Quote From: connier My name is Connie and I'm now 42. I've known my entire life that I was adopted, but never gave it much thought. I had wonderful parents. They are now gone and I find myself wondering if I should try and locate my birth famiy. My adoption took place in TN. I've been told that my records should be easy to access, but I am not sure.
I also don't know that I want to actually meet them. I would really like to have medical information. Do I have to meet them to obtain medical information or could the state act as an intermediary and get the info for me?
Thanks for any help.
Connie
TENNESSEE
Obtaining Non-Identifying Information: Adopted adults age 18 or older, adoptive parents, stepparents or legal parents of an adopted adult, birth parents, birth siblings, and direct descendants of adopted adults may obtain non-identifying information.
Obtaining Identifying Information: If an adoption was finalized before March 16, 1951, adopted adults age 21 or older, birth parents, adoptive parents, stepparents or legal parents, and birth siblings age 21 or older can receive a copy of the adoption records, which includes the original birth certificate. If an adoption was finalized after March 16, 1951, adopted adults age 21 or older, birth parents, adoptive parents, step or legal parents, birth siblings age 21 or older can receive a copy of the adoption records, which includes the original birth certificate. They shall not contact or attempt to contact in any manner any of the persons eligible to file a contact veto. A Contact Veto Registry has been established by the Department of Children's Services for the purpose of permitting registration of the willingness or unwillingness for contact with persons who seek contact with them. All parties must go through this registry before contacting the subject of the search.
Contact:
Department of Children's Services
Post Adoption Unit
436 6th Avenue, NW
8th Floor, Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1290
(615)532-5637
http://www.state.tn.us/youth/adoption/accessto.htm
Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate: See provisions above under Obtaining Identifying Information.
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/9073/openrecords.html
Best of luck to you!!