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Adoption Issues/My son's missing history

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Expert: - 2/7/2011


Question
I recently found my long lost son who was in the Children and Youth System for over 14 yrs and now he wants to see his records of what happened to him and all.I called Children and Youth but,now they say he was adopted and the case was closed.I questioned my son and he wasent he was in and out of shelters and boys homes.How can I or my son find any information out about what happened to him when he was younger?Is there away that he can get his records from Children and Youth or the court house.My son is just trying to find out what happened to him and he wants his records and be able to read what happened to him.Any help would be ever greatly appreciated!Or if you can turn us into the right direction.
Thank You!

Answer
Josette, I am not qualified to help. I am happy to provide some direction to resources. Thank you for writing.

I do hope you and your son find some answers soon. How? Who? Josette, all of it usually depends on "Where?"  because adoption law is state law.

I understand what you've told me. The System says one thing; your son says another. However, the "A" word has been mentioned so it is a good bet that the courts hold some documents related to your son's experiences. If there were adoption proceedings the records may be sealed.

It is possible that adoption proceedings were started and not finalized. It is also possible that an adoption was finalized and your son never lived with (or does not recall) the adoptive parents.

Prepare yourself, Josette, by gaining a thorough understanding of your (and your son's) rights. What information is available? Who can access which records?  If it were me, I would contact the local BAR association or legal aid bureau to ask for a consultation.

This online site ( http://local.reunion.adoption.com/ ) is a good place to find some general information and local resources (even though the search, in your case, is finished.)  Select the State to learn more. Please consider local and online support groups, as well. They have experiences and advice to share that would be very helpful.

Josette, thank you for your questions. I hope I've been some help. Congratulations on your reunion with your son. Please let me know if you think I can help further.

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Alice Allen, Rev (ULC)

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Adoption Reunion and Reconciliation - "Do I matter to you?" - To adopted persons and their families, it is an especially important question. I offer search and support guidance, information about typical/atypical consequences of reunion, and counseling to all involved parties. Please 'View Profile' for more detail.

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I am an Universalist minister and counselor specializing in search, reunion, and reconciliation issues. I am founder of GrannysCupboard, an ULC ministry. As a function of our ministry, GrannysCupboard assists individuals searching for missing or estranged family and community members. Confidential information provided to GrannysCupboard is not shared without explicit permission. All costs associated with search service are paid by GrannysCupboard.

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