Advertisements
Viewing Single Post
The first step for searching in WA is getting the non-identifying information (non-ID). The adoptee must be over 18 to get the non-ID. In WA, if you're an adoptee or adoptive parent, you usually get first name of b-mom (and b-dad if named) and her age when she relinquished, along with other various info (description, possible siblings, education, occupation, etc) If you're a b-parent, you can usually get first names of the adoptee and adoptive parents, ages of a-parents, # of other children, occupations, etc. Unfortunately in WA, b-siblings are not allowed to receive non-ID. Where do you get your non-ID? You can get it from the places listed below. Be SURE to list ALL the info you want on any form you're sent, especially first names and ages! Send for info from all places that apply to your situation. The more info, the better! Side Note: You DON'T need to hire a Confidential Intermediary (CI) to get the non-identifying info, even if you're told that. Hiring a CI is required to get IDENTIFYING information, which will only be released to the CI - not you. Hiring a CI is always an option in WA but it's pretty pricey. 1. Get non-ID from the county where the adoption occurred. Majority of time in WA this will be the same county where the adoptive parents lived at that time the adoption was finalized. County non-ID is usually cheaper than getting it from agencies but you typically get less info. 2. If an adoption agency was involved, you can get non-ID from the agency. Usually this is more expensive than the county but you often get a lot more detailed info. 3. If DSHS was involved, send for non-ID and all related info from the DSHS office in Olympia. Might take awhile to get it but rumor has it you'll get LOTS of info. Once you get your non-ID, then you just play connect-the-dots with the bits of info you get! It CAN be done! :) Good luck! -Pennu
Like
Share