In order to be part of the registry the adult adoptee and/or birth parent files a form (know as the blue form) with the registry agreeing to the release of their information. When the state receives the form they process the information to see if the other party in the adoption has also registered. If so, a “match” is made and it is determined that both parties have agreed to the exchange. The Indiana State Department of Health will send the adult adoptee the name, address and phone number of the birth mother and the birthmother will also be sent the name, address and phone number of the adult adoptee. It is up to the two parties to make contact with each other. No information can be released unless both parties have completed the blue form and registered on the adoption registry.

The Adoption Search/Indiana Adoption History Registry is a free service. Adult adoptees must be at least 21 years old to receive identifying information. Birth fathers are not allowed to use the registry unless they were legally married to the birth mother when the child was born, or they legally established paternity for the child. This Adoption Search/Indiana Adoption History Registry is just for adoptions that took place in Indiana.

Forms can be found at http://www.in.gov/isdh/bdcertifs/adoption.htm.

If both parties have not registered to exchange information, the adoptee or the birth parent can contact their adoption agency to request a search for the other party. Most agencies charge a fee for their searches.

If the Children's Bureau, Inc. was the sponsoring agency in your adoption and you would like an information packet regarding the search process please complete the following on-line form and click the "Submit" button at the bottom: