Catalyst Foundation

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Catalyst Foundation

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  • Culture Camp
  • Cultural Tour
  • Adoptee ACE
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birth family search process

To embark on your birth family search can be full of emotions, at times as daunting as it is exciting. Caroline and her team work to support the adoptees, individuals, and family members during their search in an empathetic and supportive manner.


We understand that everyone’s personal experience varies. Your personal experience and its success are dependent on your available documentation and your personal goals.


Our services will be provided in Stages. This allows you to retain control over your own searching experience. We will meet you where you are, and work with you to develop the full potential of your journey.


We want to be transparent about the costs involved in the search process. Our fees cover the necessary staff time, travel expenses, and resources required to conduct a thorough and effective search.


Please rest assured that our primary goal is to assist you, and we do not aim to profit from this process. Our focus is on providing you with the support and services you need in a compassionate and responsible manner.


If our service fee is beyond your budget, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to finding a solution that works for you.

STAGES

Stage 1 – Engagement

Cost USD$500

Our Case Worker will:

  • receive your* request for engagement via our Contact form.
  • obtain your case details, with requirements and documentation.
  • create a Case File based on the information through the Contact form.
  • assess conditions and constraints.
  • explain the process and receive client approval to proceed to Stage 2.
  • send a receipt for your payment (PayPal/Venmo is accepted @cataystvietnam)

Stage 2 - Investigation

Our Case Worker will:

  • undertake preliminary analysis of authorities, regulations, and requirements.
  • complete consent for delegated authority from the client.
  • arrange meetings with you, and others IF more information is needed
  • update Case File summary of information gathered to date.
  • prepare preliminary schedule of resources required and timeline.
  • provided an estimate of any additional fees, including potential travel above the fees already paid.
  • receive your approval to proceed to Stage 3.


*Possible Recommendation

  • consider undertaking DNA testing and database cross referencing.

Stage 3 – Search

Our Case Worker will:

  •  travel to specific area(s) relevant to the case for up to 3 days (cost will reflect the length of stay, transportation, lodging).
  • engage local resources who may be required.
  • arrange meetings with authorities, organizations, individuals, and others if required.
  • prepare the necessary documents for reporting to you about the outcomes of this stage.
  • assist you with assessing the outcomes regarding alternative search pathways pending information discovered in this stage.
  • if required, facilitate the production and distribution of “Publicity Materials” (including, but not limited to, newspapers, TV, paper flyers, posters, etc.) relative to the case, with your consent.
  • update Case File summary of information to date.

Additional Costs & Definitions

 Additional Costs could include:

  • DNA Testing: Depends on Company chosen.
  • Additional travel expenses.
  • Publicity Materials


*Definitions

You/Your: The individual or group who engages Catalyst Foundation to undertake the required obligations set out in the Case File.

You may be the adult adoptee, adoptive parent of a child adoptee, birth parent, relative, or authorized persons stated on the contract between Catalyst Foundation and yourself.


Case File: Refers to the collection of all information relevant to your search case. It should also contain a summary of your Purpose and Aim for searching as well as an Agreement document stating: the scope of the works, specific limitations, and all financial considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at mail@catalystfoundation.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Complete the contact form and have clear copy of the following forms in Vietnamese and English translation to upload:

• Adoption Decree (aka Process Verbal)

• Child’s Birth Certificate

• Giving & Receiving Minutes (if available)


Once we receive the forms with the deposit, your search will be placed on our waiting list to begin Stage 2. 


$500 USD minimum


Additional Costs can include

  • Additional travel; 3 days of travel is included in the price.
  • DNA Testing: Depends on Company chosen
  • Publicity during Stage 3


No. The fees and travel expenses will still be invoiced, as it covers the costs of  the search process; it is not contingent upon the outcome.


