UPDATE:  
Under VA Code 63.1-236, 63.1-236.01 Adoptees 18 and older:  
* right to non-id from their finalized adoption record  
* right to apply to the VA Dept of Social Services for identifying information for "good cause". Agreement from the birth family member(s) to the sharing of information is considered "good cause".  
* right to request an attempt be made to convey critical medical, psychological, and genetic information to their birth parents or adult birth siblings. ID information will not be passed on under this section.  
* In parental placement adoption, where the consent to the adoption was executed on or after July 1, 1994, the adult adoptee may view the entire adoption record. However any criminal record checks done on the adoptive parent(s) which show a criminal record conviction cannot be released.  
* To initiate a search for birth family, fill out an Adoptee Application For Disclosure. Forms are obtained from and returned to:  
Adoption Reports Unit  
730 East Broad Street  
Richmond VA 23219-1849  
The agency that did the adoption will be designated to search.  
The agency may charge a fee for the search to be paid in advance.  
The agency has 8 months to conduct the search, but an extension can be granted on good cause with your permission.  
* After the search the agency will send a report to the Adoptions Report Unit recommending whether to grant or deny the disclosure of id information. Applications are usually denied if the birth family is not located or is deceased.  
* If your application is denied, or the Adoption Report Unit fails to designate a search agency within 30 days, you can petition the court for disclosure. VA resident can petition the Circuit Court where they reside, all others much petition the Richmond City Circuit Court.  
* If you have questions regarding the application or search process, contact:  
Jackie Gill 804-692-1286  
Paul Reaves 804-692-1285  
Commonwealth of Virginia  
Department of Social Services  
730 East Broad Street  
Richmond VA 23219-1849  
804-692-1944  

Metro Reunion Registry
6439 Woodridge Road
Alexandria, VA 22312-1336
e-mail: ebarnes@erols.com (Earle Barnes)
fax: (703) 941-6054

Registry for those searching in the Wash. DC., MD, VA area. Free. Send SASE for a registration form.

Adult Adoptees In Search
P.O. Box 203
Ferrum, VA 24088-0203