Post Adoption Frequently Asked Questions

How do I begin the process of searching for my birth parents or searching for my son or daughter?
Simply download the forms from our web site or call us at 612-879-5248 and request that search forms be sent to you. Send the completed forms and deposit back to us and your search will be placed on our waiting list. We will send you a letter to confirm the receipt of all search forms and materials.

Can I search for both of my birth parents?
We only search for a birth parent if (s)he was legally identified as the birth parent. Therefore, we can always conduct a search for your birth mother. We only conduct a search for a birth father if he signed paternity affidavits or was adjudicated in court. We can check the file to let you know if this is an option. The fee that you pay covers the cost of one search.

What happens if my birth parent does not want any contact with me, or if the search reveals that (s)he is deceased?
If your birth parent initially does not desire contact, we would encourage her/him to think about it further and we would attempt to provide support/resources to the birth parent. If a firm decision for no contact is made, we would attempt to gather updated health history from your birth parent and provide that information to you, along with any other information your birth parent may provide. If your birth parent is deceased, we would attempt to contact a close relative if you desire contact with a relative. Also if birth mother is deceased you may want to consider petitioning the court for your original birth certificate.

I have a health problem and I am wondering what to do to get updated health information from my birth family?
We can check the file for any health history, which had previously been recorded. We can also search for your birth parent (legally established birth parent). We request that your physician provide us with a list of specific medical questions as well as a statement as to the medical urgency of the request. Requests deemed urgent by your physician are given priority.

How do I get a copy of my original birth certificate?
If you were born in Minnesota your original birth certificate is at the Minnesota Department of Health. You need to submit a “Search for Affidavit of Disclosure” form, to find out whether your birth mother has given permission for the birth certificate to be released. If the Health Department has her permission on file they will release the birth certificate to you. Download this form from the Health Department web site at www.health.state.mn.us and link to “birth records after an adoption.”

I am not sure which agency handled my adoption or the placement of my child, what do I do?
You should write Sallie Sheppheard at Minnesota Department of Human Services, Adoption Unit, P.O. Box 64944, St. Paul, MN 55164. Include your date of birth and your adoptive parents’ names. If you are a birth parent you need to include the child’s date of birth and the birth mother’s name at the time. You will then be referred to the correct agency.

How does LSS search and how do you contact my birth parents? (or son or daughter)
We utilize many different computer databases, as well as public records and other resources such as newspapers, historical societies, vital records, etc. We attempt to reach the person directly if possible. We contact a family member only if it becomes necessary, and we do not violate any confidentiality in this process. When we locate the person for whom we are searching, we contact him/her by phone. We present your request for contact and offer much support throughout that phone call.

If my birth parent (or son/daughter) refuses to have contact with me, or cannot be found, will my search fee be refunded to me?
No, the fee is not refunded, as it covers the costs of conducting the search, but is not contingent upon the outcome.

If my birth parent (or son/daughter) wants contact with me, what are my options?
Some of this depends upon what information you have decided to release to this person on your Release of Information Form included in the search packet. The other party will also make decisions regarding preferences for contact. Your LSS worker is able to facilitate contact if needed, by forwarding letters, and/or helping to arrange phone calls, meetings, etc. for those who are not yet in direct contact with one another.

I would like to search for my siblings, is this possible?
If you are adopted and are aware of a sibling placed for adoption it is possible to conduct a search for this sibling, provided that neither of you know the birth parent’s identity. If one of you has had prior contact with a birth parent then the birth parent’s permission must be granted prior to the search for the sibling.

If you are adopted and are aware of an older child who remained with your birth parent, it is not possible to search for that sibling without the birth parent’s permission.

If your parent (who raised you) placed a child for adoption, you must provide us with your parent’s permission to search for your sibling or if your parent is deceased, verification of death.