Post Adoption Services

The Children's Home of Cincinnati continues to provide support to adoptive families, adopted adults and birth families by providing the following post-adoption services:

Record Reviews

There are many laws surrounding the release of adoption records, all of which are designed for the protection of all parties involved in the adoption. Individuals requesting information regarding a finalized adoption have several options.

Adoptions finalized prior to January 1, 1964

Adopted adults, adoptive parents, birthparents and birth siblings of adopted persons whose adoption was finalized during this time are entitled to receive identifying background information.

Adoptions finalized between 1964 and September 17, 1996

For adoptions occurring within this timeframe, adopted adults (21+), adoptive parents and birth parents and birth siblings are entitled to non-identifying information, unless a release of information is on file, granting permission to release further information.

Non-identifying information includes physical descriptions, interests, occupations, education, health and other factors requested about adoptive parents by birth parents or birth siblings. Non-identifying information requested from adoptive parents and adopted adults includes descriptions of the birth mother, her family, the birthfather and his family, If social and medical information has been updated by the birth family, this can also be shared.

All requests for information from an adoption file must be made in writing and be accompanied by two forms of identification. Information can only be released to adoptive parents, adopted adults (21+), birth parents or the descendents of those identified in accordance with the law.

Click here to download request form for birthparents or birth siblings of adoptees.

Click here to download request form for adopted adults or adoptive parents.

Medical Information

Since a person's medical history is constantly changing, and can be critical in adoption, birth parents can update their social or medical information at any time.

Once information is updated, it is reviewed by an adoption assessor and every attempt is made to deliver the information to the adoptive family. If these attempts are unsuccessful, the information is kept on file and will be available should the adoptive family or adopted adult contact the agency. A copy of two forms of identification must accompany a completed social and medical form. If the person supplying information is a birth sibling, one form of identification must be his/her birth certificate, proving they are a descendent of the birth mother or birth father.

Click here to download the Social and Medical History form.

Exchanges and Correspondence

The Children's Home regularly facilitates exchanges of photos, letters and cards between parties involved in adoption. Whether arrangements for correspondence were made at the time of adoption, or parties have requested assistance with exchanges from the agency, we are here to help.

Any party involved in an adoption can sign a release of information, and if desired, send a photo, letter or card to be kept on file until the intended party contacts the agency and indicates in writing that they would like to receive any exchanges.

Click here to download release of information and exchange forms.

A copy of two forms of identification must accompany completed release/exchange forms. If the person supplying the information is a birth sibling, one form of identification must be his/her birth certificate proving they are a descendent of the birth mother or birth father.

Individual and Family Adoption Counseling

The Children's Home provides counseling services to individuals and families dealing with issues related to adoption. There are seven core issues triggered by adoption. Throughout life and at varying degrees, birth parents, adopted persons and adoptive parents often struggle with issues such as identity, loss, grief and rejection, guilt and shame, intimacy, and mastery or control. Whether or not your adoption took place through our agency, we are here to help through all stages of adoption.