How Genealogy Websites Impact Adoption

In the past, closed adoptions were much more common than they are now. Many birth parents and adoptees were left wondering about a missing piece in their life. Thanks to open adoption, most modern adoptions involve some form of communication where identifying information is shared to help build a lifelong relationship.

Fortunately, if you were involved in a closed adoption, there are many genealogy websites out there that can help fill in the gaps in your adoption story. We’re here to explain how genealogy websites can help you learn more about your adoption story, along with some tips on how to begin your search.

You can always fill out this contact form if you have any questions about search and reunification. We’d be more than happy to help!

How Can Genealogy Websites Help With Search and Reunification?

For adoptees, genealogy websites and family trees are a helpful way for you to connect with family members and can help you understand where you came from. Through search and reunion, you can piece together your identity while having the opportunity to create a meaningful relationship.

When it comes to birth parents, you may have decided to pursue a closed adoption and changed your mind. In this case, you might take advantage of genealogy websites and family trees as an opportunity to find out who your child is and how they’re doing. Through modern technology, you’ll have the chance to reconnect with your child.

Birth mother DeAnn Link was involved in a closed adoption in 1996. She had searched everywhere to try and reconnect with her daughter, but had no luck. Through Ancestry.com, Link was able to submit her DNA, hoping to finally reunite with her daughter.

“I know she’s out there, and I know I’ll find her soon. The more I try, the more I put myself out there, the more she’ll be able to see it,” Link said. “I was so young when everything went on, and it’s been a missing piece in my heart since then.”

Are There Any Downsides to Using Genealogy Websites?

Although these websites can be good for those looking to reunite with family members, some birth parents choose a closed adoption for a reason. As hard as it can be on adoptees, many birth parents may not want to be found. The same can be true for adoptees.

When located through a DNA tracking service, many birth parents and adoptees have no say in how they’re found. This can be a violation of privacy and can potentially do more harm than good. It’s important to ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the negatives before you decide to use a DNA tracking site to locate a family member.

Tips on How to Use Genealogy Websites for Reunification

It’s important to think about all aspects of the adoption triad before you use genealogy websites for reunification. Here are some tips to help you as you begin your search:

1. Gather as much information as you can

If you’re an adoptee, try and involve your adoptive parents to get as much information as you can from them. They’ll be a helpful resource as they may remember some details about your birth parents. The more information you have, the easier it’ll be for you once you decide to start your search online.

For birth parents, try to remember as much information as you can about the adoption. This can help you as you begin the process of searching for your child through genealogy websites. From there, you can submit a DNA test and see if anything matches.

2. Be open-minded

As you’re thinking about using a genealogy website for reunification, try and be as open-minded as you can. Sometimes it can be hard when a situation doesn’t work out the way you want it to. Having an open mind can help relieve the disappointment you may feel if an adoption reunification doesn’t go the way you planned.

3. Be patient

It can take some time for DNA test results to come back, so it’s important to remain patient as you begin your search. This can help you if you find that it’s taking longer than usual for a DNA match to come back. Once you have completed your DNA sample, it will be put in a database and will be compared to other samples, which can take some time. To learn more about search and reunification with genealogy websites, fill out our contact form to get more information now.