The time it takes to search for a birth relative can vary from months in some cases to a year or more in others. Although we are usually able to locate the person we are seeking, we cannot promise that a search will be successful. In addition, although the vast majority of adopted persons and birth parents we locate are open to contact, some are not. If you request a search, you need to be prepared for the possibility that your birth parent or child may choose not to have contact. The search fee covers our direct costs regardless of the outcome and, as such, is non-refundable.
Counseling regarding the emotions surrounding a search is included.
However, an agreement must be made between the parties to express willingness to accept such materials. When The Cradle receives letters, etc. from adopted persons, birth families, or adoptive families, we forward materials to the last known address of the intended recipient. Due to the volume of mail we receive, we cannot keep copies of these letters in our records. You may wish to maintain photocopies for your own records. When we have not had recent contact with the other party, we will send a Letter of Outreach from Post Adoption to the last known address to verify the address and the recipient's openness to receive correspondence from the other party.