Search & Background

Domestic Search, Outreach and Background Services

If you were adopted through Children’s Home Society & Family Services (formerly Children’s Home Society of Minnesota) or one of our partner agencies, we can assist you in obtaining your non-identifying background history.  We can also provide services by locating your birthparents and/or birth siblings. Birthparents also have the option to search for the child they placed for adoption.

In a high proportion of searches we are able to locate a birth family member and obtain updated medical information when available. The process often begins with letters exchanged through the agency. Frequently clients make the decision to pursue direct contact. The privacy of all parties is protected, since each may decide the extent to which personal information is shared. For more details about our Domestic Search, Outreach and Background services click here.   

International Search, Openness and Background Services 

We provide intermediary and support services to all members of the adoption circle. Intermediary services include updating information; exchanges of information, photographs, gifts or phone calls through the intermediary; and requests for direct, identifying contact with a genetic relative. Workers can help facilitate confidential exchanges among persons who were adopted and others important to the adoption story. Services are limited to what is permitted and available in a particular birth country. Click here to get country specific information.  

To begin the outreach process

Call the CHSFS Post-Adoption Services Information Team at 800.952.9302 from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or e-mail Post-Adoption Services staff at pas@chsfs.org.

Search, outreach and openness services as well as background information are available to all members of the adoption circle (in some cases including extended family members of those touched by adoption).

If your adoption did not take place in Minnesota, it is necessary for you to check with the your placing agency or the state agency overseeing adoption in the state where your adoption occurred. The Adoption Guide can help you find the appropriate state agency.