Searching on your own
There Are Compelling Reasons Against An Independent Search
Find Out Why
Here are five key considerations to bear in mind.
Many adoptees aspire to undertake the search independently, offering autonomy and potential cost savings, but there are compelling reasons against this approach.
The Risk Of Working With Journalists
While some adoptees collaborate with journalists to investigate and locate their original families, this approach carries significant risks.
Journalists often lack the necessary social work expertise to assess situations accurately, potentially causing problems, especially when unmarried mothers have concealed their stories and moved on with their lives.
Overcoming The Resitance You'll Meet On The Road
It’s incredibly challenging to find willing and capable assistance. Even when you locate potential help, their abilities may be questionable. People often perceive adoptees as fortunate for their Western upbringing, and well-meaning individuals may direct you to temples or astrologers, seeking peace. Navigating India’s complex systems proves difficult, even for those educated and raised there, as the general populace lacks knowledge about adoption, its processes, and history.
Lawyers Often Lack The Specialist Skills Needed
While seeking legal assistance is common, it’s vital to recognize that only lawyers specialising in adoption laws possess the necessary expertise. Other lawyers may not provide the required help, often leaving you to educate them about relevant laws, regulations, crimes, and practices, effectively assuming the role of the primary researcher. Furthermore, lawyers in India may impose steep fees, inflating costs without justification. Legal proceedings can extend over several years, with lawyers potentially losing steam or changing allegiances. These challenges are inherent in any judicial system.
Needing To Have The Right Qualifications
If your birth mother was unmarried, it is crucial to entrust the search to a qualified individual with a master’s degree and discreet search capabilities.
This expert should be equipped to handle any unexpected challenges. Many well-meaning individuals in India may not possess the required expertise, and you are unlikely to do so yourself.
The Risk Of Spiraling Costs
Costs can sometimes appear more affordable when pursuing the search independently. To assess this, begin by taking a pen and conducting a comprehensive calculation. In most cases, individuals embarking on solo searches find themselves returning to India multiple times. Consider the following template:
1) Three flight tickets
2) Three sets of three-week boarding and lodging expenses
3) Three sets of three-week local travel costs
4) Three sets of three-week lost income (often overlooked in initial calculations)
5) Three sets of three-week local translator fees (often underestimated)
Now, calculate the total.