I wanted to share some exciting news about change in New York state law regarding adoption.

For several years prior to coming to Mary Cariola, I supervised an Adoption department and joined with others in advocacy for Adult adoptees to be allowed access to their original birth certificate.

I’m very happy to share that this law has finally passed in New York State as of January 15th.

My professional energy came from listening to the number of people who I worked with who had been adopted and yearned to simply have more factual information. Many of these people had been born at a time when being a single mother was not socially acceptable; thus adoption was one option.

Some of the young people whose lives we touch have unanswered questions, and challenges with relationship development. Many of those early life experiences have framed who they are and the capacity to engage and bond. Having factual information to more fully understand one’s identity can be helpful.

When adoptees become of legal adult age (18), they now can have access to factual information with names on their original birth certificate.

The Department of Health website has a link which includes information on the process.
I hope this is helpful for those who have questions.