Human Services operates the Central Adoption Registry for adult adoptees, birth parents, or siblings who would like to locate each other.
- Review and cull your information and notes for details that you may have missed or that take on new meaning throughout your journey.
Whether you’re just beginning to search for your (or someone else’s) biological family, you’ve decided to meet them, or you’re somewhere in between, be sure that you evaluate your readiness for the process, and follow the suggestions presented in this article. Then, you (or the adoptee you’re helping) will be equipped to start tackling adoption research in your genealogy work.
The Genealogy Griot 