"Adoption" in Worcester County

[gramsearcher]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for information about adoption in the 1910's in Worcester County.  My grandmother was born in Worcester in1914 and shortly thereafter was given to another woman to raise.  I don't know if there was a formal adoption.  Around 1923 the woman who took in my grandmother also gave her up when her husband died, and my grandmother became a Ward of the State and was shuffled all around to different families.  Does anyone know of orphanages in the Worcester area around that time, homes for unwed mothers, etc. that might have records of either time my grandmother was given up?  Or does anyone know if records were kept when a child was a Ward, and if so, where I would find them?

Thanks for any help or information.

Donna

[Jenna]

Donna,

Two orphanages that may have exsisted during the early 1900's are St. Ann's and St Agnes Guild. St. At least one still is operating today. There was a home for unwed mothers on High St. in Worcester and had a connectiobn with the diocese. Not sure which state agency would keep records that old. I was able to get some information about a birth in 1930 by requesting the medical records of child born. Many searchers may not know that when a child is born medical records are established, the records are available through the Freedom of Information Act and anyone seeking medical information about themselves or deceased family members have the right to these records. It can be a tedious job but well worth the effort. Another plus: If a child is born in a state facility (City, County, State Hospital) it is easier to get records as the government keeps records longer than private agencies.
Probate court in Worcester has records as does the Mass site for adoptions. Best bet is to go through Goggle, put in Mass registry adoption registry. It will bring up several sites. There is a new law that goes into effect on Dec. 5th concerning access to adoption records. The Mass/Gov site will have a link.
Good luck.