Search and Reunion

Ready to take next steps in your search? Wide Horizons For Children is here to assist for the following searches and reunions:

• Search Consultation for Adopted Persons with International Adoptions: $100.00 
• Search & Reunion for Adopted Persons and Birth Parents from the US: $300.00

A Special Message to Those Interested in Search in South Korea:

As you are likely aware, adoption files were transferred in July 2025 from the private adoption agencies such as Holt Children’s Services to the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC). The search process in South Korea is now managed by the NCRC. Please download their instructions, or access their website.

If you are interested in pursuing search and you were adopted from South Korea, we would recommend the following steps:

1. Obtain a copy of your WHFC file through our file review service. Anything received by WHFC would have been passed along to your adoptive parents, but we certainly understand that paperwork can be misplaced, or you may not have access to it. Feel free to skip this step if you have access to your parent’s original file and feel it is likely complete. Through retrieving your file from our archives, WHFC would likely be able to send you:
   • The initial information received from Holt Children’s Services when you were matched with your adoptive family. This would include the Confidential Background Information form which includes non-identifying information about your birth parents and the circumstances of your placement. It would also include medical and developmental records about you. 
   • The legal documents representing you in the adoption. This would include a Family Register (sort of the equivalent of a birth certificate, with no birth parent identifying information) and documents transferring your guardianship from Holt Children’s Services to Wide Horizons For Children.
   • A copy of your U.S. adoption decree finalizing your adoption.
   • Any updates received from Holt Children’s Services – e.g. additional medical information, correspondence from a foster parent, etc.
2. Apply to the NCRC for a copy of your file from South Korea. It will likely be very similar to what was in your agency file at WHFC, but may include some additional items. Regulations in South Korea prohibit sharing of identifying birth parent information without current consent from the birth parent. See instructions linked at the top of this communication.
3. Continue to work with NCRC regarding a search. This is a new process and we would appreciate hearing about your experience so that we can best prepare others.

If you wish, WHFC is available to provide support and counseling at any stage of the process. We have counselors on staff who are very familiar with the challenges and positives of the search process and are happy to provide support and guidance – prior to, during, or after a search. You may use our service for on-going, periodic support or for something specific (i.e., assistance writing a letter to your birth mother). You may sign up for a consultation here. A counselor will reach out within a few days to set up a time to meet, either in our Massachusetts office or via video-conferencing.