Policy
ALL SEARCHES must be completed by a WARM Confidential Intermediary (CI).
Any search work performed by the client (or their family and friends) prior to signing this agreement must be submitted to WARM, including all search work from DNA testing. All searching by the client, their family or friends must stop upon submission of the application. On-going results such as from DNA testing will be given to the CI as it becomes available.
Further, the client agrees WARM will make “First Contact” with the sought-after party. This means disallowing any other person from making contact either anonymously or directly, by any method. The public posting of identifying information of the sought-after party is not allowed, including untitled photographs. This applies to social media, genealogy sites, and reunion sites. If such postings already exist, the client agrees to remove them from public view prior to hiring WARM.
A violation of this policy by any client or their family/friends, is ground for immediate closure of their case. Closing includes notifying the Superior Court of jurisdiction when required, and ceasing any further searching. Refunds of any amount are subject to approval by the WARM Board of Directors and is not guaranteed.
When applying, the client will be asked to pay a fee that will cover expenses incurred for the type of search deemed appropriate. Normally the initial fee will cover all expenses, but if additional reports from an adoption agency are required (such as from Children’s Home Society) WARM will ask the client if they wish to make that additional purchase. The client has the right to discuss and understand the need for any addtional fees with the WARM office before giving authorization to proceed.
WARM’s organizational statement of position and policies cocerning publicity, legislation, contact, or any other civil acts affecting records or procedures in the field of adoption, must be approved by the WARM Board of Directors. This, however, shall not limit or prohibit an individual member from making statements as to their own belief.
WARM’s policies and fees shall be reviewed periodically by the WARM Board of Directors. An exception of any policy or fee must be approved by the Board.
Any WARM member may request, in writing, a review by the Board of Directors concerning a specific policy or fee.
WARM policies do not allow discrimination in its staff, Board, volunteers, committees, or recipients of services on the basis of a person’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or physical or mental impairment.
Everyone who applies for search membership must truly and accurately complete, sign, and date WARM’s application.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understand, and will comply with the policies of Washington Adoption Reunion Movement (WARM). I agree to no searching, posting, or contact while a client of WARM. I agree to the above policy and terms regarding all searches and agree to use and approved and trained WARM Confidential Intermediary (CI) for the initial contact.
The Internet has brought about many changes in searching – all good, but with complications. WARM is restricted by law to adhere to confidentiality rules, out of respect to birth parents’ expectation of privacy. This means an adoptee who asks for WARM’s assistance to search or confirm information, must agree to refrain from posting anything about the birth family (including non-captioned photos) on any social network while the case is being handled by WARM.
Oct 9, 2014
General Policy
Individuals requesting a WARM Court Search agree to use an approved, trained Confidential Intermediary (CI) for the initial contact.
Individuals with documented identifying information requesting WARM Non-Court Service, may either use a CI to search and contact, or receive search outcome information only.
Everyone who applies for search membership must complete WARM’s application.
Everyone who applies for searching membership in WARM agrees to pay any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by others for their search.
WARM’s organizational statement of position and policies concerning publicity, legislation, contact, or any other civil acts affecting records or procedures in the field of adoption, must be approved by the Board of Directors. This, however, shall not limit or prohibit an individual member from making statements as to their own belief.
WARM’s policies and fees shall be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors. Exception of any policy or fee must be approved by the Board. Any WARM member may request, in writing, a review by the Board of Directors of a specific policy or fee.
It is the policy of WARM that we do not discriminate in its staff, board, volunteers, committees, or recipients of services on the basis of a person’s race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or mental/physical disability.
October 4, 2000