Adoption
Record Search
Special conditions and limitations apply to each type of search. A caring professional social worker at Catholic Charities is available to discuss your situation and the options available to you.
Who can search?
The following people may request an adoption record search in the State of Connecticut:
Adult adoptee Biological sibling of adoptee Birthparent What's the law? Adoptive parent Non-Identifying Information:
An adoptee, age 18 or older, can request non-identifying background and medical information. The information shared is from data in the original case record. Catholic Charities requires that such a request be made in a notarized letter with two photocopied forms of I.D. attached, one of which must be a photo I.D. A fee of $100.00 is charged for this service.Search:
An adoptee, age 18 or older, can request a search to locate his/her birthparent(s). Catholic Charities is required to search for the birthparent(s) and to request his/her/their written consent and agreement to participation in the search/reunion process.A search request must be in the form of a notarized letter with two photocopied forms of I.D. attached, one of which must be a photo I.D. An in-person interview may be required. A $250.00 fee will be requested when the search is opened.
Adoption Reunion Registry:
The agency maintains an "Adoption Reunion Registry" in which an adoptee, age 18 or older, can register. This form is maintained in the adoptee’s file and serves as a waiver of confidentiality should the birthparent contact the agency for identifying information. Registration forms are available from the agency and must be notarized. There is no fee for this service.
Back to top
Non-Identifying Information:
Birthparents can request a copy of the information they provided to the agency at the time they made a plan of adoption for their child. They can update their record; however, the adoptee will not be notified. Information remains in the record and is given only if the adoptee or adoptive parent of a child under 18 years of age requests it. The request must be made in a notarized letter with two forms of photocopied I.D. attached, one of which must be a photo ID There is no fee for this service.Search:
As of October 1, 1995, birthparents whose parental rights were terminated may initiate a search for their birthchild who is 18 years of age or older. If both birthparents were involved in the adoption plan, both must consent to the search in order to protect confidentiality. Putative fathers may initiate a search with written consent from the birthmother.A search request must be written in the form of a notarized letter with two forms of photocopied ID attached, one of which must be a photo ID. A $250.00 fee will be requested when the search is opened. An in-person interview may be required.
Adoption Reunion Registry:
The agency maintains an "Adoption Reunion Registry" in which birthparents can register. This form is maintained in the birthparent’s file and serves as a waiver of confidentiality should the adoptee contact the agency for identifying information. Birthfathers may register only if they were legal party to the termination of parental rights or with the birthmother’s consent. Registration forms are available from the agency and must be notarized. There is no fee for this service.Non-Identifying Information:
In Connecticut, since 1977, all adoptive parents have received written, standardized, non-identifying background and medical information prior to the finalization of their child’s adoption. Information shared is from data in the original record. Adoptive families who did not receive such information can request it prior to their adopted child’s 18th birthday. After the 18th birthday, a request must be submitted by the adoptee. A fee of $100.00 is charged for this service. The request must be in the form of a notarized letter with two photocopied forms of I.D. attached, one of which must be a photo I.D.Identifying Information:
Catholic Charities cannot release identifying information to the adoptive parents regarding their adoptive child’s birthparent(s).Search:
The adult biological sibling of an adult adoptee (age 18 or older) can request a search to locate his/her adopted sibling. Catholic Charities is required to search for the sibling and to request his/her written consent and agreement to participation in the search/reunion process. The written consent of the birthparents is required before we begin the search if their parental rights were terminated prior to October 1, 1995. If parental rights were terminated after October 1, 1995, written consent of the birthparents is not required.A search request must be in the form of a notarized letter with two photocopied forms of ID attached, one of which must be a photo ID An in-person interview may be required. There may be a waiting list for this service and the $250.00 fee will be requested when the search is opened.
Adoption Reunion Registry:
The agency maintains an "Adoption Reunion Registry" in which an adult biological sibling of an adoptee can register. This form is maintained in the adoptee’s file and serves as a waiver of confidentiality should the adoptee contact the agency for identifying information. Written consent of the birthparents is required prior to relinquishing any identifying information if the birthparents’ parental rights were terminated prior to October 1, 1995. Registration forms are available from the agency and must be notarized. There is no fee for this service.What's the law?
Catholic Charities adheres to the Search Law Amendments effective October 1, 1995, contained within current Connecticut Adoption Law (P.A. 95-179, H.5486).
All written requests for an adoption record search should include as much information as possible (date of birth, maiden name, etc.) in order to assist us to serve you better.
The agency endeavors to provide all requested services in a timely manner. When search requests exceed service capacity, a waiting list is established, with requests processed in the order in which they are received.
All searches are conducted in an ethical and professional manner. In the event that reasonable time and proper procedures fail to locate such person or persons being sought, the agency will assess the merits of continuing the endeavor with the person who initiated the search. An additional fee will be charged if the agency is authorized to continue the search.
