The Anchorline Resources page is a calm, supportive space offering free tools, helpful links, and guidance for adoptees beginning or continuing their search journey. Everything here is designed to be simple, clear, and easy to use. Take what you need, move at your own pace, and return anytime.
Getting Started
Free Adoptee Checklist A simple, step‑by‑step guide to help you begin your search or organize your next steps.
Helpful Links
State Adoption Registries — Official registries where adoptees and biological family members can submit their information for potential matches.
Alabama Adoption Reunion Registry
District of Columbia Adoption Registry
Massachusetts Adoption Registry
New Hampshire Adoption Registry
North Carolina Adoption Registry
North Dakota Adoption Registry
Pennsylvania Adoption Registry
Rhode Island Adoption Registry
South Carolina Adoption Registry
South Dakota Adoption Registry
West Virginia Adoption Registry
Vital Records Offices — State offices where adoptees can request original or amended birth certificates, depending on state laws. Some states offer unrestricted access, while others require consent or court orders. What to do:
- Find your state’s Vital Records Office Search “Vital Records + Your State” to request birth certificates or adoption-related documents.
Search & Reunion Support Groups — Online communities offering guidance, shared experiences, and emotional support.
- Child Welfare Information Gateway – Search & Reunion Guidance Evidence-based guidance on preparing for search, navigating emotions, and understanding adoption record access.
- Adopted.com Community Support Large, supportive community for adoptees searching for biological family.
- ALMA (Adoptees’ Liberty Movement Association) Long-standing mutual consent registry and support organization.
- ISRR (International Soundex Reunion Registry) Free, non-profit registry helping adoptees and families find each other.
- Find My Family Adoption Registry Volunteer “search angel” support for adoptees and biological families.
- Adoption.com Reunion Registry – One of the largest adoptee/birth family registries online.
- Adoptee Rights Law Center – Search & Records Guidance – Clear legal guidance for adoptees navigating records access and search.
DNA Testing Services — Direct links to major DNA testing companies commonly used in adoptee searches.
- AncestryDNA — Largest database, best for finding biological relatives.
- 23andMe — Strong for health + ancestry + relative matching.
- FamilyTreeDNA — Good for Y-DNA and mtDNA tests.
- MyHeritage DNA — Large international database, helpful for cross-country searches.
Anchorline Shop
Looking for more support? Explore the Anchorline digital shop for guides, journals, planners, and creative tools designed for adoptees.