Adoption

Search and Disclosure
Under North Dakota law, adopted adults 18 years of age or older may request non-identifying information from our agency records, and/or search for identifying information and contact with birth family or siblings for identifying information. Genetic parents who terminated parental rights may request from our agency about searching for the child they released for adoption once the adopted individual is 21 years of age. Birth siblings may also search once the adopted individual is 21 years of age, with the consent of the living, biological parent.

Non-Identifying Information Search
This will provide you information from our records that was generally received at the time of the adopted individual’s birth, and may include such things as physical description of birth family, education, interests and health at the time of placement.

To learn more about the process:

• Call 1-800-627-8220 to request Adoption Search paperwork.
• Complete Background Information Authorization Request Form and have it notarized.
• Return notarized Background Information Authorization Request Form along with the Services Payment Plan Form and payment.
• We will contact you within approximately 14 days with a Non-Identifying Narrative Information retrieved from our adoption records.

Identifying Information Search
This type of search is completed when you wish to establish contact with your birth family/adopted adult, or you want updated medical information. We can serve as the intermediary and search for your birth family or adopted adult to see if they are open to contact with you. Our staff will assist you in mediating contact and establishing an exchange of information that is comfortable for all parties.

To learn more about the process:

• Call 1-800-627-8220 to request Adoption Search paperwork.
• Complete Background Information Authorization Request Form and have it notarized.
• Return Background Information Authorization Request, Services Payment Plan Form, Release of Information, and payment.
• When we receive the completed forms and payment, we will arrange a phone call or a personal visit with you to discuss the search process.
• We will try to complete the search expediently, however, it may take three months or longer.
• If successful in locating the birth parents/adult adoptee/siblings, we will review with them their options for contact under the law.
  • If they sign a Consent of Disclosure, this authorizes us to share certain identifying information.
  • They may sign an affidavit denying disclosure of identifying information.
  • If no action is taken, we cannot provide any information.
• The birthparent/adult adoptee/sibling has 60 days to decide on the above options.
• If we learn the birthparent/adult adoptee/sibling is deceased, we are legally able to provide you with their name, birth and death dates. If possible, we will also attempt to contact surviving family members for updated medical information.

<< back to Adoption home page