By Dave Betz and Chris Maione

We frequently speak with adoptees and birth parents about adoption reunion registries and are surprised to learn how few know what they are.  Here’s some important information about these registries:  

When searching for your birth family your first step should be reunion / adoption registries.  An adoption reunion registry can be the least expensive and quickest way to reunite you with your birth parents or a child placed for adoption.

A reunion registry is a system for matching information from adoptees with information from biological parents.  If an adoptee enters their birth information into a particular registry and the biological mother enters her information into the same registry, a match could potentially be made.

Two of the largest and most comprehensive reunion registries are administered by the International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR) and Adoption.com.

1) The International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR) is a non-profit, humanitarian agency that was founded in 1975. ISRR is the largest free mutual consent registry in the world and has reunited thousands of adoptee’s and birth parents over the years. You can obtain the registration forms directly from their website at www.ISRR.net or www.ISRR.org. Please note: ISRR.com is NOT an official website of the International Soundex Reunion Registry.

After ISRR receives your registration, the information you supplied is then computerized. If your data matches with another registrant and the ISRR registrar determines a relationship exists, both parties will be notified immediately. Your information will also remain on file in case your biological family comes looking for you at a later date. The ISRR registry is not searchable by the public and you will only be contacted if they determine a match is made. If in the future your address or phone number changes, please be sure and notify ISRR so they will be able to get in touch with you if a match is made. The update/change of address form can also be found on the ISRR website.

2) Adoption.com owns and maintains a more open adoption reunion registry located at www.registry.adoption.com. This registry is searchable and relies on you to locate a match for your biological family. Through this registry, you can locate and contact potential matches for your birth family that have posted their information. You can also post your information in case your birth family comes looking for you. If in the future your address or phone number changes, please be sure and update your adoption post. We have seen cases where a match is made, but the contact information is out of date. In these cases people have had to hire a search company to locate the registrant or have been unable to connect with the potential match.

A note about the Adoption.com registry: Only your email address remains confidential. If you supply your name, address and/or phone number they will be posted directly on their website. If you wish to remain anonymous just list your email address so any potential matches can contact you. Please read the FAQ’s section of this registry for more information.

Other Registries:  
Many states also maintain and administer state specific adoption registries. Some states do charge a small fee,  but they are often worth the price. Most states, however, offer free adoption registries.  There are also many private adoption registries that are typically free.  You should register on these websites and explore them thoroughly. 

Here is a link to our favorite state and private adoption reunion registries: Adoption Reunion Registry. Enjoy!