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Adopted from HK - Finding Birth Parents Posted by Boo (1022 days ago) Hi, would anyone know where and how I would go about tracing my birth parents? I'm close to 30 in age and I know I'll be up against a lot of bureaucracy if I were to approach social services head-on as unlike the West, it's not accepted culturally for adopted people to trace their natural parents (I was adopted into an overseas-Chinese family and my dad never wanted to tell me but I found out by accident). (I am based in Hong Kong) Find what you are after in our Hong Kong A-Z Directory  Posted by hkggirl (1021 days ago) Have you approached the Social Welfare Department? I am sure that attitudes would have changed in the past 30 years. As someone who has adopted a child through the Welfare Department in the last few years I know that during workshops, adoptive parents were advised to be open and honest with their adoptive children and the creation of "Lifebooks" were encouraged. I would contact the department and be polite but persistent. Good Luck (I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by ssbabes (1021 days ago) I think your first port of call should be Social Welfare. They will be able to give you the information you need and what to do next. Good luck. (I am based in Hong Kong) Posted by Boo (1021 days ago) Thanks everyone for the support. I'll try Social Welfare and try to be positive. (I am based in Hong Kong) Posted by Meiguoren (1021 days ago) Just to note there's a big difference -- an ocean of difference -- between an adoptive parent telling a child he is adopted versus opening a sealed court record which would reveal the identity of the birth parent. Don't confuse these two very different issues. Morevoer, western laws are not as open as you might think. It's not a matter of "attitude," it's a matter of legal right to privacy and due process for both biological and adoptive parents. The issue of privacy is bypassed in an "open" adoption where everyone always knows identities, but it definitely is an issue in a "closed" adoption when some parties might not want their identities not to be revealed. Generally speaking, a biological parent in the USA can sign a form giving permission for the record to be opened upon inquiry, dispensing with the need for an adult child seeking his roots to have a judicial hearing to determine legality of opening the sealed judicial record; and sealed records are sometimes opened after due process of judicial hearings has proved significant need that would outweigh the biological parent's right to privacy, for instance need to discover some medical history etc.. But sealed court records are not just "thrown open" based on any request. This law is not something that can be changed by talking with social services. Based on my experience with Chinese culture (not with the legal system here), I would not expect the system to be welcoming of inquiries of this sort. Wish the best for you, Boo. Hopefully the system has paved a way for those seeking to be found to be matched with those who seek them. Just be prepared for disappointment if it has not. (I am based in Guangzhou)
Posted by Boo (1020 days ago) I agree with you, meiguoren, which is why I'm not expecting anything to begin with. I know it's going to be an uphill battle but thanks for your input. (I am based in Hong Kong) Posted by Lilly Pilly (1019 days ago) I know for a fact that the social welfare department will help you with your enquiries. I recently attended workshops on 'root tracing" and they are very keen to assist find adoptive parents. They provide counseling and set up the first meeting. I would contact them immediately, they will be more forthcoming than you expect. (I am based in Hong Kong) Posted by clara34 (1019 days ago) so what did your adopted parents says?did they know?what are you going to do?will you tell them?i wish you find your family soon!!! (I am based in Hong Kong) Posted by Boo (1019 days ago) That's good to know LillyPilly! Good to know that there's a possibility of light at the end of the tunnel afterall! Will report back when I find out. Thanks! (I am based in Hong Kong)
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