While nine states have reversed sealed records laws in the past twelve years (and two never sealed them), thirty-nine states in America continue to hide an adoptee's birth information from them - forever. Legislation is currently being debated in several states that would provide access to records for adopted citizens. Opponents argue that birthmothers were promised confidentiality, while supporters point out that there is no statutory guarantee of privacy. As the debate goes on, adoptees (and birthparents) are dying without closure about one of the most significant events and relationships of their lives.

ADOPTED: For the Life of Me is a film about secrets, and what secrets cost people when they're imposed over an entire lifetime. From the opening scene where Dave presses his nose against the glass window of the Vital Statistics office, looking at the record of his own birth for the very first time at age 52, to the heart-wrenching and heartwarming conclusion of both his and Joe's stories, ADOPTED: for the life of me is a film which engages us all in a dialogue about who adoption laws are supposed to serve...

Fall 2010: Kristin was hired to present ADOPTED: For the Life of Me to PBS stations nationally.

Since 2010, Adopted: For the Life of Me has had 1,369 telecasts on 357 station/channels.
It has been on the air in 140 markets in 44 states, covering 83.34% of the U.S.

"I fully believe that the incredible run you provided for the film has helped in many areas. I wish I had ways to better quantify the impact - but some very wonderful personal letters have been very fulfilling. So many thanks for all you did - and here's to staying in touch!

Jean Strauss, filmmaker

Jean Strauss is a New York Times best-selling author, legislative activist, and documentary filmmaker. With ADOPTED: for the life of me, she marries her twin passions of adoption reform and filmmaking. A graduate of UC Berkeley and USC, wife of a college president and mother of two grown sons, she began making documentary films at the age of 50. Her short films won numerous honors, including American Cinematheque’s list of top women directors in “Women in Shorts”. Her books include Penguin’s "Birthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion;" her memoir, "Beneath a Tall Tree," and the New York Times bestseller, "Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music."

Strauss currently lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and in Purchase, New York, where her husband in the interim president of Manhattanville College. Adopted: for the Life of Me, is her first feature film.