Many adoptees are curious about their birth parents as they grow up. As an adult, finding and knowing your birth parents can be very beneficial. Not only could it add a relationship to your life, but it also helps understand family medical history. While every state is different, Florida has certain laws and provisions regarding birth parents‘ rights and adoption records. Learn more about finding your birth mother after adoption in Florida.
Finding Your Birth Mother as a Child
When an adoptee is still under 18 years old, it can be challenging to find the birth mother. Adoptions can be different in how the birth family and adoptive family communicate. Open adoptions allow both the birth parents and the child to know each other and communicate in a predetermined manner. Closed adoptions are those that do not allow contact or communication between the child and the birth parent.
If the child wants to communicate with their birth mother in an open adoption, the adoptive parents should provide a safe way for them to contact each other. This could be a phone call, text, letter, video chat, or even meeting in person. If the child wants to communicate with their birth mother in a closed adoption, it can be tough to do so. Some adoptive parents may not even know the identity of the birth parents, making this even more difficult.
Finding Your Birth Mother as an Adult
Once a child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult in the state of Florida. All of the adoption regulations are finished, and the child can try to find their birth mother if desired. However, in closed adoptions, the adoption records are sealed in Florida. Adult children need a court order to obtain copies of the original birth certificate to locate the given name of their birth mother. Many times, the court will not allow an adoption record to be unsealed unless adequate evidence is provided.
Adoption Reunion Registry
Florida offers a unique way to connect two people affected by an adoption. The Florida Adoption Reunion Registry (FARR) is a program that started in 1982. It helps to connect people since adoption records are officially sealed. When two or more people list themselves on the registry who were impacted by the same adoption, the service connects the two.
There is no fee for the service, and adopted adults, birth parents, birth siblings, birth aunts, birth uncles, birth grandparents, and adoptive parents on behalf of their minor children are eligible to register. The service usually shares non-identifying information, but birth parents can request that their name is shared to help reconnect family members. So, even if you do find your birth mother through the reunion registry, it is possible that you won’t receive their name or direct contact information.
When trying to find your birth mother after adoption, it is essential to keep an open mind and understand that doing so in a closed adoption sometimes fails. However, the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry is a good place to connect with other family members. Finding your birth mother after adoption may take time, but it is an incredible way to heal and bring closure to a challenging situation.
