[SchmennaLeigh]

In reading this month's BOTM, I am continuously intrigued as to what my ever-so-lovely agency wrote in my file. I can only imagine.

Have you seen your file, as a firstparent in open adoption? Have you seen your file as a firstparent in closed adoption? For those in reunion whose children have received the file as well as possibly yourself, did they differ?

I'm interested in this area of adoption that I had not previously thought about or really even considered. Part of me wants to see what those ... not nice people ... wrote about me. Part of me is petrified at the same time.

Do you have any desire to see your own file? Not for identifying information purposes but to see what was recorded about YOU.

[numbr1dbcksfan]

I dont *think* that there is anything in it but the paperwork I filled out for her... her Original BC... and the initial letters we sent to each other through the agency.

I guess I could shoot an email to the person who used to run the agency and ask.. but Im pretty sure that only that stuff is in there... I cant imagine that they would put notes about me....

Ok now I want to know. Ill shoot an email and let you know what she says.

[SchmennaLeigh]

I know we have made progress since the days of these women and their stories but... I just don't know. I'm curious as heck now.

[lahdh4]

Since I read this earlier I have been thinking about asking E for a copy of my file because now I am very curious about what is has in it.

[SchmennaLeigh]

I'm beyond curious.

[taramayrn]

I'm curious about my agency file - by "file" I am thinking of the notes the social worker made after each time we spoke.

[firstparentblog2]

The agency that handled my son's closed adoption They searched for and found me. My son paid them $500 to search and more for the non id.

Shortly after reunion, I inquired about getting my adoption papers from the agency that handled my son's adoption. I got a form letter back - signed by the social worker who made the initial phone call to me and handled putting us in touch after all the releases were signed. She said they needed $250 first before they would look for the file.

They had just reunited us - and had to have the file right there to have found me. Needless to say, I did not send them $250. I was able to get my son's OBC through the state. He read me the non-id he had on the phone one night - some of it was accurate - some not. It was cold though - no mention of me having any feelings at all.

The agency could not have said much about me though anyway - I was there one time for a few hours - and 3 days later my son was born and gone.

Jan B.

[bromanchik]

I actually have it somewhere. The SW gave it to me.

[numbr1dbcksfan]

I wrote an email to her and havent heard back... Wonder if that means they write nasty stuff in the file.. or she hasnt checked her email. lol!

[taramayrn]

Originally Posted by bromanchik

I actually have it somewhere. The SW gave it to me.

Is it inappropriate to ask for one's file Brenda? Or copies of it? I know you can access your medical records from a hospital and get copies, so why not your agency file.

[SchmennaLeigh]

And if they say I can't have it, can I hire a lawyer to get it?

Seriously. I'm that intrigued. Not that I think they wouldn't "get rid of some stuff" if I started asking. My agency isn't all on the up and up.

[bromanchik]

Go for it. You have a right to your file.

[SchmennaLeigh]

I do? I actually have a right to it?

[Free_to_be_me]

I asked about how to get my file once, but didn't ever follow through with my agency's process. I used to be really interested in it. I wonder if it is an individual file on me, or a joint file on me and the birthfather (we went to all of our counseling sessions together, but I talked with the counselor on the phone a lot without him.) I do know that I have a right to my file, but don't remember the process to get it.

[taramayrn]

Really Brenda...so how would you ask for it or request it? I don't want to say the wrong thing or have the workers get their back up. I know they didn't do anything wrong, I am just curious as to what's in it.