Being adopted is a significant part of your story, and we understand it comes with complex emotions and experiences. Whether you’re looking to connect with other adopted individuals, find therapeutic resources, or get advice on how to navigate the search and reunion process, NCFA is a trusted source here to help.
Resources:
"Having faced the challenge of searching for a trusted resource to help me through the search and reunion process, I know firsthand how important it is for adopted individuals to have confidence in the information they receive. NCFA is the leading adoption advocacy organization and has the expert resources to help adopted individuals make the most informed decisions. In fact, my belief in the mission of NCFA to serve the entire adoption community is so strong that I asked to join the board and have been a member for over six years!"
- Mike T.
Adoption is a lifelong journey.
We know the journey of adoption doesn’t end when the papers are signed. Being adopted impacts your life in new ways all the time, whether you’re four or 42. We recognize that during some periods of your life, you will process your story more intensely than others, and that you will probably continue to discern what it means for you throughout your whole life. NCFA has been a leading voice in the adoption world since 1980, and we hope that through our resources you will find the trusted guidance and support you need to embrace your story and live confident in your worth, strength, and identity.
Adopted Individuals Resources
I Am Adoptee is created by adoptees, for adoptees. Seeks to curate an online community of resources to help navigate the lived experience of being an intercountry adopted person.
Adoptees Connect is a peer-led, adoptee-centric connect group for adult adoptees, with chapters across the United States and beyond.
Families with Children from China NY (FCCNY) Monthly Adult Adoptees Conversation
Also Known As offers monthly virtual forums for adoptees ages 18+
alsoknownas.org/adoptee-forums
SidexSide Project: Out of a South Korean Orphanage and Into the World
The Adoptee Lounge and The Adopted Life Blog, Angela Tucker
angelatucker.com/adopteelounge
Rhonda Roorda, International Speaker and Author on Transracial Adoption
Adoptee Empowerment Coach, Michelle Madrid-Branch
Michelle Madrid-Branch is an author, speaker, international adoptee, and global advocate for women and children; specializing in the areas of adoption and foster care. She is the author of Coco & Olive: The Color of Love, a children's book celebrating family diversity.
Adoption-Informed Therapist, Cam Lee Small
Cam, author of This is Why I Was Adopted, is an internationally recognized thought leader on adoption and mental health. Trans-racially adopted from Korea and founder of Therapy Redeemed, he holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a licensed professional clinical counselor. He has received training for adoption competency through Center for Adoption Support and Education and is a vetted clinician with MN ADOPT. He is also a member of the APA’s Minority Fellowship Program and has written extensively about his personal experience with international search and reunion.
Search & Reunion
When searching for information about an adoption that was previously confidential, NCFA encourages that it be done in a sensitive way for the protection of all parties involved. We believe systems of mutual consent allow for this. The use of registries, state vital records offices, placing adoption agencies, and appropriate confidential intermediary support can help this process to go smoothly for everyone involved.
The laws on accessing birth records and health and background information varies depending on the state laws, the time an adoption took place, and the decisions made by birth parents and adoptive parents at the time of the adoption.
First, begin with the agency or attorney that facilitated the original placement. Most adoption professionals today provide support and reunion services.
If those services are not available, some have found success utilizing other search options such as adopted.com which is the largest adoption reunion registry website.*
*NCFA does not endorse any particular registry or service. This information is provided for reference only.
Find a professional
Looking for an adoption agency or attorney? Searching for a professional to help with search and reunion, post-adoption support, or guidance on other critical issues? Search below.