Glossary, Page 2
Look-up – This term refers to when a search angel or librarian checks their database or index for someone and “looks up” information for them.
Mutual Consent Registry – A mutual consent registry only works if at least two birth family members register and thus, agree to contact. Both are notified of a match and given contact information. Other terms for this type of registry include Voluntary or Passive Registry.
Non-Identifying Information - This is general information about birth family members which is provided upon request in most states. It includes physical descriptions, jobs, hobbies, ages, nationalities to name a few of the items. Most states make some provisions to release non-identifying information to adoptees, birth and adoptive parents.
Open Records – In the five states with open records, at the age of majority an adoptee may apply for a copy of their original birth certificate.
Original Birth Certificate – The original birth certificate is issued when a child is born. It lists the hospital, birth weight, time of birth, the mother who gave birth to the child, and often the father. When an adoption takes place, this birth certificate is sealed by court order and rarely accessible.
Passive Adoption Registry – (See Mutual Consent Registry.)
Petition – To gain access to adoption records, many states require a person to complete a document called a petition. Records are then released upon “good cause”. What constitutes “good cause” varies according to the judge and/or court.
Registry – An adoption reunion registry is a database of birth family members who want to reconnect. A registry can be active or passive. Most registries are passive. (Also, see active registries and passive registries).
Reunion - An adoption reunion takes place when two birth families previously separated by adoption reconnect and communicate with each other. Birth family members are said to be “in reunion” or “reunited” even before they meet face-to-face.
Sealed Records – When access to adoption records first became unavailable in states, adoption records were placed in a file and a wax seal was then placed on the file. In reality, most adoption records are not still technically sealed, but they are not made available.
Search Angels – Search angels are volunteers who help others search. Most search angels are searching or reunited birth family members. Most charge no fees unless they need to incur expenses on your behalf.
Waiver of Confidentiality – A waiver is a form to indicate that a party waives their rights to confidentiality, allowing the release of information. Agencies usually require that both parties sign this form before releasing contact information to them.
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© Excerpted from the Adoption.com Guide to Search and Reunion, published by Adoption Media, LLC
Credits: Jan Baker
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