Ambiguous loss—a feeling of grief or distress combined with confusion about the lost person or relationship—is a normal aspect of adoption.
Resource Category: Adoption
The Primal Wound
Book by Nancy Verrier – This book discusses the ‘primal wound’, or the wound that is created when a child is separated from their mother, that many adopted people struggle with throughout their lifetime. The book discusses the effects of loss, attachment, bonding, and psychological effects of adoption.
The Other Mother
Book by Carol Schaefer – This is the story of a birth mother who searches for her son who was adopted 19 years ago.
Adoptee Reading Resources
This is a site with a list of books that may be of interest to adopted people. This website centers books that are written by adoptees and some are not related to adoption. The website also includes reviews written by adoptees for books. Finally, the website lists books written by non-adoptees but are recommended by
Adoption Reunion Search and Support Group
This Facebook group discusses search and reunion. Members can post information related to their search and there are members who are willing to help with this process. There is also information about the rights birth families and adoptees have in each state, resources for searching and documents that explain searching through DNA.
Adoption Search & Reunion
This Facebook group is for adoptees, birth parents, siblings and relatives and friends. Members are able to get support with searching and reuniting. There is also support and guidance available for adoptive parents who are in need of guidance through this process.
Adopted Adults Support Group
This is a Facebook group for adult adoptees to share, vent and connect with others with similar experiences. Topics range from searching to coping with the emotional impact of being adopted. This is a group for only adult adoptees.
International Soundex Reunion Registry
This agency is a mutual consent reunion registry for anyone wanting to connect with next-of-kin. Participating in this registry is free.
Washington Adoption Reunion Movement
WARM is a non-profit organization aiming to reunite families separated by adoption. WARM serves adoptees, birth family members, and adoptive families in Washington State since 1976. WARM provides information, referral, support and search services.