Ruqayyah Snyder
If you're looking to find your biological grandparents in Australia, there are a few methods you can try. You could hire a private investigator, which can cost anywhere from $800 to $2000 depending on the information you already have and the location of your grandparents. Alternatively, you can try using DNA testing services like AncestryDNA or EasyDNA Australia, which can help you identify close relatives and construct your family tree. If your grandparents were a ward of the state or lived in government-run institutions, you may be able to access government-held records about them. To access these records, you'll need to provide documentation proving your identity and your relationship to your grandparents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Search tools | DNA tests, government records, private investigators |
| DNA tests | AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, EasyDNA Australia |
| DNA test cost | $69-99, AUD $649 |
| Government records | Homes or institutions, government reception centres, foster care |
| Private investigators | Integral Investigations, Find My Family |
| Private investigator cost | $800 for a birth father, higher for a birth mother |
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What You'll Learn
- Use DNA testing services like AncestryDNA or EasyDNA Australia
- Research government-held records, especially if they were a ward of the state
- Consult private investigators, such as Integral Investigations or Find My Family
- Search for them on social media, e.g. Facebook groups like DNA Detectives
- Ask for advice on forums such as r/Adoption on Reddit
Use DNA testing services like AncestryDNA or EasyDNA Australia
DNA testing services are a popular method for people to find their biological grandparents in Australia. Services such as AncestryDNA, EasyDNA Australia, Genetrack Australia, DNAQ, and HomeDNA Direct Australia offer grandparentage DNA tests. These tests can determine the probability of a biological relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren.
The process typically involves ordering a DNA collection kit, collecting samples from the relevant individuals, and sending the samples back to the company for testing. Some companies offer the option of having the samples collected by a third party, such as a doctor or nurse, for an additional fee. The cost of these tests varies depending on the company and the specific test requested, ranging from $500 to $649.
It is important to note that the results of grandparent DNA tests may not be accepted by official bodies for legal purposes, such as changing birth certificates. However, they can still provide valuable information and peace of mind for individuals seeking to confirm biological relationships.
One advantage of using DNA testing services is that they can offer advanced DNA testing methods, such as genetic reconstruction tests, to determine biological relationships even when the alleged parent is not available for testing. This can be done by testing the alleged parent's blood relatives, such as their parents or siblings.
Another benefit of using DNA testing services is the potential to discover unknown relatives and gain insights into your family history. For example, AncestryDNA claims to have the largest consumer DNA database, allowing users to identify potential relatives who have also taken the test. Additionally, AncestryDNA and similar services can provide information about your geographic origins and ancestral journeys, connecting you to the places where your family story began.
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Research government-held records, especially if they were a ward of the state
If your grandparent was a ward of the state, there are likely government-held records about them. These records may include details of foster care placements, and there may be records about your grandparent's time in care in multiple locations, held by multiple organisations.
In each Australian state or territory, there is a government department responsible for responding to requests for access to the records of state wards. If your grandparent was placed in non-government homes, these organisations may also have kept additional records.
To begin your search, try to gather as much information as possible. If possible, ask your parent or other family members questions such as your grandparent's full name, their date of birth, and where they lived (state, city, suburb). If your grandparent came to Australia as a child migrant, this will help narrow down your search.
In addition to government-held records, there are other resources you can use to find your biological grandparents. The Find & Connect Support Services can help Forgotten Australians, Former Child Migrants, and others who spent time in out-of-home care between 1920 and 1990 find family members. You can also search the electoral roll, which is a list of the names and addresses of everyone who is eligible and enrolled to vote in Australia. An electronic copy of the current electoral roll is available for viewing at Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) offices. As of August 2023, viewing access to the full electoral roll is only available at AEC state offices. Public access terminals at divisional AEC offices now only provide access to the electoral roll for the federal division(s) represented by that office. Historical electoral rolls are available through state libraries and the National Library of Australia.
It's important to be cautious when seeking assistance online. Familiarise yourself with the Australian Cyber Security Centre's information on protecting yourself online before contacting or sharing information with anyone in these groups.
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Consult private investigators, such as Integral Investigations or Find My Family
If you are considering hiring a private investigator to help you find your biological grandparents in Australia, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the cost of hiring a private investigator can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, Integral Investigations mentions that the cost of their investigations typically falls within a range of $800-$1200, but this may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of information you can provide. Lipstick Investigations also notes that the cost of their investigations depends on the amount and quality of information provided, and that investigations in other countries may be more expensive due to the need to utilise local investigation agencies and the impact of exchange rates.
