The project studied the perceived levels of satisfaction of reunions between adult adoptees and birthparents of adult adoptees. The project attempted to identify contributing factors to the satisfaction of a reunion.

An Internet page and a volunteer post-adoption support group solicited the sample. The final participant sample included 46 birthparents and 40 adoptees from 24 states and two other countries. The participants varied in their involvement with adoption support activities. The survey instrument was divided between adoptees and birthparents. The questionnaires were delivered to the participants through an Internet interactive Web page and paper copy at support group meetings in February and March 1999.

The project categorically revealed that adoption reunions can be satisfying. The effects of reunion are significant and positive in areas of identity and autonomy for the birthparent and adoptee. All respondents were glad they had been found, or had searched and found.

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