You can find help, both practical and emotional, in searching for your “hidden roots” through an adoption support group. Some groups include just one segment of the adoption “triad”: adoptee groups, birth parent support groups and adoptive parent groups. Others involve everyone affiliated with adoption. Some search agencies actually require that you join a support group. These organizations can help locate an adoption support group in your area:

• National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, (888) 251-0075, www.calib.com/naic/
• American Adoption Congress, (202) 483-3399, www.american-adoption-cong.org

To locate community adoption resources and information about types of adoption, you may also telephone the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, (212) 269-5080.