Is this a program for parents or children?
Both! D.A. Blodgett for Children offers adoption search services that are used by adult adoptees (over 18 years old) who are looking for their birth parents, their adoptive parents before they turn 18, and by birth parents looking to contact the child that they released for adoption.

What information can an adult adoptee obtain about his or her birth parents?
Information that can be released is determined by rules established by the Michigan Adoption Law. Any adult adoptee can obtain non-identifying background information. The release of identifying information depends on when parental rights were terminated and whether the birth parents filed a statement of consent or denial to release with the Central Adoption Registry.

Who can give me information about my birth parents?
You must work with the agency that handled your adoption originally, but you may be able to obtain information through a court record, too. The court record of adoption is usually located in the family division of the circuit court, in the county where the adoptive parents lived when the adoption took place. Another way to get information is by making a written request to the Department of Community Health (DCH) to request the name of the court that finalized the adoption.

Is there one place I can go to get all the information I want?
Adoption laws vary from state to state. D.A. Blodgett search specialists can help assure a search is thorough if the adoption originated with D.A. Blodgett.

What is Central Adoption Registry?
This is a file kept by DHS (Department of Human Services) of birth parents and adult siblings’ statements consenting to or denying the release of identifying information. Records from the Central Adoption Registry are not available to you directly. Rather, the documents are forwarded to adoption agencies and courts upon request and then used to determine what type of information can be released.

If my child decides to search, how can I be sure she can find me?
If you want to begin a search for a birth child you released for adoption, or if you want to be available if your birth child decides to search for you, you must be listed with the Central Adoption Registry. Call D.A. Blodgett for Children for assistance.

What information can I receive about my adult son or daughter that I released for adoption?
Non-identifying information may be given to you by the court that finalized the adoption and by the placing agency upon your request. The name and address of an adult adoptee may also be released by an adoption court or agency.

What can I expect to pay for this service?
A court, adoption agency, or DHS may charge a standard fee, or the actual cost of releasing information, whichever is less. D.A. Blodgett for Children charges an initial adoption search fee. Fees vary with services provided and more information on fees is available by calling (616) 451-2021 and speaking with an adoption search specialist.