Other Options
The following are some additional steps you may wish to take if you are interested in pursuing a search.
Birth Certificates
Catholic Charities is prohibited by law to give copies of original birth certificates. However, you can contact Vital Statistics (303)692-2160 to inquire about obtaining one. Vital Statistics is also prohibited to release original birth certificates; however, in some cases birth parents have contacted them and given their consent to release them. If you are a birth parent you may update medical information and/or give permission to release your adopted child’s original birth certificate by contacting Vital Statistics at the number above.
Registries
There are a number of registries that allow adoptees and birth parents (and sometimes other birth relatives) to register information for a matching process in the event of mutual interest. Below is a list of some common registries.
Adoptees in Search (AIS)
(recommended primarily for births that took place in Colorado)
P.O. Box 24556
Denver, CO 80224
(303)232-6302
Must be at least 18 years old to register
Minimal fee
Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry
(if the adoptee was born in Colorado)
Colorado Dept. of Health
4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South
Denver, CO 80222-1530
(303)692-2227
Must be at least 21 years old to register
Modest fee
International Soundex Reunion Registry
P.O. Box 2312
Carson City, NV 89702-2312
(775)882-7755
Must be at least 18 years old to register
Enclose stamped, self-addressed stamp envelope and indicate whether you are an adoptee, birth parent, or other relative.
ALMA (Adoptees Liberation Movement Association)
P.O. Box 727
Radio City Station
New York, NY 10101-0727
Higher fee
ALMA has support groups in many areas of the country
If the birth did not take place in the Denver area, inquire locally about registries in the state and area where it occurred.
Getting more help from our agency
Catholic Charities’ professional staff is available to consult with and prepare individuals and/or families for the issues associated with search and adoption. Counseling is available for all members of the adoption triad, birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees and family members.
Support Groups
Support groups in your area may be able to help you:
- Become aware of and prepare for inherent search issues
- Learn about search techniques for group members if you are conducting your search
personally. (Your non-identifying information can be very helpful.)
- Get support for post or ongoing adoption issues
Contact Adoptees in Search (AIS) for more information on its Denver area support group (303)232-6302.
Using the Adoption Confidential Intermediary Process
In 1990, the Colorado Adoption Intermediary Law was implemented for adoptions finalized in Colorado. This law allows Colorado courts to appoint a trained and approved volunteer called an intermediary. For a moderate fee, plus expenses, the intermediary can conduct the search for the party who initiates it.
The intermediary has access to confidential records (court records, etc.) and identifying information, such as names, which makes the search effort much easier. This information is then used to search for the person(s). If and when located, the intermediary contacts the sought-after person, explains the desire for contact, and secures mutual consent in writing. If contact is desired, it can be by phone, mail, or in person. Once the court has been notified of the mutual consent, disclosure of identifying information and/or reunion is allowable by law. The current fee for Colorado confidential intermediaries is about $875.
For more information visit the Colorado Confidential Intermediary Services website www.cocis.org.