On Tues, 26 Dec 2000, "Ed Posnak" <ed@posnak.com> wrote:

<< I have recently uncovered evidence that 4 female cousins of mine were
orphaned around 1900 or 1901 in New York City. They stayed with relatives
until three of them were taken away by the local authorities, presumably
to be given up for adoption.

I have their names and months/years of birth - two of them were born in
NYC. Does anyone know how I could possibly find out what happened to
them? Which agencies deal with this sort of thing? >>

SNIP

The following information might be of some help.

Louise Wise Services (formerly The Free Synagogue Child Adoption Committee)
established in 1916 is probably the most important Jewish Adoption Agency in
the world. It had a reputation as a fortress against release of identifying
information to adult adoptees. This agency announced it will now help arrange
reunions if all 3 parties agree [Natural Parent, Adoptive Parent, Adult
Adoptee].

Their address and phone number:

Louise Wise Services
12 E 94Th St
New York, NY
212-876-3050

You might also want to contact:

JCCA - Jewish Child Care Services
120 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
Tel: (212)425-3333 * Fax: (212)425-9397
Attn: Leona M. Ferrer, Disclosure Coordinator

The JCCA is the successor organization for the Wise Services. Leona might be
able to give you the records. I know they give them to those who were in any
of the orphanages that JCCA succeeded. Now as far as adoptions go...I'm not
sure, but it won't hurt to try. But I'm sure they have them, or might be
able to advise how to get them.

Marge Spears-Soloff
Orlando, FL
Mspearssol@aol.com
HNOH Welcome-Jewish Orphanages in the United States
http://www.scruz.net/~elias/hnoh
HNOHalumni@aol.com