Closed Adoption - Where do I start?

Cheryl2701

Hello. Any help is appreciated. I was born in the now closed Lubbock Osteopathic Hospital in Lubbock Texas. It opened in 1958 and closed, I think, sometime in the 70’s. I was told it was a closed adoption and that the hospital had burned down sometime after my adoption where the records were kept. I was supposedly adopted at birth from a (possibly) migrating family that already had a son. And also told it was done in a lawyer’s office, sounded very hush, hush. I was told this by my parents when I was around 10 or 12 because I accidentally found my adoption papers. Those have never been seen again, but at least I know they existed at one time. My search here showed only my adopted parents on record. Is it even possible to find records about a closed adoption? Wouldn’t that be filed as a legal record?

Thanks so much

Ashlee C.

Mod note: Community is a public online forum. For your privacy, your question was edited to remove some of your private information. Please see the Community Code of Conduct for more details.

If the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services was involved in your adoption you might be able to get a redacted copy of your record. Here is the link to their website: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Child_Protection/Adoption/Adoption_Registry/closed_adoption_records.asp

JeffreyBryant1

You could also do a DNA test and should be able to find matches to your biological line, though they may be related a few generations back. I would recommend AncestryDNA because of the size of the database.

YvonneDauterive

Look at 23 and ME and Ancestry

David A Wilson

The following information was generated by ChatGPT:

"If DFPS was involved in the adoption, you can request a redacted copy of the adoption records. These copies will have certain personal information deleted to ensure privacy. To inquire if DFPS was involved in your adoption, contact them at 512-929-6764 or toll-free at 1-877-764-7230.
Texas DFPS

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) - Vital Statistics Unit: Adoption records are sealed by the court after an adoption has been granted, and no identifying information about the biological family can be released without a court order. To request access, you must complete the Court Ordered Open Sealed File application, provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, and include a $10.00 check or money order payable to DSHS. Mail these documents along with a certified copy of the finalized court order to:

Texas Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040

Texas Health Services

Central Adoption Registry: If you're unsure which agency handled the adoption, the Central Adoption Registry maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services can assist. They can be reached at (512) 458-7388.
Texas DFPS

City of Lubbock Vital Statistics Office: This office houses birth and death records for Lubbock County and can remotely access birth certificates from other Texas counties. While they may not have direct access to adoption records, they can provide birth records that might offer some information. Contact them through the City of Lubbock's official website.
City of Lubbock

Texas Adoption Reunion Registry: This registry facilitates connections between adoptees and their birth families. While it doesn't provide direct access to adoption records, it can be a resource for those seeking to reunite with biological relatives.
Adopted

Legal Assistance: Consulting with an attorney experienced in Texas adoption law can provide personalized guidance and help navigate the legal processes involved in accessing sealed records.

Please note that accessing sealed adoption records can be a complex process due to privacy laws. It's essential to follow the appropriate legal channels and respect the confidentiality of all parties involved."

I hope this is helpful.