ISO **-Female DOB: 7-8-65

HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE CHILDRENS HOME SOCIETY IN RICHMOND? IT COSTS $400 TO SEARCH FOR YOUR BIOPARENTS, BUT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY IN THE END. THEY WERE ABLE TO LOCATE MY DAUGHTER'S APARENTS. MY DAUGHTER IS NOT READY FOR CONTACT, BUT THEY WERE COMPASSIONATE ENOUGH TO SEND ME A COPY OF HER WEDDING PORTRAIT AND TO LET ME KNOW THAT SHE IS A COLLEGE GRADUATE WITH A GOOD JOB. PM ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE AGENCY. BARBARA

Barbara, No, i haven't contacted CHS yet. I've had a tough time getting any information until I found this wonderful web site! How long did it take you to receive the information back from CHS after you inquired? How descriptive was it? did it give you names and addresses and such like that?Who did you contact at CHS? I'll be quite honest with you...the fact that they charge to release any information doesn't sit to well with me. I wonder how they arrive at the $400 fee. I know for a fact 17 years ago when I received the non-identifying information then, they didn't charge me or the organization that helped me. If it's a must, and the information proves vital, than I guess any $ amount is well worth paying. Just doesn't seem fair, does it? Anyway, thianks for your input! If you\ve got any other suggestions, let me know! Laura

Laura, It was quite immediate that I was able to find out some information such as exact birth date, weight, length, apgar, baby's general health. I was told that she was not placed in Richmond, but somewhere in Virginia. Her aparents are college grads and I was told their occupations. After I sent my fee in and signed an agreement, they were able to locate the aparents within a few weeks and got a reply from them. I was able to learn that my daughter is a college graduate with a good job and is happily married. Hopefully, one day she will want contact. If you want to call you need to speak with Lois Gibbs. The number is 800-247-2888 or 804-353-0191. She is there on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. She is a very nice and helpful lady. Have you registered with the ISRR? And I would register on as many sites as you can find. There are tons out there. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Barbara

Barbara, Thak you SO SO much for your information! I contacte Louis...after many days of playing phone tag. You were exactly correct. She was a very NICE Lady. She's been working for Children's Home Society fo over 20 years. She explained to me the fees, and informed me they could be adjusted (!) and ona payment plan if needed. I thought that was amusing. when I gave her my name and birth date, she asked me to hold for a second. When she returned, (Maybe 60 seconds later,) she had my file in her hand! Every ounce of info that I would need was in her hands! I'm not sure how I honestly felt at that moment. the fact that she was going to charge me a large fee when everyhting I needed to know was in her hands at that moment. She instructed me to download the disclosure forms from DSS and mail them in. Once DSS received the forms, they would contac CHS and the search would begin. Chs would contact birthmother and inform her I have inquired about a search. If she agrees, all is well. If not, DSS mails back a form to me saying application for Disclosure was denied! Then, I pettion the court. I cant believe i have to "apply for disclosure!" It's not like I'm trying to get a credit card or something! :) Anyway, we'll see what happens! Best of Luck to you as well! Laura Funny thing is, for some reason, I can not mail the form! Anxiety I guess.;)

Laura, Take a deep breath. This whole process is a roller coaster of emotions - not knowing. It is a wierd feeling that someone knows something about your bio family and you don't. I hope that they are able to find your bio mother and that she wants contact. I would encourage you to go ahead and send the forms. Its a long process with lots of waiting. Please keep me informed. Good Luck, Barbara