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Policy Manual
ADOPTION SERVICES

41-40-8
"Search" - Requests for Identifying Information

Policy The Office of Foster and Adoption Services search consultant shall conduct a search for birth parent(s), birth relatives or adult adoptees as requested by an adult adoptee, adoptable person or birth parents in accordance with CONN. GEN. STAT. §45a-743 through 45a-757.
Definitions Adult adoptee or adopted person means a person over the age of eighteen (18) who was adopted under the laws of this state or who was adopted in another jurisdiction, but whose birth parents have had their parental rights terminated in this state.

Adoptable person means a person over the age of eighteen (18) who has not been adopted, but whose birth parents have had their parental rights terminated under the laws of this state.
Receipt of Request When an eligible applicant requests identifying information and/or a meeting with his/her birth parent(s), sibling(s), or adopted child, the OFAS worker shall explain the procedures as required by law.

The OFAS worker shall

  • determine the requester’s search preference identification (birth mother, birth father, siblings, etc.).
  • obtain and review the closed adoption record(s) to determine if there has been any Adoption Reunion Registry contact with the person being searched since the parental rights were terminated
  • check the Adoption Reunion Registry to determine consent, withdrawal of consent or refusal to have contact or release information.

(See Attachments A-E in the hard copy manual)
Consent Form Form DCF-2065, "Consent Form" is used to document the individual’s consent or refusal to share information with the searcher.
Personal Interview The adult adoptee or birth parent must have a personal interview with an OFAS worker or, if the person lives out of state, an adoption agency or licensed counselor in the area where they live. The OFAS worker will send a letter to the agency identifying the subject matter to be covered during the interview .
Interview with Adult Adoptee Many birth parents have had emotional problems and drug and alcohol involvement. Since the OFAS worker can never know what to expect or even predict if the relatives can be located, the adoptee needs to be prepared for any eventuality, especially if it is determined that the relatives are deceased. Also, birth relatives, out of their own need, may want more of a relationship than the adult adoptee is prepared for.

Topics for discussion in the interview include:

  • what the adoptee already knows of his/her adoption and birth family
  • the adoptee’s childhood
  • the adoptee’s current life situation
  • the adoptee’s motivation for searching now
  • the adoptee’s expectations about their birth family
  • what kind of contact would the adoptee initially prefer; i.e., letter, telephone call or personal contact
  • what does the adoptee expect from or hope for their birth family; i.e., just information or on-going contact
  • what is the adoptee prepared for.

The adoptee needs to be prepared for the following possibilities:

  • the birth parents
    • may be deceased
    • may not be able to be located
    • have the right to refuse contact with the adoptee
  • the adoptee
    • may find contact disappointing and/or difficult
    • may need some help in understanding the birth parents' feelings when the child became available for adoption and what this present contact may mean to them
    • if appropriate, may need help to understand the adoptive parents' feelings about the search.
Interview with Birth Parent Before an attempt is made to contact the adoptee, it is important to ascertain a sense of the stability and maturity of the parent.

Since may adoptees between 18-21 years of age may still be living at home and dependent upon their parents, sensitivity is important in making contact. Some adoptees may not know that they are adopted. Others may have no information about their birth history or that of their birth family and may desire that information before agreeing to have contact.

In any case, the adoptee has the right to consent or refuse to have contact.

Some of the areas and issues to be addressed in the interview with the birth parent are as follows:

  • the current life situation/style of the parent
  • the parent’s recollection regarding the relinquishment of his/her child for adoption
  • the parent’s expectations of a reunion
  • the possibility that the adoptee may not wish contact; i.e. rejection
  • implications for the adoptee and the adoptive parents
  • the current family’s understanding of the situation and support of the search
  • motivation
  • the sense of urgency
  • the appropriateness of the search.
Sources of Information The table below lists possible sources of information for the search.

If the person being searched cannot be located within the mandatory ten (10) hours allotted for the search, the searcher can petition Probate Court for release of identifying information.

 

Department records (for current information, address of birth relatives) Social Security will forward an unsealed letter to the birth relative asking them to contact the Department
City, State directories Credit bureaus/agencies
Salvation Army School records
High school and college yearbooks Local and state libraries
Census records Newspaper obituaries
Funeral homes Cemetery records
Places of employment Marriage certificate
Birth certificate Death certificate
Motor vehicles records Attending physician at time of birth
Internet Voting records
Conducting a Search To conduct the search, the OFAS worker shall follow these procedures:
  • If contacting a social service agency, identify him/herself and the Department. State the reason for the contact is to locate (name of person). Use discretion in giving the reason why.
  • When contacting other sources, use discretion as to the reason for the telephone call in order to maintain confidentiality.
  • When the birth relative can be located, discuss the search with this person:
    • Share what the Department knows about the adoptee (interview information).
    • Share with the birth parent the non-identifying information given to the adult adoptee.
    • Determine the birth parent ‘s current situation.
    • Provide options for direct or indirect contact.
    • Obtain a notarized "Consent Form", DCF-2065, to enable contact with the searcher.
  • Notify the searcher of the birth relative's decision
  • Advise both parties to proceed slowly. Both the adoptee and the birth relative may not be ready for more than one step at a time; e.g., meeting other relatives.
The Meeting The meeting may take place in the DCF office; or, the participants may, after verbal or written correspondence, decide to arrange the meeting themselves without a third party being involved.

When involved, the OFAS worker will

  • introduce the adoptee and birth relative to one another
  • remain for the meeting if the parties want the worker to be present
  • be available after the meeting and offer further meetings with either the adoptee or birth relative, if requested.
Denial of Request If the request for identifying information is denied by the Department, the adoptee shall be advised of his/her right to appeal to the Probate Court.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families Effective Date: July 15, 1997 (Revised)