How do you find a sister that has been adopted?

[Robin]

Begin by writing down all the information you have. How did this information come to him? Ask whomever told him for as much information as he/she can remember.

Has he talked to his aunts, uncles, cousins? His mom's best girl friend? An old boyfriend that she may have stayed in touch with on & off? Does he know what high school and/or college she attended? If so, sign her up on classmates.com. Look for her best friend in high school or college. Include a message looking for contacts on classmates' message boards.

Once you have some information, include his mom's info (birth date, birth place, the hospital or city & state where the child was born, the agency that handled the adoption, such as the 'county department of social services'. Include all information about his mother that you have (age, birth place, ethnicity, etc.) on the International Soundex Reunion Registry at http://www.isrr.net/

If he discovers the agency that handled the adoption, write to that agency (he may need proof of mom's passing) to request "non identifying information" about his sister, if available. At the same time, she can leave authorization to release her information should her birth mom or other bio-relative wish to contact her.

Many states also have reunion registries. Google "adoption reunion + your state" & look for a website with yourstate.gov

Check this site for information on searching by state:
http://adopteerights.net/nulliusfilius/?...

A search guide for adoptees:
http://prairieguy.wordpress.com/2007/07/...

For additional search help, ideas & support:
http://www.adoptioncrossroads.org/
http://www.adultadoptees.org/
http://www.bastards.org/library/search.h...
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/l...

Keep a journal or log of all information you've requested and the responses received. This serves as a road map of where you've searched and what your next step might be.

Utilize web sites like classmates.com, facebook & myspace when you find names, ages & other information that help narrow down where you're looking & who you're looking for.

If you can, find a support group on line or near you. Their help, encouragement, ideas & tips are very valuable.

If she was born in any of the following states, she'll be able to get a copy of her original birth certificate upon request: Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Kansas, New Hampshire, Oregon & Tennessee

If she was born in Canada, google for information by province. For example, in Quebec, to get a copy of a birth certificate
http://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/en/certi...

For information about adoption in Quebec
http://www.adoption.gouv.qc.ca/site/home...

For Canada's adoption registry:
http://www.generations.on.ca/adoption.ht...