Search and Consent Procedures

Search and Consent Procedures: Procedures that are sanctioned under State law, that authorize a public or private agency to assist a searching party to locate another party to an adoption, in order to determine if the party being sought would be agreeable to the release of identifying information about them to the searching party, or would be willing to agree to a personal meeting with the searching party. If a consent to the disclosure of identifying information, or a consent to a face-to-face meeting is given, the disclosure of the requested information may then be authorized by the court. In some states counseling is required before information of this type can be released.