Newbee

Hello, What does VOA mean? It is a term I am not familiar with. CynthiaW

Volunteers Of America. Sorry....

Hlpeful hint with VOA, Most of the babies they placed were placed in the assumption parish area. I would start there if I were you. I have a sister that was given up through VOA in New Orleans and After reuniting with her I can't believe how many children were poured into that area from VOA. Wish I could be of more assistance Try that area first before ruling anywhere else out. Best wishes Terri

Thank you very much for the help. I really appreciate it. I actually have another question. Do you know what Medical reasons can open up sealed records?

Hi again, Unless Someone is dying, or in need of a organ transplant opening medical records are tough. If you know its VOS for a fact you might try going to VOA just giving them an updated medical updated file with contact info to give the family. Especially if its has life threatning info such as heart problems, or cancer or things a person should know of. That way the doctor can watch out for it early. If it is Assumption Parish You might try ED white High school too. Most of them went there too. Just a suggestion Hope some of this helps and God Bless Terri

I think it was Caddo Parish?? But what do you mean by going to the highschool? What information can they provide me with?

All schools have extra year books in the library. The classes were small and you see someone there that might look familiar to you. This may help with the sibling search . Best wishes and Good luck... Terri

You seem to know you have siblings already, How old were you when you were given up? Not to be to personal. What are the genders of your sibling(s) and Date of births. These details will help all of us as we read your posts. many families adopted more than 1 adoptee from more than one family. The family that adopted my sister in AL, adopted 4 children and when we reunited with my sister there were still 3 other children that had not been found and it broke my heart for them. With my sister that was adopted in LA the family that adopted her, also adopted another child as well. Details really help alot! Best wishes! Terri

I think the main thing Id tell ya is ....this will Not happen over night ...Just because I was ready to see my baby didnt mean she wanted to meet me..or should i say Ready to see me

I too was born and adopted at VOA in Shreveport (a few years before you). My suggestions: If you have not already done so, be sure and get all the non-identifying information that they will give you. It is very important that you ask many questions. There is a really nice lady at VOA in Shreveport by the name of Pat Atkins who will help you. Just let her know that you wanted to 1) Update your file with your current address, telephone number and email address (in case your birthmom is looking for you)-also be sure if you move and change addresses, that you keep this information current and 2) Get any non-identifying information that she can provide you. Ask question, after question, after question. If you want to private email me, I'll be more than willing to share with you the questions that I asked. Anything that could give you insight into your biological families is important for you to know (and also will be important in the future as you search). Just a side note-If your birthmom has contacted VOA and expressed an interest in meeting you, then they will arrange a meeting. Therefore, it is critically important that you let VOA know that you are interested in making contact with her if she contacts them. Next, be sure and register with the Louisiana Adoption Reunion Registry. It is a mutual consent registry meaning if you and one of your biological parents have registered, they will notify you. Their web address is: [url]http://www.dss.state.la.us/departments/ocs/Registry.html[/url] The cost is $25. Despite what their website says, you do NOT have to get a social worker to sign your application unless a match has been made. If that happens, I'm sure someone from VOA will be more than willing to help you. Also, you can also register with the International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR). Their web address is: [url]http://www.plumsite.com/isrr/[/url] They are one of the larger more recognized (and free) registries. There are a million other sites, registries, etc. out there. Stay far, far away from those that want to charge you. Another person that you may want to contact is Kenny Tucker. He is the co-chair of the LA Adoption Advocates and will have some suggestions, advice, and help to offer. He's a really nice guy who will be more than willing to offer advice and tell you about other sites and resources. His email address is: ktucker@boassoamerica.com Louisiana Adoption Advocates has a yahoo group list that you should also join and ask questions/advice/etc. Also, talk with other adoptees who have found their birthfamilies and find out how they did it (like you are doing here). DON'T listen to people who tell you that it can't be done. Listen to those who have done it and learn from them. Almost lastly-Be prepared for what you may find. As adult adoptees, we all have this great vision that we will find our families and live happily ever after. It doesn't always work that way and you may find someone who wants nothing to do with you or someone who denies you. I don't want to scare you-but you must be emotionally stable and ready to deal with whatever you find. I tell everyone that I talk with-The search was the easy part. It's developing relationships with those that you find---THAT is the challenge. Lastly, if you exhaust all other resources, don't ever give up hope. It took many times and many failed attempts to finally find my birthfamilies. I was reunited last year after a long search. Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Best wishes.

Thank you so much for your response. I finally received my non-identifying information and it gave me very little information. But at least I found out what my mothers hobbies were. Not much of my father was spoken of in the report. Also, at the top it shows 4 numbers and they had been whited out. I am not sure what that means, but I've heard that it could be the last 4 digits of my origianl birth cert. Any suggestions on what to do from here??