[thesearchguru]

Welcome to the Search and Reunion Message Board!

For adoption related information and records:
Iowa Department of Human Services
Adult, Children and Family Services
Hoover State Office Building, 5th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5358
Fax: (515) 281-4597

Requesting Non-Identifying Information: Adopted adults and birth parents may obtain non-identifying information.

Requesting Identifying Information: Adopted adults can receive information regarding the birth parents or birth siblings if they have filed a consent to the release of their information.

Using the State of Iowa Adoption Registry: The following parties may register: Adult adoptees age 18 or older who were born in Iowa; birth parents of children born in Iowa who have reached age 18 and were adopted; adult birth siblings (age 18 or older) of adult adoptees. All blood-related children of a birth parent must be 18 or older before information is released. Individuals may register by submitting a $25 fee, notarized application, and certified copy of their birth certificate.

Contact:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Vital Records
Adoption Registry Program
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
(515) 281-6263

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

Access to Adoption Records: Adoption records are sealed and can only be opened by court order except if the adoption was final prior to July 4, 1941, and the adoption was not required to be sealed.




Other great websites to check out:
Adoption.com Forums
Adoption Lists - Photolistings, Support Groups, Mailing Lists - Agency, Exchange, Failed, Feel, Find
Adoption.com - Information on International, Domestic, Child & Agency Adoptions, Stories, Laws -
Adopting - Adopt a Baby, Child, Infants, Kids, Older, Services, International, Information China -
Adoption Registry - Records, Reunion Registries, Adoptees, Search Reunite

[Tina Quillen]

Where can I find these at for the state of Iowa. I have contacted all the places listed and turned in all information to the Human Services and the adoption department at the state building. I wrote a letter to Doris smith about 6 months ago and didn't get a response from her either. Are there any other options out there that I am overlooking? I am searching for bson dob 1-10-1985 in Newton IA. the town isn't that big but the adoption was finalized in Polk Co in August of the same year. I am running out of options or places to look!!! Thanks for your help.

Tina

[dianam50316]

Dear Tina,

In the state of Iowa that if both parties are not interested in finding each other then no records can be opened for 50 years after the final adoption, this is what was told to me by the adoption agency that handled my adoption when I was placed. I am sorry but I hope that this will help in some way.

Diana

[Lsvdb]

I was born in Cheyanne, WY. But was adopted into Iowa....I am sure that my records are sealed in Sioux County, IA but I am trying to find a way around that to find birth parents. Does this mean I will have to wait till I am in my 50's to find anything out?

[thesearchguru]

Have you tried contacting this nationwide volunteer search angel group to see if they can assist you in your search?

Volunteer Search Network
VSN - The Volunteer Search Network




Other great websites to check out:
Adoption.com Forums
Adoption Lists - Photolistings, Support Groups, Mailing Lists - Agency, Exchange, Failed, Feel, Find
Adoption.com - Information on International, Domestic, Child & Agency Adoptions, Stories, Laws -
Adopting - Adopt a Baby, Child, Infants, Kids, Older, Services, International, Information China -
Adoption Registry - Records, Reunion Registries, Adoptees, Search Reunite

[Lsvdb]

just got ahold of a search angel who is going to help me out. Thanks for your help already!!! Nice to be around such sweet people!

[largro1960]

Hello
I am really new to all this and to tell the truth I never thought I would be looking for a family member .
This last weekend I was told along with my younger sister, that we have a half sister born in Iowa city Iowa in may of 1958 which would make her 50 this may .I have been doing some research and have discovered ..........sealed records.....need a court order....etc My mother was forced to give this baby girl up at birthby her parents and she has struggled with the guilt and sorrow since she is now 71 years old and wanted to come out with this info she said she hasnt said anything till now because of the fear of what we would think and the shame she has delt with for almost 50 years.
What my questions are .....where do I start ....what are my rights as a sibling...any help would be great
Thanks Larry

[largro1960]

Well after filling out the forms from the Iowa vital records dept there was a positive match made with my 1/2 sister. The dept said she had looked into her sealed file in 2002 and left contact info so the dept sent her my info but came back undeliverable so assume she had moved sometime since 2002 so the dept is going to send me the info they have on her ...name...last known address...etc and so I am hoping with that info maybe I can locate her yet

[largro1960]

just a quick note if anyone is trying to fill out the info forms make sure all the info your entering is 100% correct if your not positive about something put unknown
IE if you think the birthday is say jan 22 1990 and the actual birthday was jan 12 1990 the match can not and will not be made so if you only know the year dont guess on the month or day just enter only the stuff you know for sure hope this helps
Larry

[MKHope]

Could you tell me what forms you filled out? I was adopted in Sioux City, Iowa in April 1968 & know that my birthparents got married & had 2 more daughters so I would very much like to know my FULL sisters. Is this like a "match" that both parties have to be searching? Thanks for any help you can offer & good luck to you.

[jeanann505]

You can go to catholic charities and start a search yourself. My sister in law was adopted and called them to make contact with her mom. Some of the birthmothers are waiting for you to contact them and leave their name and numbers with the agency.