In Order to Get An Answer, You Need to Ask
At that time, it was the Bureau, but now it's the Department of Social Services. They were the ones to respond to my request. They sent me about ten different forms to complete and have notarized. I returned all the forms with every "i" dotted and every "t" crossed. In about 2 or three weeks, I received what was called "non-identifying" information. It provided such information as her height, weight, hair, about her mom, dad, her siblings, my maternal grandparents, my birth father as info was given by her. I even found out that I have a brother about a year older than I am. (I have always wanted an older brother!) I made a few more calls this past Monday and a reunion request is on it's way to me. If my biological mother or any of her family has registered, a meeting will be arranged.
Start with the adoption service at the DSS office in the county/city where you were born. If there is no longer a Children's Bureau. When requesting info, provide every shred you have to get what you need. Most importantly, and this is for the lady that was told she'd have to go back to Alamaba, don't be discouraged! Call, get addresses and write. Explain your situation to them and you will find that some offices are very sympathetic. The info I requested would have cost me $35. I had just had a baby and was in no way able to send them $35. I explained my financial hardship at that time, and the fee was waived. I was told to let them know if they could further assist me.
If you never ask, you can never get an answer! And what's wrong if the answer happens to be no...before the search? You knew very little, and if you never ask, that's all you will know for sure! I really hope this info will help or encourage someone. If you have any questions for me, feel free to e-mail me: Vonita_Ham@msn.com.
May God continue to richly bless you.
