Arkansas Adoption Records
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Accessing Arkansas Adoption Records
In 2018, Arkansas implemented a new law that allows adoptees to unseal their adoption records once they turn 21. While the law provides a way to access Arkansas adoption records, it also comes with red tape, including notary requirements and a fee.
If you want an easier way to reunite with your biological relatives, Adopted.com can help. We offer a voluntary adoption reunion registry where adoptees, birth parents, and others impacted by adoption can connect very quickly.
To join our registry, you don’t need to get a form notarized or pay a fee. All you need to do is answer ten simple questions that most people know about the adoption.
Our registry spans the state of Arkansas, from Fayetteville to Little Rock and everywhere in between. We offer a safe, secure way to reconnect with your birth family. Register for free today to join a community where reunions happen every day.
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3,229 Are Adoptions in Arkansas Open?
Yes, Arkansas allows families to arrange open adoptions. In an open adoption, the adoptive family knows the birth parents’ identities. One or both birth parents may even have ongoing communication with the adopted child, such as phone calls or face-to-face visits.
However, the official adoption files are sealed even in an open adoption. You cannot access the adoption records unless you’re an adoptee over 21 years old.
How Do I Get My Original Birth Certificate if I Was Adopted in Arkansas?
Your original birth certificate is part of your adoption file. You can get this document by submitting a written request to the Arkansas Department of Health if you’re over 21. When you receive your original birth certificate, it will be marked “not intended for official use.”
Arkansas allows birth parents to redact their names from an adoptee’s original birth certificate. If one or both of your birth parents have asked to keep their identities confidential, their names will be removed from the copy you receive.
How to Unseal Adoption Records in Arkansas
Adoptees in Arkansas can request their adoption files once they’re 21 years old. You must complete a form from the Arkansas Department of Health to unseal your adoption records. You’ll need to provide proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license. You’ll also need to have the form notarized.
If an adoptee has passed away, their surviving spouse, child, or child’s guardian can also request their adoption records. You’ll need to complete the same form and include proof of your identity. You’ll also need to submit your own birth certificate and notarized documentation of your relationship to the adoptee. A marriage or birth certificate can satisfy this requirement.
For all requests, there’s a $100 fee to access adoption files. You can submit a check or money order to the Arkansas Department of Health with your mailed application.
How Do You Access Arkansas Public Adoption Records?
Arkansas adoption records aren’t public, and you can only access them if you’re an adoptee or the spouse, child, or child’s guardian of an adoptee who has passed away. If you don’t fall into one of those categories, you’ll need a court order to unseal adoption records in Arkansas.
While the state limits who can access adoption records, you may be able to access some information through the Arkansas Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry (MCVAR). This voluntary registry can connect birth relatives if they both consent to having contact.
You can register to identify your birth relatives if you’re:
- An adoptee who’s at least 18
- A birth parent
- A birth grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling
To register with the MCVAR, you must complete an affidavit form, attend a one-hour counseling session, and pay $20. Once you complete these steps, you will be notified if one of your biological relatives joins the registry.
Additionally, the MCVAR can provide non-identifying information about an adoption, including genetic, health, and social histories. This information doesn’t include the names of the adoptee, the adoptive parents, or the birth parents.
You can register to access this information if you’re:
- An adoptee who’s at least 18
- A birth parent
- A spouse, child, or child’s guardian of a deceased adoptee
- An adoptive parent or a legal guardian
- A child welfare agency with custody of an adoptee
To obtain this report, you must complete an affidavit form and pay $5.
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Let Adopted.com help you find your lost family today!
Adopted.com is a powerful adoption reunion registry designed to help you reconnect with your birth parents. By registering, you gain access to a growing database of over 1,205,104 profiles, increasing your chances of finding your biological relatives. The platform respects your privacy and allows you to update your profile anytime.
Registration is free, and the unique search tool ensures measurable match results. When you find your birth parents, remember to approach the reunion with an open heart and understanding, as it can be an emotionally significant experience for everyone involved.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Arkansas
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
166. Anne917 : Trying to find a sister who was placed for adoption. Possible last name used of birth mother could have been Grant.
167. Georgia5 : My name is Georgia I’m looking for my son Jacob. Jacob I love you son so much! Remember the last time we talked I told you if you got adopted they could never take me out of your heart. I will never quit looking for you or your sisters‚ Hannah and Leanne I love you
168. Georgia5 : My name is Georgia I’m looking for my daughter Leanne I believe her name was changed to Ellie. I love you so very much honey I will look for all you kids till my last days if you find this plz email me I love you always
169. JesusNava : adopted persons birth name is Jesus Nava
170. S_phil_burg2 : Was born in a hospital in Springdale. A man with the last name of Means was the head of the hospital at the time. He was my adoptive mothers brother.
171. TTAYLOR1975 : I’m a biological mother in search of my children who are twins,one boy,one girl.they were born in Jonesboro,Craighead County,Arkansas on July 16,1998..they would be 18 years old.they were born at home,although I don’t remember the name of the midwife who delivered them.later on I found out she passed away.I’ve been at a dead end at trying to find my babies.I will never give up the search..I’ve tried nearly all adoption database,I’m not sire if they still he the same names as they habe had at birth..their names were David Micheal Taylor and Emily Grace Taylor.I pray every day as I have for 18 years to find them..I will continue to search for my Children..I also pray they’re searching for me,too..I’m here looking for you Kids..by-the-way,my name is Thelma Taylor,just in case my kids are wondering..I love you so and I will explain why I gave you two up when I find you..Love your mom,Thelma Taylor
172. Shanethia29 : Trying to find my friend birth mom. Her mom name is Tawanna or Tawana Allen my friend name is Megan Renee Allen. She was born in Little Rock AR at the children’s hospital
173. Mrabrownlee08 : Jacob this is your Aunt Rie Rie. I have though about you everyday and miss you so much. Remember I will always love you and my number is 5732812193. Calle anytime.
174. Sarahebarksdale83 : I was born in Mountain View. Dr. James Zini did the delivery. Forrest Eugene Dunaway was the attorney representing my birth mother.
175. Jules6292 : I was born ’baby girl’ June 2nd 1992 in north Little Rock Arkansas at baptist hospital. Adoption was through the crisis pregnancy center.
176. RPK1978 : My birth name was Ryan Patrick Kirkland. I was born on January 30, 1978 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. I was born 3 months premature, and at some point, my birth mother moved to Arkansas. I was removed from her home, and placed in foster care. I believe that my adoption was finalized in the summer of 1979. Apparently my birth mother appeared in court to relinquish her parental rights. I am searching for my birth parents, or siblings. I know that she was 29 years old at the time of my birth, and that my birth father was 26, and he was from California. I believe that the doctor who delivered me had the last name Robinson.
177. Kathrynv : Star City ,arkansas Attorney Jim Freeland Nashville Memorial Hospital
178. Daffneygurl : Am the grandmother to Geary Waggoner and Richard Villarreal and they was adopted on 05/01/07 in Prescott Arkansas.
179. Daffneygurl : Am the grandmother who is searching for Richard Villarreal that was adopted out of Arkansas. His date of birth is 2/28/02 If anyone knows of him or how to contact him please let me know. Thanks.
180. Brownboybaby : Mercy Hospital adopted by Ramseys
