Finding Joi
"Adoption loss is the only trauma in the world where the victims are expected by the whole of society to be grateful."
— The Reverend Keith C. Griffith, MBE
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About Joi
Educator. Author. Advocate for Family & Belonging.
As an educator and doctoral candidate, Joi R. Fisher-Griffin is deeply committed to supporting adoptive and foster families — in and out of the classroom. Her passion is bringing their unique experiences to light, especially within school systems, so that educators, counselors, and communities can better serve them.
As an adoptee herself, Joi understands firsthand the challenges children face — navigating shame, secrecy, and the struggle to belong. She believes open conversations about adoption and fostering lead to profound healing, joy, and a stronger sense of belonging for children and families alike.
As a creative producer, she develops music, coaches emerging authors through the writing and publishing process, and is currently leading the creation of a children’s book series centered on digital literacy, equipping young learners with the skills to navigate and engage with technology thoughtfully and responsibly.
Building Bridges for Adoptive & Foster Families
There are people willing to support adoptive and foster families — they just need better insight into their needs. Joi aims to be that bridge, educating teachers, businesses, religious groups, and other organizations on how to embrace this conversation with compassion and understanding.
Educators
Equipping teachers and counselors with tools to support adoptive and foster children in the classroom.
Communities
Helping businesses, religious groups, and organizations embrace adoption conversations with empathy.
Families
Creating environments where adoptive and foster families feel seen, heard, and valued.
An Adoptee's Journey
Books by Joi R. Fisher-Griffin
Joi's book series follows an adoptee's journey of faith, family, and love — bringing authentic, compassionate storytelling to children and adults navigating the adoption experience.

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MindThrive Publishers

Media
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Joi's advocacy and story have been recognized by leading publications and adoption organizations nationwide.
Adoptee Rights
Access to Original Birth Certificates for NJ Adoptees
Discover the ongoing fight for adoptee rights in New Jersey, with insights from adoption advocate Pam Hasegawa. NJ is an access state. On May 27, 2014, amendments to the Vital Statistics Act (P.L. 2014, c. 9) were signed into law, allowing adult adoptees and certain family members to obtain a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate (OBC) while protecting birth parents' privacy under specific conditions.
#AdopteeRights #NewJerseyAccess #AdoptionAdvocacy
When Can Adoptees Obtain Their OBC?
Adopted On or After Nov. 19, 1940
The OBC was sealed and previously required a court order. Under the new law, beginning January 2017, adult adoptees may request a non-certified copy of their OBC.
Adopted Before Nov. 19, 1940
The OBC has always been accessible upon request without a court order.
Who Can Request an OBC?
The Adult Adoptee
Direct Descendant, Sibling, or Spouse
Adoptive Parent, Legal Guardian, or Representative
State or Federal Agency

The OBC is not open to the general public.
How to Request Your Original Birth Certificate
All certificates are mailed to the applicant — no in-person pickup is available. Processing times vary, as requests involve manual searches through sealed paper records dating back to the 1940s. The OVSR must also review birth parent contact preferences and any redactions before releasing the OBC.
Birth Parent Rights & Privacy Protections
Redaction Rights
Birth parents could redact their information, but only if they submitted a request by December 31, 2016. No new redaction requests are accepted after this date.
Contact Preference Options
Prior to Dec. 31, 2016, birth parents could submit a Contact Preference Form indicating:
  • Direct contact
  • Contact through an intermediary
  • No contact at this time
If no preference was submitted before the OBC is released, the adoptee may attempt direct contact.
What Will Applicants Receive?
Non-Certified OBC Copy
For informational use only — not valid for legal identification purposes.
Family History Details
If birth parents provided family history information, this will be included with the OBC.
Redacted Information
If a birth parent requested redaction, identifying information will be blacked out on the OBC.
An intermediary is a person or agency that serves as a go-between for communication between the birth parent and the adoptee. Note: Adoption legally severs the familial relationship, so adoptees cannot obtain certified copies of birth parents' vital records under N.J.S.A. 26:8-62.
Identification Required
Applicants must provide valid identification when requesting an OBC. Accepted forms include:
Primary ID
  • Current, valid photo ID (driver's license, non-driver's license, or passport)
  • A legal birth certificate
Alternate ID (Two Required)
  • Vehicle registration
  • Bank statement
  • Tax return or utility bill
  • Certified marriage/civil union certificate (if name changed)
Support Resources
Counseling & Support for Adoptees and Birth Parents
For adoptees and birth parents seeking guidance, the following organizations provide counseling and support:
NJ Mental Health Cares
www.njmentalhealthcares.org
866-202-4357 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 8 PM)
NJ Adoption Resource Clearing House (NJ ARCH)
www.njarch.org
1-877-427-2465
24/7 Confidential Support
1-855-654-6735
Diocese of Metuchen Catholic Charities
Middlesex: 800-655-9491 | Hunterdon: 908-782-7905
Warren: 908-454-2074 | Somerset: 908-722-1881

For information on the legislative status in other states, visit the Links tab on the website.
Join the Conversation
Together, we can create environments where adoptive and foster families feel seen, heard, and valued. Let's break the silence around adoption and use kind, thoughtful words to uplift these families on their journey.