If you are adopted, you may start to wonder how you can locate your birth parents. There are many reasons why you are thinking about trying to locates your birth parents. I am here to try to guide you in the right direction. Here are some steps you can take to help this process.
Now, it is important to know there is a chance you may not locate them. In my youngest son’s case, his biological mother did not know who the biological father was because at the time she was a prostitute, so there is no biological father listed on his birth certificate. It is also important to understand that depending on the reason as to why you were taken into protective custody, that your biological parents may not be living in the same area anymore, or they may have passed away.
Your Search
I took to Google to try and find the best website that can aid you in your search. The website I found that has the best information is on this website. Here, this website goes step by step on how to register yourself in the UK adoption contact register. The great thing about registering yourself is it gives all possible family members the opportunity to locate you. It also gives you access to their registry to search for family members yourself.
To apply, you must know your birth name, birth date, be at least 18 years of age, and at least the name of your biological mother. This website also can help you access your birth records. There is a fee (£15) to register yourself to connect with your family members. Being able to access you birth records may also assist in finding siblings or extended family if you are unable to get in contact with your birth parents.
Another option if you are unable to connect with you birth parents is doing DNA testing. This can determine your heritage. For a lot of children that were adopted, they just want to be in touch with their culture. This helps to connect with their roots. If this is the case, then you can look into genetic testing. There are plenty of companies out there that you can search, but one of the most popular is 23andMe. For younger children or babies who don’t know how to spit into a test tube, there is Ancestry DNA and/or My Heritage. These companies use a mouth swab to collect the specimen.
I hope that this information helps guide you on your journey in finding your birth parents, finding siblings, finding family members, or figuring out your heritage.
Jade Carterette