The Waiver of Confidentiality

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

01 Aug 2006 05:12 PM

Whether you are birth parent or adoptee, if you are attempting a search, you need to be sure that nobody in between you and that person you are looking for, is worried about giving out your information.

It is absolutely essential that you file a "Waiver of Confidentiality" as soon as you possibly can, from the very beginning of your search.

What is a Waiver of Confidentiality? It is a document that you should file with the state or private agency who handled your adoption and is holding your adoption records. This document releases your information to someone looking for you (ie. A birth parent, sibling, child etc.) The best part is, it releases your information to them, even if you can't get theirs.

You do have control over what information is released as well. I recommend that birth parents frequently update their medical information and place this in the file. It can be done anonymously if you wish, but it should be done so that when someone comes looking, they have the information they might need.

Some agencies require that a Waiver of Confidentiality be notarized, though not all. Even if it is not required - do it! This ends any questions about who submitted the paperwork and it becomes more official to some. Some agencies might give you problems about this document, but insist that they place it in your file. Also be sure and check with your state or the agency that handled all of the adoption paperwork, because often they have a form you can fill out exactly for this purpose.

These forms, waivers and letters should be placed with:

• agency or state that handled adoption
• county court of finalization
• the lawyers who handled any of the case
• the hospital you were born at
• and anywhere else you come across that someone could use to look for you.

Be sure you do this immediately upon beginning your search. This will help to protect you along the way. Each time you get a sliver of information, placing one of these waivers in your file at that location is a great idea.

Good luck!

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

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