where should i go or who do i talk to about tring to find my adopted brother?

Question

i am tring to find my older brother that was adopted about 22 yrs ago. where should i go or how do i try to track him down.i am clueless! and the only thing i know about him is his name was shawn .what should i do ? help please!

Answer 1

You could try to see if you could track him down through the adoption agency, or go through public records. Good sources of info are people in your family who are willing to tell you as much as they know.

Answer 2

Ask everyone who knows anything about the adoption to give you clues. Someone you know (probably several relatives) would have been around at the time and could tell you something to get you started. There are plenty of people searching for relatives when there have been adoptions. I'm sure there must be services that have people skilled in finding people (at the very least, a detective would know where to start) who have been adopted. Adoption agencies would have advice for you on how to go about it.
Your brother's name may not be shawn. His adoptive family may have given him a different name.

Answer 3

Best of luck to you in your search.

First off, if you haven't done so already, you should register at ISSR in the chance he is searching for members of his first family as well. You can find the ISRR website FAQs at http://www.isrr.net/faq.shtml You should also register at any state run reunion registries if available. I don't know what state you live in, but usually if you google the name of your state plus the words adoption reunion, you should be able to get a hit.

As a sibling, you unfortunately don't have as many search rights as either first moms or adoptees, and even those rights are very few! You should search google for the words adoption plus whatever state you are in, such as 'adoption Connecticut' to find local support groups for you. Start a search diary if you have not done so already, and keep notes on everything you find. The smallest clue may lead you.

Every state has different laws, and many times counties in each state differ as well. You need to make sure you take care of YOURSELF during this, because the search process is not to be taken lightly. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and you need to have a good support system in place.

In summary, register at ISRR and any state registries, but don't rely on them. I've heard the success rate of registries is very low, but you need to do it anyway. Many people are not aware of them. Your best chance of success will be in a local adoption support group with search angels who can advise and assist you.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 4

do you have pics that may have a clue about him? no relatives that know of him or his whereabouts? without at least a little more info i don't know what you could do. how about an old nieghbor? what happened that you have no contact and so little info?