Catholic Charities believes that all persons affected by adoption have the right to know as much information about their birth relatives as possible. However, New Jersey law protects the confidentiality of all adoptions. Therefore Catholic Charities is not allowed by law to release any identifying information without prior consent of the affected party of parties. Any adult adoptee or birth parent may initiate a request for additional information. This is called a search.

Search:
A search involves a personal interview with the member of the triad requesting more information or face to face meeting. Counseling is provided to any member of the adoption triad (birth parents, adult adoptee, adoptive parents) and his/her family.

Catholic Charities will facilitate reunions between parents, adult adoptees and the extended family of adult adoptees when requested by either party. To begin the process the interested party must contact the post adoption counselor by letter and explain what information they are looking for. All non-identifying information can then be shared. If requested, the post adoption worker can attempt to contact the other party and the counselor will determine if reunion is desired. If a reunion is desired, then all involved parties shall participate in preparatory counseling with post adoption counselor. After counseling, the reunion will be held if all parties agree. Continued counseling is available if necessary or desired.

For more information contact:
Nancy Hickman, CSW or contact Nancy Morrell 609-828-1156