Adoption Search

• Adoption History Registry

The first step is the Adoption History Registry. The Indiana State Department of Health has established an adoption history registry for adult adoptees and birth parents. This registry is considered a mutual consent registry. Therefore, if both parties agree to exchange information, the exchange will be made.

An adult adoptee (age 21 or older) or a birth parent (if named on the original birth certificate) sends two completed forms to the registry to agree to the release of their information. These two forms are; the Identifying Information Consent #47896 and the Non-Identifying Information Consent #47897 and they can be found at www.in.gov.
. When the ISDH receives these forms they process the information to determine if the other party in the adoption is also registered. If so, a “match” is made and it is determined that both parties have agreed to the exchange. They will send the adoptee the name, address, and phone number of the birthmother. The state will send the birthmother the name, address, and phone number of the adoptee. Both parties will receive a copy of the original birth certificate. It is up to the two parties to make contact with each other. If the other party has never registered, the ISDH will send a paragraph of non-identifying information to the person that is registered.

The Adoption History Registry is a free service. Adoptees must be at least 21 years old to receive identifying information. Birthfathers are not allowed to use the registry unless they were legally married to the birthmother when the child was born, or they legally established paternity for the child. This registry is solely for adoption that took place in Indiana.

If one party has failed to register, the adoptee or the birth parent can contact their adoption agency to request a search. Most agencies charge a fee for their searches. If an agency does not provide search services, you may petition the court to have a Confidential Intermediary appointed to complete your search.

• St. Elizabeth | Coleman Search Services

If registering with the Adoption History Registry is not successful, one may request a search. St. Elizabeth | Coleman is allowed to provide adoption searches once the basic requirements have been met with the Indiana State Department of Health and the adult adoptee has reached the age of twenty-one. These services are available only for those whose adoptions were completed by St. Elizabeth Pregnancy and Adoption Service, Coleman Adoption Services (AKA Suemma Coleman), Catholic Charities, or Lutheran Family & Child Services. Our search services generate hundreds of inquiries each year.

After a search has been requested, the social worker will attempt to locate the other party (birth parent or adult adoptee) to inform them of your interest and educate them about their options. Once located, the birth parent or adult adoptee will have three basic options.

The first option is to register with the Indiana Adoption History Registry. This would allow the release of confidential information and make a reunion possible.

The second option would be to choose to correspond with the other party through the agency while keeping their identifying information confidential.

The final option would be to refuse any contact or correspondence. If this occurs they will be asked to provide a verbal update of their medical history or personal situation.

• How to Request a Search

To begin a search you must send a request to the agency. This search request should be signed by you and your signature needs to be notarized.

It is important to include a non-identifying letter with your request. This letter is to introduce you to the person you are searching for, to explain why you are searching for them and to explain what you are hoping to accomplish. Please include at least one photo with this letter. As the letter is non-identifying you will use your first name only, you will not mention the city or state of your residence, you will not mention the name of the company you work for, etc. Your letter will be read. If you inadvertently add something identifying it will be blocked out, and a copy of the corrected letter will be used. Please include at least one photo in this letter.

Finally, provide a copy of your photo I.D. and a check or money order (made out to St. Elizabeth | Coleman) for the $325.00 fee. Place all the above items into the same envelope and mail to St. Elizabeth | Coleman, Attention: Katrina, 2500 Churchman Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203.