It is our opinion that birth parent(s) can request:

  • Non-identifying information about the adopted person’s family and file check for updates
  • Updated non-identifying information about the adopted person’s placement, the adoptive parent can refuse this request on behalf of the adopted person under 19 years of age.
  • To have contact with the adoptive parents whether directly or with the agency as an intermediary. The adoptive parents can refuse this request.
  • To have contact with the adopted person 18 years of age or older, either directly or with Catalyst Foundation acting as intermediary. The adult adoptee can refuse this request. The knowledge or consent of the adoptive parents is not required..


It is our opinion that adoptive parent(s) can request (for themselves or on behalf of the adoptee under 18 years of age):

  •  Non-identifying information about either birth parent, including file check for updates.
  • Updated non-identifying information about either birth parent. The birth parent can refuse this request.
  • To have contact with one or both birth parents, either directly or with the Catalyst Foundation acting as intermediary. The birth parent can refuse this request.


It is our opinion that adult adoptees can request:

  •  Non-identifying information about either birth parent, including file check for updates.
  • Updated non-identifying information about either birth parent. The birth parent can refuse this request.
  • To have contact with one or both birth parents, either directly or with the Catalyst Foundation acting as intermediary. The birth parent can refuse this request.


We attempt to reach the person directly if possible. We contact a family member only if it becomes necessary, and we do not violate and confidentiality in this process. 


Our purpose when we make contact is to represent ourselves as an organization associated to determine humanitarian needs. The birth parent is not told that at any time that you are searching until you give us permission.


Some of this depends upon what information you have decided to release to this person. The other party will also make decisions regarding preferences for contact. We are able to facilitate contact if needed, by forwarding letters, and/or helping to arrange phone calls, meetings, etc. for those who are not yet in direct contact with one another.


If your birth parent does not desire contact, we will honor their decision. We will attempt to gather updated health history from your birth family and provide that information to you, along with any other information your birth parent may provide. 


If your birth parent is deceased, we will attempt to contact a close relative if you desire contact with a relative.


We will make a diligent effort to transmit any medical information that may affect the mental or physical health of genetically related persons. This information is provided to the adult adoptee or the adoptive parent until the adopted person reaches 18 years of age.


Adult adoptee or adoptive parents of a child under 18 years of age, who wish to be notified of the death or terminal illness of a birth parent, must inform Catalyst Foundation of this desire, and must keep us informed of their current email. Then, if we receive verification of the death or terminal illness of the birth parent, this information will be passed on.


A birth parent that wishes to be informed of the death or terminal illness of the adoptee, must notify Catalyst Foundation this desire, and must keep us informed of their current address and telephone number. Then, if we receive verification of the death or terminal illness of the adoptee, this information will be passed on.


When embarking on a search for your birth family, providing some background about yourself can be a valuable first step in establishing a connection. We recommend composing a letter that introduces you without revealing identifying details in the initial correspondence. This approach allows for a gradual exchange of information, easing any potential overwhelm on both sides.


Here are some suggested topics to consider including in your letter:

  • Description of your physical appearance and personality traits, including a photo if you wish
  • Overview of your childhood experiences and educational background
  • Insights into your interests and hobbies, how you spend your leisure time
  • Details about your current family situation, whether it involves marriage or other significant relationships
  • Explanation of the type of contact you're seeking (e.g., direct personal interaction, phone conversations, or written correspondence), along with any motivations behind your decision to initiate the search
  • Any specific inquiries you may have, especially concerning health-related matters


Feel free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. While these guidelines can serve as a helpful framework, please remember that the letter should ultimately reflect your own voice and preferences. We understand that composing this letter may be challenging, and we're here to support you throughout the process.


Our mission is to support communities in rural Vietnam to prevent human trafficking.


For the safety, dignity and well-being of our community, we do not allow members of the public to randomly “visit” our community; however, we will be happy to arrange a meeting or phone call with you and our Founder and Executive Director to discuss our programs and work. Our “project sites” are the homes and schools of those we serve, not tourist attractions.


501c3 Tax ID #31-1674605 - 11918 SE Division St. #1022 Portland, OR 97266 USA

Copyright © 1999-2024 Catalyst Foundation - All Rights Reserved.

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