Confidential Intermediary

Definition: Acting on behalf of a member of the adoption triad, (birth parent, adoptive parent, or adoptee) the confidential intermediary (CI) attempts to make contact with the other members of the triad. Acting as a go between for the parties involved, the CI determines the willingness of each member to allow the confidential information that was part of the adoption agreement, to be waived fully or partially. A CI can be a state employee or a volunteer who has been trained in search and adoption issues. The CI also acts with court or legal approval.