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 1,205,103 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.
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
226. Destany : Misty Dawn Wheeler Berlin LaFerney
227. Markwilliamson : I was born in University Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. My birth mother was very young. I have limited facts about the birth parents but I am eager to find them and/ or other family members. My adoptive parents got me when I was 3 months old.
228. Vldrake : Fort Smith AR
229. Court56 : Born in Little Rock Arkansas at baptist hospital to a 15 yr old who said she wanted to keep him but had no support. His dad was said to have been 21 at the time
230. Jkfisher1968 : Born in Atlanta, Georgia adopted in another state
231. Stephjames : The birth name may be Kent David Morrison. I have DNA for the adoptee’s daughter.
232. Horseyluver2001 : Her name at birth was Christina Marie Swain at time of adoption we lived in Hoxie AR and she is one out of 7 me and her and a brother was all adopted out I have found my birth parents and the other 4 siblings that was not adopted out and wish to find her and my brother his name is Joseph Paul Swain his DOB is June 1 1984 one name I have heard a lot when being told about the adoption is Miss Oldham she lived in Black Rock AR at one time this is all the info I know
233. Horseyluver2001 : His name at birth was Joseph Paul Swain at the time of adoption we lived in Hoxie AR and he is one out of 7 me and his sister was all adopted out I found my birth parents and the other 4 siblings that was not adopted out and wish to find my him and my sister her name is Christina Marie Swain her DOB is August 31,1982 one name I have heard a lot when being told about the adoption is miss Oldham she lived in Black Rock Arkansas at the time this is all the info I know
234. Nallen312 : Adoptee searching for Birth family. I was born in Little Rock Ar on 8/27/1967, I have non ID info. BM had 2 sons and a daughter that were older, BF had 2 children from previous marriage, do not know genders. BF was supposedly in Pest Control Industry. Not certain what BM did. Private attorney Rodney Chambers, (ret.) handled case. I was in Foster care via Ar DHS. Adopted parents stated when I was pick up, I had "Baby girl Walker" on my crib. Any information would be appreciated.
235. Melaniesandersmcco : I just want my son to know i never stopped looking for him. I love you Tristen.
236. Kim4Tonya : The birth likely was in Pulaski County, Little Rock. The attorney handling the adoption is deceased and the adoptive parents went through the Child Welfare Office.
237. Blakealmond : My father name is William Almond ( Bill) My mothers name was Susie. I was adobted to Susie as soon I came out of my biolical mother. And was wondering if I was looking for her and possible see this message.my uncles name is Dan almond lives in washington
238. Tuckerrsanders : My parents gave birth to two children before me, my twin brother, and younger sister. First, a boy born around either 1988 or 1989 in September. The second child, a girl born in November in the early 1990’s. My parents kept me, my twin and younger sister.
239. Browneyed278 : I am looking for my birth father and any siblings I might have.
240. DianaRakhmatullina : Im looking for my BROTHER 09/04/1987 adopted from RUSSIA in 1990. Adoption from city of UFA‚ REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN‚ RUSSIA. his birth name ROMAN KARACHURIN but it could been change for FAIL or FANIL before parents who adopted gave him a new name. Birth mother name LIANA KARACHURINA 05/17/1968 . the adopted country can be UNITES STADES OF AMERICA ‚state of COLORADO. Im looking for any information .... please help me to find my brother. (me and our sister lives in NEW YORK)
