Many people searching for family members choose to work with volunteer researchers often known as “Search Angels.” These volunteers may assist with genealogy research, DNA analysis, online databases, and record tracing. Some people find them helpful and empowering in their search.
At VANISH, we recognise that people use a wide range of pathways when searching. This factsheet is designed to help you understand your options, make informed choices, and that protect the privacy and wellbeing of yourself and your relatives.
What is a Search Angel?
A Search Angel is usually a volunteer who offers to help people search for biological relatives using:
- Genealogy websites and family history databases
- DNA matches and family trees
- Public records and archives
- Social media and online tracing
Search Angels are generally not regulated professionals. They often operate independently, outside of government post-adoption services.
Some volunteers are highly experienced in working with people who have experienced the unique impacts of adoption, out-of-home care, or donor conception, while others may have limited training in these areas.
Because there is no formal oversight, it is important to understand the risks as well as the potential benefits.
Protecting your privacy and security
1. DNA account access
Many Search Angels specialise in helping people interpret DNA test results from services such as AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or 23andMe, to identify relatives and build family trees. Some people choose to grant direct access to their DNA testing account so the Search Angel can analyse matches.
DNA data is deeply personal. It contains information about you and your relatives, both living and deceased—including people who haven’t consented to being part of a search.
Before sharing access to your DNA account, consider:
- Are you comfortable with someone viewing your genetic information?
- Do you understand exactly what level of access you are giving, and can it be temporary?
- Will they download, store, or share your data (e.g. via screenshots) elsewhere?
- How will access be removed once the work is finished?
If possible:
- Use temporary access features rather than sharing your password
- Change your password afterwards
- Agree in writing how your DNA information will be handled
- Be clear about what the volunteer is allowed and not allowed to do
You have the right to withdraw access at any time.
2. Communication through social media
Some Search Angels only communicate through social media platforms such as Facebook/Facebook Messenger. While convenient, social media messaging involves risks:
- Messages may be visible to others if accounts are compromised, or difficult to fully delete
- Records of conversations can be lost if messages are deleted
- Platforms control data retention and access
Before communicating through social media, consider:
- Are you comfortable discussing private information on this platform?
- Do you want to create a separate account for search-related communication?
- Would it feel safer to move to email or another secure method?
- Do you want to save screenshots or print copies of the conversation for your records?
3. Sharing personal information
Searching often involves sharing sensitive personal information. Before sharing identifying documents or details, consider asking:
- What information will be stored, and where?
- Who else will have access to it?
- How long will you keep my information?
- Will you contact anyone on my behalf without permission?
- Are there fees involved for retrieving documents or other records? How and when are these paid?
You have the right to set clear boundaries. You may want to make a written agreement about what the volunteer is allowed to do, who they can contact, how your information is handled, and when the search should stop.
Official records and legal rights
Before or alongside working with a Search Angel, it is important to know that official channels exist for obtaining verified adoption and family records.
Official services:
- Operate under legislation and privacy laws
- Provide verified records
- Offer professional, trauma-informed support
- Can help manage contact and mediation
- Understand legal rights of all parties
- May access records that volunteers cannot (e.g., Victoria’s Adoption Information Register)
VANISH and other post-adoption services can help you understand your legal entitlements to information and guide you through formal application processes.
Contact, consent and the emotional side of searching
Searching is not only about finding information—it may lead to contacting real people.
Unexpected contact can be distressing for some relatives. It’s important that:
- Consent is respected
- Contact is planned carefully
- People are given time and choice
- Emotional safety is considered for everyone involved
Official services are trained in sensitive approaches to contact and reunion. Volunteers may not have this expertise. If you choose to work with a volunteer, talk clearly about how first contact should happen and what you’re comfortable with.
Searching can also bring up strong emotions, like hope, grief, fear, anger, disappointment, relief and uncertainty. Even positive outcomes can feel overwhelming.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Many people benefit from:
- Peer support groups
- Counselling
- Trauma-informed support
- Talking with others who have searched
- Having a safe place to process outcomes
Support can be helpful at every stage: before searching, during the process, and after contact or reunion. VANISH offers peer support and can help connect you with counselling and other resources.
Making the choice that’s right for you
There is no single “correct” way to search for family. People choose different pathways depending on their needs, comfort levels and circumstances.
What matters most is that you:
- Understand your options
- Protect your privacy
- Feel emotionally supported
- Make informed decisions
- Move at a pace that feels safe
VANISH is here to help you:
- Understand official record access
- Explore safe searching options
- Connect with peer support
- Access counselling pathways
- Talk through next steps
You deserve support, safety and respect in your search journey.