Search Contact and Reunion Services
Adoption Search Contact and Reunion Services (ASCARS) are designed to enable people that have been separated from birth relatives to reconnect. Applicants are encouraged to read the Fact Sheet and Overview to determine their eligibility for services.
The Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry (MCVAR)
The first component of Adoption Search Contact and Reunion Services (ASCARS) is the Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry (MCVAR), also called “the registry”. This is a passive listing of adult adoptees, birth parents and birth siblings that are looking to reconnect. When an ASCARS application is received the information is entered into MCVAR. If a match is found it is first verified to confirm the connection; then both parties are notified and contact is facilitated. The registry has been in place since 1986 and has over 5,000 names in it, however there are not many matches made. A complete application must still be submitted in order to be considered for inclusion in the registry.
Search Services
The second component of ASCARS are the search services. This is when efforts are made to identify, locate and engage the sought individual(s). There are a few alternative approaches to identifying relatives. The most direct way is by finding the adoption record. If the adoption was facilitated by an agency then the organization’s records usually have identifying information. The process is expedited when the facilitating agency is known.
Some adoptions are not facilitated by an agency but rather an independent lawyer. In this circumstance the court record generally has needed information to identify birth relatives. There are many jurisdictions in Maryland. Each one has its own way of categorizing and storing adoption records. It is very helpful when registrants are able to identify the court where the adoption was finalized and the adoption case number.
If the court record is not able to be found or it does not have the requested information then the final alternative to identify birth relatives is to find the original or amended birth certificate. When a person is adopted their birth certificate is amended with the adopting individuals listed as the parent(s). Birth parent(s) are listed on original birth certificates and adoptive parent(s) on the amended birth certificate.
Once a record is found the search is assigned to a Confidential Intermediary (CI). CIs are trained specifically to do adoption search contact and reunion work. They are taught to prepare registrants for the outcomes that may arise. CIs are able to identify, locate and engage people that are sought.
Once an application is submitted through Google Forms, the Department of Human Services will review the provided information and then reach out to the jurisdiction or private agency where the registrant believes the adoption occurred to verify they have the adoption records. If the records can be located, the search will then be assigned to a CI. Both the registrant and the CI will receive a letter via email from the Department of Human Services identifying the CI.
The search process will not begin until the registrant contacts the CI to initiate the search.The CI will have the registrant enter into a service agreement, which is where the registrant indicates what outcome is desired regarding the services provided by the CI. Maryland is a mutual consent state. People have the right to agree to the release of information or to decline. If a person declines, the CI is prohibited from trying to persuade the person to agree. Although confidentiality is maintained in death; CIs are able to contact other birth relatives to determine interest in contact when the initial birth relative is found to be deceased.
Application Packet
The application consists of several documents.
- The application form is for identifying information. The registrant is encouraged to provide as much information as possible. Anything that is not known can be left blank.
- A consent form is required and needs to be notarized.
- The registrant must send a copy of a photo ID with a signature (e.g.: a driver’s license or a passport).
- A statistical survey is required so the Department of Human Services can determine the demographics of those requesting ASCARS.
All ASCARS are coordinated through The Department of Human Services.
All forms related to ASCARS can be located on the ASCARS Application Forms page.
If you have questions please contact: DLContact_Reunion_Services_DHS@maryland.gov
If you are unable to complete the submission form to submit your completed application packet you can mail paper applications to:
Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
Adoption Search Contact and Reunion Services
Out-of-Home Unit
25 S. Charles Street
Floor 11
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Fees
The Department of Human Services does not charge any fees for ASCARS, and there is no fee for entering information into MCVAR or for search services provided by Local Departments of Social Services. Private agencies may charge for search services according to their fee schedule. Some private agencies will accept reduced fees and some may waive the fees. However, it is not possible to know if a fee will be required or what the amount will be until after the ASCARS application is processed. Payments should be sent directly to the private agency completing the service. If an applicant wishes to request a reduced fee, they must submit a Fee Waiver Form with supporting documentation. This form is only necessary if the Confidential Intermediary is from a private agency, which is determined after the application is processed and the search assigned.
Non-identifying Medical Information
Sometimes registrants want non-identifying information or medical information. The medical information available will vary depending on what was recorded at the time of the adoption and if there was an agency involved. Non-identifying information may be requested directly from the agency that facilitated the adoption. If the registrant does not know which agency facilitated the adoption an application for ASCARS is required.
Documents
Laws were passed to protect the confidentiality of birth parents, adoptees and adoptive families. Documents relating to adoptions and birth certificates for adoptions were sealed as of July 1, 1947. CIs are able to review sealed records to enable them to provide ASCARS; however they are not able to release these to registrants. If an adoptee wants an original birth certificate she or he can petition the court to authorize the Maryland Department of Health to release this document. For additional information on this process you can contact your local Family Court Help Center. For adoptions that were finalized after January 1, 2000, original and amended birth certificates may be issued to adoptees or birth parents once the adoptee turns 21 years old.
You may submit a request for your birth certificate to the Maryland Department of Health.
Disclosure Vetoes Forms are for individuals wishing to express their intention in the event that their birth relative seeks to establish contact.
Who can request services?
ASCARS are available for those involved in adoptions that were finalized or initiated in Maryland. MCVAR registration is available to adult adoptees (at least 21 years old), birth parents, and birth siblings (at least 21 years old). Search services are only available to adult adoptees, birth parents and birth siblings (who have been adopted themselves). Parental rights must have been voluntarily terminated for birth parents to request search services. Search services are provided directly to registrants. They are not available to relatives, spouses, friends or affiliates of adoptees. Third party agencies are not able to request services.
How long will it take?
The timing of searches varies. It depends on the information available and the willingness to engage. If the record can be found, individuals identified, located, and if those sought are willing to engage, the process can be facilitated quickly. However, without the necessary documentation or complete details, it becomes difficult to locate records, potentially causing significant delays in the search process. Difficulty finding records can deter progress and people’s willingness to be involved will slow or all together prevent connection.
What if a person does not want contact?
If people do not want contact it is their right to decline. For adoptions that were finalized after January 1, 2000, a disclosure veto can be completed that specifies that contact is not to be made. Disclosure vetoes are able to be rescinded if the person changes their mind. Disclosure Vetoes are maintained by the Department of Human Services.