New Jersey
The New Jersey state registry is only for public agency adoptions through DFYS or its predecessors: BCS, SBCW, SBCG. Obtaining Non-Identifying Information: Adopted adults, adoptive parents of a minor adoptee, or birth parents can receive non-identifying information through the registry. The age of majority is 18.
Obtaining Identifying Information: Identifying information is provided through a registry.
Using a Confidential Intermediary: Confidential intermediary services are provided through the registry.
Using the Adoption Registry: The following persons may use the registry: adopted adults, adoptive parents of minor adoptee, and birth parents. At the request of an adopted adult, or of a minor adoptee with permission from his or her adoptive parents, the registry will conduct a search for birth relative(s) who have not registered.
Contact: New Jersey Department of Human Services
(for public agency adoptions only)
Division of Youth and Family Services
Adoption Registry Coordinator
PO Box 717
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-6800
(609) 292-8816
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/adoption/registryframe.html Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate: An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized to receive.
Providing Information: Cards and letters may be provided to the registry to be given to the intended party upon that party's registration.
For All Other Adoptions: The court where the adoption was finalized must be petitioned.
Search Resources for this State Adapted from information available at the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. Reprinted with permission.
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I am a student who became involved with this issue by doing research on a class project. While in highschool, I had a very good friend who was adopted and was raised by a wonderful family. She had a great childhood, but was always plagued by the question of "who am I and where did I come from?" She was interested in some of the basic issues such as why did my mother give me up, but more importantly, what nationality am I, what religious affiliation did I have, what could I have inherited both externally and medically from my parents? She always spoke about never feeling complete, as if a part of her was missing.
I come from a dysfunctional family, but at least I know what characteristics have been passed on to me from my parents. When I sit in a doctor's office, I am able to fill out my medical history. I recently underwent treatment for breast cancer, knowing that my mother and grandmother both had this disease. I was able to catch it early, since I was sent for screening early on due to my history.
If my birth certificate belongs to me and not my mother, then why should it not be the same for all people.
I understand the extenuating circumstances that some mothers may have faced in putting their child up for adoption, but that was their decision, not the child's. Why should the child be seperate from the rest of society because of something they had nothing to do with?
Hopefully this issue can be decided where both sides can come to some agreement as to whose rights are being stepped on, the adoptee or the birth mother.
Posted by: sthomps1 at 09/19/2007 02:59 PM
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