Search and Reunion Services

Birth History

Request for information solely from The Children’s Home adoption file. This information can be non-identifying or identifying based on whether the birthparents are living or not. Identifying information can be shared if a birthparent is deceased and their death can be verified. This request can be made by an adoptee, adoptive parent or a descendant of an adoptee. Information shared is determined by what is available in each file but often includes Social History, Hospital Discharge Summary, Foster Care Information and Photos/Mementos.

Partial Search
(Searching for a Single Client)

This search is provided when a request is made to exclusively search for one birthparent, birthparent family member or an adoptee. This request can be made by an adoptee, adoptive family, descendant of an adoptee, birthparent or specific birth family members. The Children’s Home will attempt to contact the specified client and determine if they are interested in information/contact from the requestor. The requestor is asked to provide a letter to be sent to the client in the event that they are contacted and agreeable to receive the letter.

Full Search
(Searching for Multiple Clients)

This search is provided when a request is made to search for both birthparents/birthparent family members. This request can be made by an adoptee, adoptive family or descendant of an adoptee. The Children’s Home will attempt to contact the specified clients to determine if they are interested in information/contact with the requestor. The requestor will be asked to prepare letters for both of the clients in the event that they are contacted and agreeable to receive the letters.

Our Process

Any type of search service is initiated by filling out the Court and Agency Request for Adoption Info Form.doc. Once this form is received you will be contacted by the Authorized Search Representative to discuss your search request. This form should be accompanied with some form of Photo ID and additional contact information. Questions can be received at any time regarding the Search Services by contacting Kristin Thompson at kthompson@chomepgh.org.

Adoptees and Birthparents can also update information in their files at any time by filling out the following applicable form and emailing it to Kristin Thompson at kthompson@chomepgh.org.

Adoptee Authorization form

Birthparent Authorization form

Fees

A Partial Search fee can be credited towards a Full Search if a decision is made to continue the search process within a year of the Partial Search being completed. The search fee must be paid in full before the search process will begin.

• Birth History – $200
• Partial Search – $500
• Full Search – $1000

For more information, contact:

Kristin M. Thompson, MSW
Authorized Search Representative
kthompson@chomepgh.org

412-441-4884 ext. 2051 (office phone)