FAQs

Q: What changes have been made to the Confidential Intermediary Program?
A: Effective 10/1/2010, new legislation will expand access to the current program.  Services may now be available to adoptees 18 years of age and older. If a birth parent is deceased, adult birth family members may now be contacted without a court order. CHS may now agree to act as a confidential intermediary for specified family members or a deceased adoptee or birth parent with the written consent of a living adoptee or birth parent.  In addition, if a birth parent is deceased, CHS can attempt to secure a death certificate and deliver it to the person who requested services.

Q: What information is available to me?
A: Full and complete information will be shared in a timely manner to all parties in an adoption in accordance with the North Carolina Adoption Statute.

• Adopted adults age18 and older, adoptive parents, and legal guardians may request non-identifying information as defined by the NC Adoption Statute, Chapter 48 of the NC general Statutes. Non-identifying information includes descriptive social and medical information from the adoption record, but excludes any information that would lead to the identity of any party to the adoption.
  
• Birth parents are encouraged to provide updated medical information to CHS. An effort will be made to contact an adult adoptee or the adoptive family of an adoptee under 18 to let them know current medical information is available.
  
• Identifying information and an original birth certificate can be released only by order of the court in which the adoption was finalized.
  
• To obtain the name of the agency that handled an adoption in NC, contact Amelia Lance, Department of Health and Human Services, 325 N. Salisbury Street, 2409 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2409.

Q: Why do People Search?
A: Searching is a part of adoption. Some adopted persons will initiate an active search while others will have no desire to seek out birth relatives. It is not unusual for adopted persons to want information about their social and genetic origins. They search to complete their sense of self and to have a better understanding of the circumstances of their adoption. Often a desire for updated medical information is a motivating factor.

Birth parents search for a variety of reasons. They want to be available should their birth children have questions or concerns. They wonder if their birth children are alive and if they have had a positive family experience. They may also want to provide current health and genetic information.

Before initiating a search, contact CHS for information about your particular situation. Educate yourself about adoption issues. Familiarize yourself with adoption books, periodicals, and other literature. Join a support group, talk to other adopted persons and birth parents. Find people who can offer support during the search and reunion process.

Q: How and when should we explain adoption to our child?
A: Your child should grow up knowing how he became a part of your family. Adoption is a life long process. Children will need information at different times during their development. Share the information openly, honestly, and keep it appropriate to your child’s level of understanding.

Q: Where can I find books on adoption?
A: The CHS Lending Library, university libraries, and public libraries are all good sources to help you locate books on adoption. There is also a wealth of internet resources available.

Q: What kind of support is available for dealing with adoption issues?
A: CHS has a wealth of therapeutic and post adoption services. In addition, we can connect you with support groups in your area.

Q: What services/resources are available for birth parents?
A: • Discussion of feelings and needs related to adoption
• Continual updates to your medical records. Health information from a birth family can be made available to an adoptee 18 years or older, or to the adoptive family of an adoptee under the age of 18.
• Confidential Intermediary Services
• Connection to available support groups
• Workshops and seminars about adoption issues
• The CHS Adoption Resource Library

Q: What services/resources are available for adoptees?
A: • Confidential Intermediary Services
• Review and interpretation of medical and birth heritage information 
• Workshops and seminars regarding adoption issues
• Connection to available support groups
• The CHS Adoption Resource Library

Q: What services/resources are available for adoptive parents?
A: • Review and interpretation of your child's medical and birth heritage information
• Confidential Intermediary Services
• Counseling or information about adoption issues
• Tips on discussing adoption with your child
• Special services for families who have adopted children at a high risk for disruption
• Workshops and seminars provided by CHS
• The CHS Adoption Resource Library

For more information, please call 1-800-632-1400 or contact us.