Why Should I Use an Adoption Registry?

There are many ways to conduct research for birth families, with many different tools accessible to guide you toward a reunion. Right now, the tool mostly highlighted in the news is DNA testing, but that is just one route. There are many tried and true methods that have been around for decades. Through a reunion registry, families have reunited successfully for a long time.

According to Wikipedia, “An adoption reunion registry is a formal mechanism where adoptees and their birth family members can be reunited. Registries may be free or charge fees, be facilitated by non-profit organizations, government agencies, or private businesses. Generally, such adoption registries exist only in countries which practiced closed adoption.”

There are two types of adoption reunion registry available. A passive registry is one that usually exists online and allows both parties to post whatever information they have at their disposal. The next party shows up and searches through the registry. They recognize keywords or dates and find a connection.

Another type of registry is active; where you would need to register with the registration staff. The staff enters your information in the system, and if someone submits information that matches yours, then the staff will inform you of the match. So you can choose what route you will take toward your reunion.

Sometimes, medical information or history will be shared, regardless of whether or not there is a desire for a reunion. Registries are a non-intrusive way to relay information. They allow you to make connections easily with others that may not be aware of other searching techniques.

Ashley Foster is a freelance writer. She is a wife and mother of two currently residing in Florida. She loves taking trips to the beach with her husband and sons. As an infant, she was placed with a couple in a closed adoption. Ashley was raised with two sisters who were also adopted. In 2016, she was reunited with her biological family. She advocates for adoptees’ rights and DNA testing for those who are searching for family. Above all, she is thankful that she was given life. You can read her blog at //ashleysfoster.blogspot.com/.