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Organizations

This site is still under construction. Legends & Legacies lists many agencies for the visitor to investigate. This is a service and does not mean we endorse any of their services or philosophies.

If you know of a site that would be helpful to our ancestor hunters, adoptees, orphans or family historians, please e-mail us! We also welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Adoption Resources

Whether you are an adoptee seeking his or her biological parents, or the biological parent seeking the child you gave up many years ago, we feel you have a right to know the truth. Most of North American law is in accordance with this view lately. For example, as of November 1, 1996, British Columbia adoptees and biological parents are located in a central registry that is open to one another. Colorado recently amended statute 19-5-301 offering a similar service. See their web site for more details.

In general, you will have to have reached the age of 18 in Canada or the age of 21 in the United States in order to have these records made available to you. In addition, some states/provinces have retained a privacy clause that allows biological parents to submit an application requesting that their particular case remain private. In other words, if you are looking for your biological parents, they may be able to prevent you from finding them in certain parts of North America. Try some of the government links for more information, or try any of the search engines for family services, children's services or social services.

If you are ready to search, here are some links to try:

Patrick's Adoption Corner: This is the single greatest web source for both adoptees and biological parents. They can link you to over 700 search aids and you can join AIML -- Adoptees Internet Mailing List. Step-by-step you can find your bloodline.
O'Neill & Associates offers investigative services for biological parents and adoptees alike. While it is extremely rewarding to conduct your own search, sometimes it is helpful to retain a professional. Always check references!

General Non-Profit Resources

American Red Cross has branches all over the U.S. and can help with their tracing and international social services. Mainly they specialize in reuniting family that have been separated by war or natural disaster. They also have a museum.
The Salvation Army can be found in more than 100 countries and has services available in more than 140 languages. They perform charitable acts beneficial to society (amongst the many other things they do) and have many resources available you can access via the web such as books, documents, press releases, etc.

If you know of a site that would be helpful to our ancestor hunters, adoptees, orphans or family historians, please e-mail us! We also welcome your feedback and suggestions.