I have recently become involved with several adopton issues. Three members
of my family have had children adopted out. One sister has been reunited with her
daughter. The rest are facing a brick wall of bureaucratic regulations when trying
to find out any information about their children.

Since they and their children are so closely related to me, I am concerned. I have
started trying to help a daughter and a sister make contact with adopted out
children. I find a wall of secrecy. One state agency tells me that as a grandparent,
I have no rights to search. I cannot even find an agency to talk to in the state of
WA. What is the reason for all of the secrecy? Why can a birth parent not have
free access to their child? Why can that child not have free access to
their birth parents?

I understand the way it was many years ago when illegitimate birth was an issue.
Today, it is commonplace. I spent several hours touring an internet sight that deals
with adoption. What I read was heart breaking. Kids wanting to find birth parents
out of love, curiosity or for medical reasons. The same for parents. Still the
rules prevent them from finding results. There are some letters from those who did
manage to get reunited, and they are heartwarming.

Personally, one of my sisters was reunited with her daughter, and the result was
happiness for everyone concerned. Who are these agencies protecting? The children
who want to know their birthparents? The parents who want to know their children?
That goes against every natural law there is. Family is the strongest bond there is.
These agencies should be limited to actually helping children who need their help.
Preventing reunification of families is not help. If you agree with me, please let
me know. I would like to start something to change this system.
Grandpa

Credits: Kathy Tuttle