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Ruthie:
Any adopted adult 18 or over can request non-identifying information in VA. You need to write a notarized letter of request to a] the VA state health department, b] the agency [if any] that placed you, and c] the hospital where you were born.
In VA there is something called the "confidential intermediary system" that adoptees can utilize when searching for biological parents, but I am thinking that it is only for adoptions finalized after 1994. You should look into that!
For non-identifying information and for use of the confidential intermediary system, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services in Richmond at (804) 692-1290.
This website is very helpful: [url=http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/virginia-adoption-search-reunion-support-resources.html]Virginia Adoption Search Reunion Support Resources -[/url]
[url=http://varegistry.netfirms.com/]Virginia Adoption Registry[/url]
[url=http://registry.adoption.com/]Adoption Registry - Records, Reunion Registries, Adoptees, Search Reunite[/url]
[url=http://www.geocities.com/capitolhill/9606/states/virginia.html]Tina's Virginia Adoption Information Page[/url]
Also - - To initiate a search for birth family, fill out an Adoptee Application For Disclosure. Forms are obtained from and returned to:
Adoption Reports Unit
730 East Broad Street
Richmond VA 23219-1849
There may be a fee for this service charged by the agency that does the searching, so just be aware and ask about cost before consenting to any kind of service so you're not surprised with a bill later on!
Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Social Services
730 East Broad Street
Richmond VA 23219-1849
804-692-1944
VA Dept. of Health
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218
(804) 662-6200
Hopefully this gives you a place to start.
Nicole
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Hi Ruthie
Nicole28 is correct. If you want to search, all you have to do is go to the VA Social Services website. Find adoption and forms, you should find a disclosure form. Fill it out and get it notorized and they will guide you from there. It took me 6 months with all the paper work and the social worker 15 minutes to find my birthparents. Good Luck.
~Staci