Search for Family Roots
On occasion it is giving birth to a child that kindles the desire to find out about one’s biological parents. The triggering event may, however, come from a different corner entirely, such as a journey or a search performed by a close acquaintance.
Any search for one’s roots will bring to the fore what was, up to now, well-guarded intimacies and particularities of family history that may be dramatic or disappointing and that may not fulfill the searcher’s expectations. Among many other things, the search of an adopted child for his/her biological origins will shed light on the adoption process and the adopted child’s feelings vis-à-vis his/her new parents.
Someone in search of his/her biological parents may well require help from a third party to obtain guidance as to legal implications and to be provided moral and psychological support.
In Switzerland, an adopted individual has the right "to request information concerning the identity of his/her biological parents" (ZGB, art. 268c). Since, on the other hand, Swiss law grants each person the protection of his/her intimate privacy from any outside intrusion, an adopted child may be barred by law from direct personal contact with his/her biological parents (ZGB, art.268c, alinea 2). Although the law is crystal clear on the issue ISS can sometimes motivate the parties involved to overcome their negative attitude and to slowly move towards each other.
Our Activities:
- ISS advises the interested parties what legal and other steps are to be taken both within Switzerland and abroad
- through its network ISS can make pertinent inquiries abroad
- on condition of mutual agreement ISS is trying to slowly build up relations between the parties concerned
- ISS will help in arranging for a first contact and offers to accompany the parties into early meetings