Do adoption papers include information about ethnicity?

Question

This is a pretty weird question but I was just wondering if adoption papers would contain information about the nationalities of the parents.

My grandfather was adopted and he looks like he's Italian or something and I'm always getting racist comments because I take after that side of the family.

Is there any way to find out?

Sorry, I know that sounds retarded. Just curious. It's been bugging me lately.

Answer 1

Yes, I think it would be on his adoption papers. Does he have them? Its not a weird question, its good to know your family history. Good luck!

Answer 2

Dunno.  I'm American...Texan second

Answer 3

yes they do

Answer 4

yes they do for sure

Answer 5

My husband was adopted and his papers included the ethnicity of the bio mother and bio father.

Answer 6

Well, apparently mine did not.  My son had no idea about his heritage. In fact, didn't know a thing at all including the medical information I had provided in 1994.

Answer 7

My adoption papers state my ethnicity as Caucasian. Nothing else. After meeting my mom I have learned that I am Spanish and German on her side and Irish and English on my dad's side. Would have been nice to know that as a child instead of telling people I was Austrian, French and Italian like my a-parents.

Not sure how they put it now but nobody ever asked me about my lineage when I placed my son.

Answer 8

Yes, probably.  But those papers are sealed away.

I was 36 years old before the State threw me some crumbs of information about myself, which included the fact that I am of Irish ancestry and I had to beg and grovel to get that much. Nice huh?

Best of luck finding your ethnicity and ancestry.  You are testement to the fact that more people are affected by adoption secrecy than just the immediate 'participants'.  I'm concerned for my kids and their kids and their kids kids too . . . . .

Answer 9

Yes, but sometimes during adoption, different things are to be confidential.

Answer 10

Yeah they contain pretty much everything (mine did anyway)

Answer 11

If the mother gave all the information.  Depends entirely upon the birthmother.

Answer 12

If you know what agency handled your grandfather's adoption, he can write or call the agency and request all "non identifying" information.  Non identifying information usually includes nationality or heritage.  

If your grandfather is no longer alive, you may still be able to request his non identifying information, but may need to provide proof is his death and your relationship.

The non identifying information I received from the department of social service (that handled my adoption), I discovered my heritage, including the fact I was part (American) Indian. With  blonde hair & green eyes, I never would have guessed at that one!  

Good luck!

Edit: It really depends on what country you live in...and, if in the US, what STATE you were adopted in, the county & can even depend on the individual agency.  So while adoptees in the UK apparently receive this information, those of us in the US are most often NOT provided with this information - nor were our parents.

Answer 13

It all depends on the agreement of the particular adoption.

Your first option is the contact the adoption agency that handled the adoption.

Sometimes the real parents will update there contact information should the child ever seek them out.

If this does not work there are organizations that will help you.

Answer 14

That depends......if it is your grandfather who was adopted, chances are the adoption was a closed adoption based on the timeframe.  Meaning, now, adoptions are not so secretive, and more open where birth parents divulge more info to either the agency, or the adoptive couple, etc.,  You may however, still be able to obtain that info, so I would try if you feel the need to.

As far as anyone making racist comments, that's "their" problem, not yours. Be proud of being you. I am 1/2 Italian, and very proud of those roots!