Adoption
often creates a painful void in the lives of all affected that only
resolution via a reunion can heal. Learn successful methods for gathering
information from those who hold the keys. Once contact information is
attained, you will be gently guided through your important first contact.
This
class provides not only instructions of how to search, but addresses
the
emotional aspects that affect such a deeply personal and poignant endeavor.
Bio:
Linda Rakita
With over
20 years experience in locating and reuniting adoptees and birth parents
in addition to finding lost friends and family, Linda has passionately
devoted herself to those with the need for reunions and resolutions.
As a Senior
Search Specialist with an international locating company, she has successfully
solved hundreds of difficult cases. Linda continues to provide individual
private search services to those wishing to reconnect with lost loved
ones.
In addition,
Linda created and taught two online investigative classes for several
years with MyFamily.com.. Her Adoption Investigative Class and the Lost
Friends and Family Investigative Class share secrets and systems previously
known only to professional search specialists.
Her classes
share with you her years of information and expertise with insight,
compassion and understanding. With the realization that each search
is unique, she will gently guide students through the twists and turns
of an unparalleled journey.
Linda continues
to look forward to teaching students how to turn that fond but distant
memory into this year's reality!
LESSON
TITLES
Lesson
ONE : Class is in Session!
Welcome
Class Description
Dynamics of Adoption
Explanation of Computer Usage
Online Searching
Offline Searching
Reunion Preparation
Lesson TWO: Let's Begin to Learn!
Basic Terminology
Journal Setup
Checklist
Correspondence/Conversation Logs
Internet Tools
National Archives
Search Boards
State Laws
International Searches
Agency Expectations
Lesson THREE: Down Memory Lane
Adoptee's Memories
Adoptive Parents' Memories
Birth Parent Memories
State Adoption Laws
Intermediaries
Open/Sealed Records
Proposed Adoption Bill
Lesson FOUR: The Write and the Wrong Way
Agency/Lawyer Assistance
Doctor Assistance
"Good Cause"
State and County Offices
Hospital Records
Adoption Agency Approaches
Others involved in Adoption Procedure
Examples of Letters
When to type vs. When to Handwrite
When to notarize
Registries
Lesson FIVE: Phone Format
Library Assistance
Vital Statistics
Birth Index
State Department
Adoption Agency
Medical Information Bureau
American Medical Association
Friends and Family Notification
Lesson SIX: You Have a Name!
Marriage/Divorce Records
Social Security Death Index
Social Security Number Codes
Unpublished/Unlisted Phone Numbers
International Searching
City Directories
Tip for Determining Birth Mother's Age
Court House Archives
Freedom of Information Act
Military Locators
Education Sites
Lesson SEVEN: Almost There!
Deciphering Accumulated Data
Composing Your Thoughts
Preparations
Responsibilities
Contact by Telephone
Contact by Mail
Possible Outcomes
Lesson EIGHT: Houston, We Have Contact!!!
What now?
Examples of Letters for First Contact
Examples of Calls for First Contact
First Face to Face Meeting
Future Expectations |
Linda Rakita