Where to start the search

If the adoptee knows which adoption agency handled their adoption, they can simply contact the agency directly as they would have a file on their adoption. The second-best alternative is to contact the Registrar of Adoptions (012 312 7593) at the Department of Social Development in Pretoria where all adoptions done throughout the country must be registered. The Registrar would be able to determine which agency processed the adoption, supply the adoptee with a copy of their adoption order and, where possible, provide updated information on the whereabouts of the birth parents.

As the process of searching for your birth parents can be an emotional rollercoaster ride, we strongly recommend that all adoptees receive counselling – from either a qualified social worker or psychologist – before embarking on this ultimate journey of self-discovery. This type of counselling usually focuses on the following topics:

• it explores the  relationship the adoptee has with their adoptive parents and whether they have their support in their pursuit of information about their birth parents;
• it delves into the reasons behind the adoptee’s search for information;
• it encourages the adoptee to explore their expectations with regard to background information and future contact with a birth parent; and
• it assesses the adoptee’s level of emotional maturity to determine – and advises the client accordingly – whether they are ready to embark on this potentially life-changing journey.