When it comes to providing information to private investigators, they typically require at least a name and an area or location to start their investigations. While it is possible to conduct investigations with limited information, having more details increases the chances of success. For example, if you only have a common name like "William Jones", the investigation may be more challenging as it will be harder to identify the correct person among many potential matches. Other pieces of information that can be helpful include the person's last known location, approximate dates related to their whereabouts, and any unique identifying characteristics or life events that can aid in the search.
It is worth noting that private investigators do not have special access to government records or databases. They navigate the intricate landscape of adoption inquiries and utilise their experience, resources, and specialised tools to uncover essential information while respecting privacy laws. They can also provide support and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that the situation is handled sensitively and with empathy. Additionally, some investigators, such as those at Nathans Investigations, have backgrounds in military, law enforcement, and risk management, bringing valuable expertise to their investigations.
When choosing a private investigator, it is important to select a reputable and experienced firm. For example, Integral Investigations and Find My Family have experience in conducting “find my family” investigations and can provide guidance on whether your specific situation is feasible for an investigation. Lipstick Investigations also specialises in locating biological family members and has successfully handled cases with limited information.
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Search for them on social media, e.g. Facebook groups like DNA Detectives
Social media platforms such as Facebook can be a useful tool when searching for biological grandparents in Australia. Facebook groups such as DNA Detectives focus on using DNA to find biological family members. These groups can be a valuable resource, providing a community of people with shared experiences and goals. They may also have more specialised knowledge of the processes involved in tracing biological relatives.
When using social media to search for biological grandparents, it is important to be cautious and protect your personal information. The Australian Cyber Security Centre provides guidelines on how to protect yourself online, which can be helpful to refer to before joining any online groups or sharing personal details.
In addition to social media, there are other online resources that can aid in your search. Websites such as Find and Connect provide support for Forgotten Australians, Former Child Migrants, and others who spent time in out-of-home care between 1920 and 1990. They can assist in locating family members and offer counselling services. Similarly, the National Archives of Australia, Public Record Office Victoria, and the National Library of Australia hold valuable collections that can aid in genealogical research.
Another option is to employ a professional genealogist or investigator to undertake the family history research on your behalf. These professionals have access to various tools and records that may not be available to the general public. They can also provide guidance on understanding records practices and state-specific information, which can be crucial in narrowing down your search.
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Ask for advice on forums such as r/Adoption on Reddit
If you are looking to find your biological grandparents in Australia, one option is to ask for advice on online forums, such as r/Adoption on Reddit. This forum is for "adoptive families, birth families, adoptees, current and former foster youth, and other interested individuals to share stories, support each other, and discuss adoption-related news".
Many users on the forum have shared their experiences of finding their biological grandparents and offered advice to those in a similar situation. For example, several users recommend using DNA testing services such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or MyHeritage to find biological relatives. One user suggests that you "will likely find your closest matches" on AncestryDNA as they have "millions of DNA testers in their database". Another user recommends doing a DNA test with someone on your father's side to easily filter connections to your maternal line. While waiting for DNA results, you can join groups such as DNA Detectives on Facebook to learn how people use DNA to solve family mysteries.
Some users have also recommended seeking the help of a private investigator or search angel to find biological grandparents. For example, one user shared that they used a private investigation company called Find My Family to locate their biological grandparents. Another user provided advice on the "do's and don'ts of search angels" and links to recommended ones.
It is important to note that, in some cases, you may need to provide documentation proving your identity and relationship to the person you are searching for when applying for records. Additionally, some organisations may require proof of the person's death or their permission for you to access their records.
When seeking advice on forums, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible about your specific situation, as this will allow others to offer more tailored advice and support.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have limited information, you can start by doing a DNA test. Services such as AncestryDNA have millions of DNA testers in their database, so you’ll likely find your closest matches there. While waiting for DNA results, you can join Facebook groups such as DNA Detectives to learn how people use DNA to solve family mysteries.
If your parent was adopted, there may be government-held records about them. If they were made a ward of the state, you can contact the government department in your state or territory that responds to requests for access to the records of state wards. You may need to provide documentation proving your identity and relationship to the person who was in care.
The cost of finding biological grandparents can vary depending on the information you can provide. For example, locating a birth father may cost around $800, while finding a birth mother could be more expensive as she may be under a different name. If your biological grandparents are in another country, this will add another layer of difficulty and cost.
