Resources
ALMA, which charges initial dues of $60 and annual renewal fees of $40, holds support group meetings in Woodland Hills and Burbank. Search workshops are also held in various San Fernando Valley locations. For times and exact locations, call (818) 771-7585 or write to ALMA, P.O. Box 4318 Sunland 91041.
ALMA also offers a Simi Valley-based research library that includes 8,000 reference books to aid searchers. The International Reunion Registry at the New York City national headquarters contains a databank of more than 800,000 names of adoptees and birth family members desiring reunions. P.O. Box 154, Washington Bridge Station, New York, N.Y. 10033. (212) 581-1568.
Independent Search Consultants is a network of searchers who have been involved in a search of their own. The group, which operates under a code of ethics and charges a minimal fee, if any, was founded in 1980 and has 73 searchers nationwide. P.O. Box 2569, Canoga Park 91306. (818) 992-8773.
An ISC search and support group will meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Home Savings of America, 13949 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (805) 526-2289.
Concerned United Birth Parents is a Des Moines-based organization that holds local meetings beginning at 1 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Coast Savings Bank, 10101 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. The search and support organization is designed for birth mothers as well as adoptees and adoptive families. For the local chapter, call (213) 960-8968 or write to 686 S. Arroyo Parkway, Suite 106, Pasadena 91105. National office: (515) 263-9541. 2000 Walker St., Des Moines, Iowa 50317.
The International Soundex Reunion Registry is a mutual consent reunion registry that was begun in 1975. For more information on the free service, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to P.O. Box 2312, Carson City, Nev. 89702. (702) 882-7755.
The American Adoption Congress lobbies for open adoption record laws. The group also sends out search referral information. 1000 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 9, Washington, D.C. 20036. (800) 274-6736.
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