How can you find out what the adopted name is on the child?

Question

my children's where adopted out with out me signing anything. their ages where jessica 5yrs old her sister georgiann 4yrs old and their brother chris 3yrs old. they were adopted out may 20,1988 here in pa from office of children&youth

Answer 1

They couldn’t have been adopted unless you signed your rights away or the court terminated your rights for whatever reason.  Since it seems likely you had them terminated their files are likely sealed to you. You may just have to wait and see if they ever decide to find you. They must be in their early 20's now.

Answer 2

I am sorry for what you have been through.

You are saying that you did not voluntarily place your children for adoption because they were removed from you due to neglect or abuse.  Then the state of PA Children's Services  contracted with you to meet certain requirements in order to have them returned -- such as go to counseling, make scheduled visits with them, separate from a perpetrator, get into treatment, get your life stable, etc., and for whatever reasons you were not able to do so.

Just to clarify so, that a birthmother who may be considering making a voluntary adoption plan does not think that her children could be adopted "without her signing anything".  There is a difference between voluntary adoption, and having the state terminate your parental rights in court.

Your children are now adults.  So you would need to register with the PA Adoption Registry Office (call Info for the listing) on Monday and ask how you can register.  It will cost about $10.  Then, if your birth children want to locate you, they can also register.  Or if they already have, the Registry will contact you and let you know.  If they choose not to be contacted, or have not registered, they will let you know that, too.  Other than this, it is up to them.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Unfortunately there will be no way for you to find out.  If they were taken into custody by children service and adopted then there were attempts made to contact you regarding the termination of your parental rights.  If you didn't show for court they would have considered that non-interest.  In most states it's a process that takes time in order to apply for termination of rights.  Children services has to established a pattern of non-compliance in your goals before they can apply for termination.  I'm sorry you lost your children but unfortunately you won't be able to locate them.  If you feel this was done unjustly I would recommend contacting an attorney for assistance.  You might also be able to get a copy of the judgement from the courthouse.  All records regarding adoptions are sealed.

Answer 4

More than likely if the state removed them from your home their records will have been sealed and you won't find anything.

Answer 5

Go to the Office of Children and Youth there in PA and see if you can get a message to your kids that their birth mother is looking for them, and provide your contact info. That way, they could know that you're wanting contact, and your kids would have the opportunity to contact you if they wish. Good luck.