[Doug72]

I have just decided to begin my search. I was born in New York. Can someone tell me what I need to do first. Do I try to get non-identifying info? Who do I petition in NY for this information? I would really appreciate any help. Thanx.

[Volfe]

This is a good place to start

I dont know how to get non-ID info offhand, have you searched online for New York - if the info is there? Sometimes through the agency involved or a state office...

You can also register with the international soundex reunion registry. ISRR is free, and if someone matches your info is also registered, both are notified before info is given out... You can update the info after you get non-ID info.

The search guru will have info for New York in the New York Adoption REcords forum (in the search area).

Good luck!

Maia

[Doug72]

Thanx Maia for the info!!

I posted elsewhere ( these boards are kind of confusing) I was at New York Foundling. I guess I would ask them for non-id info? Then what, what about identifying info? am I entitled to that? I understand NY records ae pretty tight. A original birth certificate must be hard to obtain. Im sorry I just have so many questions for anyone that can help. Thanx.

[Volfe]

these boards ARE confusing... and they are changing them as we type (i can rarely log in for some reason...).

Ok from the Search Guru:

New York Searching Resources
Welcome to the Search and Reunion Message Board!

For questions about access to adoption related information and records:
New York State Department of Family Assistance
Office of Children and Family Services
40 North Pearl Street, Riverview Center, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12243
(518) 474-9406
Toll Free: (800) 345-5437
Fax: (518) 486-6326

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:
Adopted adults age 18 or older may receive information through the Adoption Registry or contact the adoption agency that facilitated the adoption.

Obtaining Identifying Information:
Identifying information is provided through the registry.

Using the Adoption Registry:
(Note: will only accept applications if born AND adopted in New York)
Adopted adults age 18 or older, born and adopted in New York, birth siblings, or birth parents may register to allow release of identifying information to one another. A sub-registry with just medical information and non-identifying information has been established for adopted adults age 18 or older, adopted adults under 18 with consent from adoptive parents, and birth parents. Each agency has a registry for adopted adults age 18 or older and birth parents to receive identifying information.

Contact:
Adoption and Medical Information Registry
Department of Health
Public Health Representative
Corning Tower, Room 208
Albany, NY 12237
(518) 474-9600

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:
An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized.

Many blessings on your search journey,
Colleen Buckner, THE SEARCH GURU
Moderator for Search and Reunion Message Board
Email: thesearchguru@yahoo.com
http://www.therighttoknow.info


Other great websites to check out:
http://www.adoptionchat.com
http://www.adoptionlists.com
http://www.adoption.com
http://www.adopting.org
http://registry.adoption.com/

[Volfe]

also, if you want to, you can use the search tab (top of web page). In the field type your birthdate as one big digit. For ex. todays date would be 120504 or 12504

[tim5268]

I found my birth family in 1992. I am from Oklahoma so it might be different in New York. I went to a family court judge and petitioned the court for a release of my original birth certificate. When I got that there was an address listed on the birth certificate. I went to property records and asked who owned the property in 1968. They gave me the info. I called him and he gave me the name of an attorney who was renting the house at the time, I called him and he told me they took in pregnant girls from the Dept. of Human Services. He said he did not remember my mother but his ex-wife did and had enough info for me to find them. I hope this helps you. If I can help further e-mail me.

Tim