I’m an Adult Adopted Person Beginning My Search
A note before you begin: This visual guide is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for mental health, legal, or medical advice. Every person's experience is unique. Please take what feels supportive and leave what doesn't.
Beginning Your Search
For many adopted adults, questions about biological family, ancestry, medical history, culture, identity, or the circumstances surrounding their adoption may arise at different points in life.
Beginning a search can bring curiosity, hope, uncertainty, excitement, grief, and many other emotions. There is no single reason to search and no one way the process is supposed to unfold.
This visual guide explores some things to consider as you begin, including your reasons for searching, what you hope to learn, possible outcomes, emotional preparation, and deciding what next steps feel right for you.
Explore the visual guide below at your own pace.
Continue Learning
Want to explore search and reunion more deeply?
Visit the Search & Reunion Learning Center for articles about biological family searches, DNA matches, first contact, reunion, boundaries, expectations, and the emotions that can accompany discovering new family connections.
Need Help With Your Search?
Hiraeth Hope & Healing's volunteer Search Angels provide compassionate assistance with DNA results, biological family searches, and understanding family connections.
Explore More Visual Learning
Browse additional visual guides exploring adoption, donor conception, unexpected DNA discoveries, identity, grief, relationships, belonging, and more.
Related Articles
You may also find these articles helpful:
• Should I Contact My Biological Family?
• How Do I Read My DNA Match List?