Adoption Search and Reunion services are offered to families and individuals where Catholic Charities was the agency that facilitated the adoption and has the adoption records.  Former adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents and siblings with the consent of the birth parent or adoptee, can be assisted with the following options:

Non-Identifying Information – Included is information describing physical characteristics, medical conditions known at the time the record was opened, and reported social and educational information.  This available social and medical background information is transcribed into a written summary and provided to the individual making the request.    Catholic Charities is prohibited by state law to provide any identifying information, including original birth certificates.  The following are some examples of what are considered identifying and will not be provided: last names, cities, towns, street addresses, and specific place of employment. 

Adoption Search and Reunification Services – Are provided to members of the adoption triad who are searching for information related to their adoption which may lead to possible contact with the sought member of the triad. Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs can only assist those individuals who we facilitated the adoption for and have the adoption records. 

An application requesting services along with the necessary fees and consents to conduct the search are required to open a case.  The individual searching will also need to participate in a preparation session to address their expectations regarding the outcome of the search and their readiness to begin the process.  The actual “searching” can take a number of months since the identifying contact information we have access to is often outdated and names may no longer be current if there has been a marriage, divorce, or a subsequent adoption.  Once the sought individual is located, we can only proceed with establishing contact if we have their written consent to do so.  In addition, it is required that once located, the sought party participates in a preparation session to address their questions and expectations. 

Depending upon the mutual wishes and consent of both parties, search and reunification may lead to contact through emails, letters, phone calls, or eventual meetings.  The agency can also assist with facilitated contact if one or both of the parties would prefer not to exchange identifying information and have direct contact.  There is no guarantee that the sought individual will be found or that if found, they will want to engage in the process or give their consent to move forward.  Fees are for services rendered and are non-refundable. 

Update the Information in Your Record – Not everyone is interested or ready to initiate a search but may like the option to be contacted if someone were searching for them.  Catholic Charities will update the adoption or relinquishment records for adoptions finalized through the agency. This information will never be released to anyone without written consent.  We also encourage birth parents to contact the agency with updated medical information that could prove critical to an adoptee.

To receive an application packet, get additional information, or update a record, call 719-866-6535 or email info@ccharitiescs.org.  To better assist serving you, please provide the following information:

1.    Full Legal Name
2.    Phone Number
3.    Address
4.    email address
5.    The year the adoption occurred
6.    For birth parents, your name at the time of the adoption
7.    For adoptees, your parent’s full names at the time of the adoption
8.    If you are searching, who is being sought ( birth mother, adoptee, etc)
9.    Any additional information you would like included in the file