FAQs
Who contributed to the personal belongings collection, and how did the items end up there?
Personal belongings in adoption files may have been contributed by birth parents, adoptive parents, adoptees, or case workers, such as a photo from a daughter for her biological father or marriage certificates from birth parents. Items can still be submitted at any time. Between the 1940s and 1960s, the department began removing and safekeeping personal belongings, logging and storing them separately with references in adoption files for easy retrieval.
How long has DHS/DCYF been inventorying personal belongings, and how far back does the collection go?
DCYF has been maintaining records for over 100 years and inventorying adoption-related personal belongings for at least 20 years. The oldest item dates back to 1885, with some files over 100 years old. Previously, records became public 100 years after an adoption; now, they become public 100 years after the child's birth.
What is the most recent submission?
The most recent additions have come from adoption agencies that closed in the past 7-8 years, including Building Families Through Adoption, Downeyside, and Village Family Services. DCYF is still reviewing these files and identifying personal belongings.
What kinds of items are included?
About 90% of the collection consists of photos, while the rest includes documents such as certificates (wedding, baptism, birth), report cards, personal drawings, cards, and newspaper clippings. Less common items include baby teeth and locks of hair. Some files contain multiple items.
How large is the collection?
The collection includes 7,500 files, each containing personal belongings, typically added within a few years of the adoption. Some files may contain multiple items, and any party involved in the adoption (adoptee, birth parent, adoptive parent) can contribute items.
How are the personal belongings stored?
Personal belongings are securely stored in a temperature-controlled facility offsite, managed by a contracted company. DCYF staff can request items as needed.
Where else might personal belongings be?
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) holds records from the Owatonna State Public School (1895-1940's) and files from closed agencies, including some personal belongings. The city of Owatonna also has files and items in its museum.
What percentage of files contain personal belongings from Native families?
Estimating the number of items belonging to Native families is difficult because DCYF lacks a centralized electronic database for logging personal belongings. They rely on a card catalog system, which requires a manual search for each item. DCYF staff estimate that approximately 24% of the collection may belong to Native families, based on baptismal certificates, photos, and other items. However, DCYF cannot easily track this information and is currently exploring ways to improve the process.
How can adoptees find out if they have personal belongings on file, and how can they request them?
Historically, the state managed all adoption file searches, but since the 1980's, this responsibility shifted to the child's placing agency. Many adoptees may not know to inquire about personal belongings, and some may be unaware that DCYF could have items on file. Since January 2024, DCYF has been hosting engagement sessions to improve adoption record and personal belonging recovery. Currently, when adoptees contact DCYF for search services, staff will check for personal belongings in the file and notify the placing agency to facilitate the return of any items.
Why does DCYF want to engage with the adoption community about personal belongings?
DCYF wants to hear from the individuals impacted by adoption; adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, adoption advocacy groups and adoption professionals, to determine the best approach for retrieving personal belongings going forward.