DNA and Adoption Research

DNA evidence can sometimes alone uncover a family mystery. However, DNA testing combined with a paper trail assures a better and sometimes faster result. Testing helps non-parental events such as adoptees and foundlings find their biological parents, assists individuals to confirm ethnicity and helps individuals whose parents are reserved about their background. Planning depends on how quickly the client wants their birth identity found, and the investment. One the successes in researching is the amount of information clients bring prior to or during testing.

What to Expect

DNA Research is an investment into a client’s heritage. For most DNA testers it begins as an unknown journey and at times filled with mixed emotions. The results for many can be a delightful progression of new relationships. Others will finally have the gratification in knowing their ethnicity, possible genetic health risks and a paper-trail confirming biological relationships, with some doors still remaining closed.

• Costs vary with every project. There maybe additional cost for DNA kits when asking potential relatives to be tested for confirmation of the birth family, plus the research complexity in your case study.
• Timelines. DNA research at times can be quick taking less than three-weeks, but for more complex cases it can be longer. A conclusion depends on the number of DNA results, the range of degree in separation (e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd or distant cousins), cooperation in testing by extended or establishing family members, and the amount of sharing and communication the client wishes to participate in. DNA research should be combined with a paper trail assuring a better and sometimes faster results.
• Finished Product. With DNA analysis, clients receive screen shots of relationship clustering, X and Y-chromosome charting, research progression and more. A brief report is written noting common ancestors, suggested next steps and or conclusion. Sometimes interviews or mediation work is integrated to 'bring families together'. This is done privately, with compassion and respect for both parties.

Testing Companies I Work With

Sharing Information

• BCG : Standards for DNA Evidence ›
  
• BCG : Code of Ethics 'protecting people who provide DNA samples' ›
• Genetic Genealogy Standards ›
• NGS : Guidelines for Sharing Information with Others ›
• Using Promethease › A company that builds a personal DNA report based on your DNA genomes
• Using DNA Painter Shared cM Project ›
• Please remember, no genealogical relationship can be proved by DNA alone. If it is, you are running the risk of misrepresentation from your service provider. DNA must be correlated with other forms of evidence. To complete any DNA testing, or move forward with any previous testing, an "Informed Consent" will need to be signed. Potentials clients are orientated to uses and sharing, risks and consequences, options for privacy, compliance with limitations, etc.