한국인뉴스 Young Lee> Raleign, North Carolina =

한국정부는 해외로 입양된 무연고 아동들이 가족을 찾을 수 있도록 지원하는 유전자 채취 및 등록 서비스를 2020년부터 본격적으로 시행하고 있다.

이 서비스는 가족 찾기를 희망하는 해외 한인 입양인들이 현지 재외공관을 통해 유전자 검사를 받고, 이를 한국 내 실종아동 데이터베이스에 등록하여 친가족과의 연결 가능성을 높이는 데 목적이 있다.

가족 찾기를 원하는 해외 입양인은 다음 절차를 따라야 한다.

입양정보 공개 청구 신청

먼저, 아동권리보장원(familysearch@ncrc.or.kr, 전화 02-6943-2654~6, 2638)에 입양정보 공개를 요청해야 한다.

친부모 정보 부존재 확인서 발급

신청 결과, 친부모에 대한 정보가 존재하지 않는 경우, 아동권리보장원으로부터 ‘확인서’를 발급받는다. 이 경우, 해당 입양인은 ‘무연고 아동’으로 간주되어 「실종아동등의 보호 및 지원에 관한 법률」에 따라 유전자 채취 대상이 된다.

유전자 검사 예약 및 실시

확인서를 발급받은 뒤, 관할 재외공관(예: 애틀랜타총영사관)에 사전 예약을 하고 방문하여 유전자 검사를 받을 수 있다.

총영사관을 방문하기 전에는 반드시 입양정보공개청구서와 확인서를 미리 준비해 방문해야 하며, 보다 구체적인 절차와 준비사항은 별도로 제공되는 ‘입양인 가족 찾기 절차 안내’ 자료를 참고하면 된다.

정부는 이번 유전자 검사 서비스가 해외 한인 입양인들의 가족 찾기에 실질적인 도움이 되고, 이들의 정체성 회복과 심리적 치유에 긍정적 역할을 할 것으로 기대하고 있다.

DNA Testing Now Available to Help Overseas Korean Adoptees Find Birth Families

As of January 2020, the Korean government has launched a new service to support overseas Korean adoptees in their search for birth families through DNA testing.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Korean National Police Agency are collaborating to collect and register DNA samples from adoptees who lack identifying information about their birth parents.

Under the new initiative, DNA samples collected through Korean consulates in adoptive countries will be registered in the Korean National Police Agency's missing children database.

This effort aims to reconnect adoptees with their biological families.

Eligibility

The service is available to Korean adoptees who have petitioned for birth family search services — also known as Adoption Information Disclosure — through the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) or an adoption agency, and have been confirmed to lack adequate identifying information about their birth parents.

How to Apply

Petition for Birth Family Search and Confirm Eligibility
Adoptees must petition for Adoption Information Disclosure with either their adoption agency or the NCRC. Those who have already completed this process may proceed directly to DNA testing.

Obtain a Certificate Confirming Eligibility for DNA Testing

To proceed with DNA testing at a Korean consulate, adoptees must obtain a certificate issued by the NCRC confirming their eligibility. Applicants must submit a request form, a copy of their ID (preferably a passport), and their adoption records.

Schedule a DNA Test Appointment at a Korean Consulate

Once the certificate is obtained, adoptees should contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate to schedule a DNA test. On the day of the appointment, the adoptee must bring their certificate and ID.

DNA Testing and Family Search Process

Korean Embassies and Consulates collect DNA samples after verifying the certificate and authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Collected samples are sent to the Korean National Police Agency.

The NPA enters the data into the missing children database and compares it with existing DNA profiles via the National Forensic Service and NCRC.

If a potential match is found, adoptees are notified and asked to submit a second DNA sample for verification.

Once a match is confirmed, adoptees are guided through the family reunion process with the support of the NCRC, including interpretation and counseling services.

Additionally, the NCRC offers further search methods for adoptees unable to locate their birth families through DNA testing. More information on these options is available on the Korean Adoption Services website (https://www.kadoption.or.kr/en).

Through this new service, the Korean government hopes to provide meaningful support to adoptees seeking to reconnect with their roots.