While the circumstances vary from case to case, adoption can help many children gain the resources, love, and protection they need to thrive. But even when adoptive families are a great fit, many adopted individuals can be eager to discover who their birth parents are. Locating birth parents, unfortunately, can be challenging—especially if you have little information available. However, by keeping the following tips in mind and utilizing advanced DNA testing services, you can increase the chances of a successful reunion.

5 Steps to Finding Birth Parents

1. Review Birth Records

Birth records can provide a lot of information about your biological parents, including their names and birth dates. However, these records may not always be available, depending on age and state laws. In these cases, you may need to work with a lawyer or complete a formal application to receive any records that may have been sealed.

2. Search the Internet

Once you have gathered any relevant names, perform a few simple searches online to reveal more information about biological relatives. For example, you might consider browsing social media or searching a criminal record database.

3. Talk to Adoptive Parents or Adoption Agency

Being sensitive to how they may react to the news, explain the reasons why you want to find your biological parents and that it won’t change your love for them. In many cases, they might know a few details that can help you along the way. Try consulting with the adoption agency involved as well.

4. Sign Up for a State Reunion Registry

Many states, including Missouri, offer a registry that allows parents and children of adoption to reunite. Submit any relevant information to these programs. If a birth parent shows mutual interest in reconnection and applies to the registry, the program facilitates the match.

5. Explore DNA Testing

Today, there are many services available that can collect a DNA sample from you to reveal various points of ancestral data. Online ancestry databases may also connect you to other members who share your DNA, like people related to your birth parents. If you’ve connected with someone you believe to be related to you, such as a parent or sibling, DNA testing can also be used to confirm the relationship.

If you’re interested in any form of relationship testing, AccuDNA can provide clear information. Utilizing advanced resources, this DNA testing facility of Saint Louis, MO, can process samples quickly and accurately to verify parent, sibling, or grandparent relationships. For more details on these capabilities, visit this DNA testing service online or call (314) 845-9997.