Work With a Map


Print out a map of the United States and a map of the state where the adoption took place to help track your birth family member. Click here for a printable map. Begin searching in the state where the adoption took place. Next, look at adjoining states. Widen your search parameters as needed.

Mark significant events on the map. These include the following:

  • Where the birth family member was born.
  • Where the adoption was finalized.
  • Addresses that you may find on databases for a possible match.
  • States mentioned in census records or obituaries.
  • Where the birth mother may have lived while pregnant, if known.

Be aware that young women were sometimes sent to distant states to give birth. In the past, this practice was popular to hide the pregnancy and adoption. Currently, women are often sent to states that are “adoption friendly.” This means that the time for a mother to change her mind or to sign final papers is less than in other states.

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Credits: Jan Baker