If you are thinking about searching, Debra Allen can help. We welcome all inquiries you have and treat each one in a confidential manner.“In all of us, there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage, to know who we are, and where we have come from. Without this knowledge there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is a vacuum, an emptiness, and a most disquietin
g loneliness.”-Alex Haley
Debra Allen believes that adoption is a life-long process rather than a one-time event. Our agency is committed to providing assistance and support to all who were placed for adoption through the State of Arizona and elsewhere, as well as birth parents and adoptive parents. What is Search? A search is establishing a personal connection with people from your past. If an adopted person wishes to have contact with their birth parents, the agency is required by law to serve as an intermediary in the search. Searching is a complicated process of locating people whose lives may have changed a great deal. Permission of all parties involved is required before any direct contact is possible, and the search process moves at the pace of all parties involved. Debra Allen is always accessible to all members of a search, the adoptee, birth parent(s) and adoptive parents. Why Search? The motivation may include any or all of the following reasons:
Seeking a true genealogical, medical or historical sense of self
Seeking answers to lifelong questions
Wanting to know if another person is alive and wellPossessing a desire to express loveWanting to resolve a sense of disconnection or loneliness
Search Process
Whether you are ready to search or you have questions about the process, the first step is to contact Debra Allen of Allen Investigations. At any age, we welcome any questions you have and will do our best to assist and support you during the process. In addition, we can help prepare you before you begin searching.In all searches, Debra Allen contacts people in a confidential and respectful manner. We assure you that whenever we do make a search, it will be done as discreetly as possible. Having Questions is Normal
As an adopted person, you may not feel the need to search and have personal contact with a birth parent; however, you may still have many unanswered questions. We believe that it is normal to have questions and to want to know where you came from. As well, it is normal for birth parents to want to know about their birth child.These questions may be answered through information from the investigation. This “non-identifying” information may include physical descriptions, nationalities and medical backgrounds. Obtaining Medical Records
We have numerous inquiries about obtaining medical records. We understand that this information is very important and helpful. However, the Allen Investigations does not always have that information. Fears Involved with Searching
As an adopted person, you may be fearful of being disloyal to your adoptive parents or being rejected by the birth family. As adoptive parents, you may be fearful of what your children will find and how searching may affect your relationship. These concerns are shared by many. Generally we find that, contrary to these fears, searching strengthens and enhances the relationship within the adoptive family.As a birth parent, you may wonder how your birth child is doing, but are afraid to call. Your questions are always welcome and it is never intrusive to call the agency. You may also be fearful of not living up to your birth child’s expectations. However, searching is generally a positive and healing process. Seeking a Sense of Self
No matter what you find, the whole process of searching can be therapeutic and healing. It is generally a positive experience that allows you to have a better sense of self. Sometimes knowing the truth is better than imagining or living with false fantasies.There is No Timeline
Searching is like a relationship. It is not something you rush into or have a timeline to complete. It is an on-going process. In this relationship, the other individual may not be as eager or ready as you are.
