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Author · Educator · Adoption Advocate · Creative Producer
Finding Identity. Creating Belonging. Inspiring Impact.
Transforming lived experience into literature, leadership, and lasting change.
About Joi
Educator. Author. Advocate for Family & Belonging.
Joi R. Fisher-Griffin brings nearly three decades of experience in education, leadership, and storytelling to every stage, page, and platform she occupies.
As the author of Finding Joi: A True Story of Faith, Family & Love, she writes and speaks on adoption, identity, resilience, and the transformative power of belonging — empowering others to turn their experiences into impact.
As an AI strategist and founder of Legacy Creative AI Solutions, Joi helps educators, authors, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs leverage artificial intelligence to work smarter, amplify their expertise, and bring ideas to life. Through consulting, training, publishing support, and creative innovation, she bridges human experience with emerging technology, helping individuals and organizations transform knowledge, stories, and vision into meaningful results.
"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
Mission
Building Bridges for Adoptive & Foster Families
Joi serves as a bridge — educating teachers, businesses, faith communities, and organizations on how to support adoptive and foster families with compassion and understanding.
Educators
Equipping teachers and counselors with tools to support adoptive and foster children in the classroom.
Communities
Helping businesses, faith groups, and organizations embrace adoption conversations with empathy.
Families
Creating environments where adoptive and foster families feel seen, heard, and valued.
Books & Music
Finding Joi: A True Story of Faith, Family & Love
Joi's debut book series follows an adoptee's journey through faith, family, and love — bringing authentic, compassionate storytelling to children and adults navigating the adoption experience. Each page is an invitation to feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Speaking & Media
Featured On
Joi's advocacy, storytelling, and expertise have been recognized by leading publications and adoption organizations nationwide.
Speaking Topics
Adoption & Identity
The emotional and psychological journey of adoptees finding their story.
Trauma-Informed Education
Equipping educators to support children from adoptive and foster backgrounds.
Faith, Family & Belonging
Exploring how community and spirituality shape our sense of home.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Transforming lived experience into advocacy, art, and leadership.
Research & Advocacy
Fighting for Adoptee Rights in New Jersey
NJ is an access state. Since May 2014, adult adoptees have had the legal right to obtain their original birth certificate — a milestone decades in the making.
#AdopteeRights · #NewJerseyAccess · #AdoptionAdvocacy
OBC Eligibility
When Can Adoptees Obtain Their Original Birth Certificate?
Adopted On or After Nov. 19, 1940
Under the 2014 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.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Request Your Original Birth Certificate
All certificates are mailed to the applicant — no in-person pickup available. Processing times vary, as requests involve manual searches through sealed paper records. The OVSR reviews birth parent contact preferences and any redactions before releasing the OBC.
Birth Parent Rights
Privacy Protections & Contact Preferences
Redaction Rights
Birth parents could redact their identifying 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 to Expect
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.
Documentation
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
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. The following organizations offer counseling, guidance, and community for adoptees and birth parents.
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.
Work With Joi
Let's Create Something Meaningful Together
Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker, a workshop facilitator, a creative collaborator, or an author visit — Joi brings depth, warmth, and lived expertise to every engagement.
Keynote Speaking
Powerful, story-driven talks on adoption, identity, trauma-informed education, and belonging. Available for conferences, schools, faith communities, and corporate events.
Workshops & Training
Interactive sessions for educators, counselors, and organizations on supporting adoptive and foster families with compassion and cultural competency.
Author Visits & Book Clubs
Intimate conversations about Finding Joi, the adoption experience, and the power of storytelling to heal and connect.
Creative Consulting
Collaborative support for writers, educators, and advocates looking to develop their voice, story, or platform.
Community
Join the Conversation
Together, we can create spaces where adoptive and foster families feel seen, heard, and valued. Let's break the silence around adoption — with kind, thoughtful words that uplift families on their journey.
Contact
Let's Connect
Joi welcomes inquiries from organizations, schools, educators, media, brand partners, and anyone whose life has been touched by adoption.
Get in Touch
  • 📧 Speaking & Media: via booking form
  • 📚 Book & Publishing Inquiries: via website
Follow the Journey
Stay connected with Joi's latest work, advocacy updates, and upcoming events.
Every story matters. Every family belongs.
— Joi R. Fisher-Griffin