Confidential and respectful
Search and reunion services
Searches can be conducted on behalf of adopted adults, birth parents or adoptive parents who are seeking updated medical history or contact with one another. According to state law, adoptees must be 19 years of age or older.
As part of the search process, we facilitate the exchange of genetic/medical information and provide support to all individuals involved; those who are initiating the search as well as those whom we contact. Prior to your search, our social worker will talk with you about your motivation to search and the range of possible outcomes. If desired, the social worker will connect you with support systems and services during the search and reunion journey.
Once the search is complete, our social work staff can act as an intermediary to support the developing relationship, maintain confidentiality as desired and assist in navigating any challenges as they arise.
If you are seeking updated medical information only and do not wish to facilitate contact, our search services are offered at a reduced fee. You may also re-open a previous search if we were unable to locate or contact relatives during your first search.
Domestic Search Registration & FeesEmail: pas@chlss.org | Phone: 651.255.2371
non-identifying background information
Adopted adults and/or adoptive parents may request a report detailing the social and medical background of the adopted person’s birth family. This report is compiled from information located in the file at the time of the adoption plan. In addition to medical history obtained at the time of adoption, it may include information about the birth family such as: physical descriptions, ethnic background, religious affiliation, schooling, talents or hobbies. Information regarding the birth parents’ relationship and motivation for adoption may be included.
UPDATES & OTHER SPECIAL REQUESTS
Adopted adults, adoptive parents and birth parents are able to request for their file to be checked for updates or requests for contact from other members of the adoption triad. Requests for paternity status may also be available.
An adopted adult placed after August 1, 1982, may be able to receive identifying information from their placing agency about one or both of their birth parents named on the original birth records, provided neither birth parent filed an Affidavit of Non-Disclosure and they were informed of the law. Under these circumstances, the identity of the birth parents named on the birth certificate, including birth dates, last known addresses and birth places may be shared.
Domestic Background Brief RequestEmail: pas@chlss.org | Phone: 651.255.2371
release of information
Your permission is needed to release information to a third party. Authorization is needed annually and preferences can be changed at any time. Release forms can be mailed, emailed or faxed to your social worker or sent to: Post Adoption, 1605 Eustis St., St. Paul, MN 55108
When submitting the Release of Information form, please include your full name and contact information even if you are not authorizing release of that information to other parities- this allows us to contact you with any questions if necessary.
Release of Information FormEmail: pas@chlss.org | Phone: 651.255.2371
vital records
By law, Children’s Home and LSS does not maintain or release official copies of birth records, death certificates or other vital records. These records need to be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Health.
MN Office of Vital RecordsServices for Adults Who Aged Out of Foster Care
If you aged out of foster care after parental rights were terminated, while under the guardianship of Hennepin or Ramsey county, we can provide a broad range of post-foster care services. These include: non-identifying background reports as well as search and outreach to birth relatives as outlined above.
These post-foster care services are paid for through a contract with Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
Email: pas@chlss.org | Phone: 651.255.2371
Family Support Coach for Foster Adoptive Families
A free, pilot program. Currently open to finalized foster care adoption families in the Twin Cities metro area.
Our Family Support Coach program is an intensive, 12-week service for your entire family. Our coach will meet with you twice a week over a 12-week time frame to get to know your family, identify what resources you may need, and help you access those resources. As part of the program, your coach will help you: increase positive interactions with your family; initiate and strengthen relationships with schools; therapists, community and other professionals; advocate for the needs of your family and your child(ren); develop strategies that you can use after the 12-week session is complete.
The Family Support Coach program focuses on supporting every member of your family—this is not about who got you to your current situation, but rather what you all need to build a positive, loving future together.
Learn More About Our Family Support Coach Program
