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 1,205,086 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
256. SharonColleen64 : I am looking for Jerry Richardson, son of James Jewell Richardson (deceased), of Houston, TX. He would be around 69 or 70 years of age. My birth mother’s name was Barbara Hunter. My maiden name was Sharon Prescott after adoption. I was born in Bastrop, LA and grew up in Crossett, AR. I would like to know my health history and if I have any half-siblings. I have a have sibling named Jimmy Brown on my birthmother’s side.
257. Elizabeth1207 : Hi, I am looking for my sister who was born in County Cavan, Ireland in August 1957. My mums name is Lucy Reilly who was also from County Cavan, Ireland. On my sisters original birth certificate her name was Mary Brigid. I believe that she was adopted by an american couple and taken to America, but I don’t know how true this is because of the secrecy that surrounded adoptions in Ireland in the 1950’s.
258. Laurahernandez : I’m unsure of the State that you where adopted from, your mother Joyce Ludwig was from Wisconsin and Minnesota, but went away for the birth. You might have been placed thru Catholic Charities Adoption Services. and your mother of Joyce Ludwing and father Lorne Johnson. Also not sure what year you where born, but my best guess is the end of 1968 or early 1969, as your mother was back in MN in the mid to late 1969. I am your sister and I was born July 1965, and we share the same father. I have had by DNA tested thru 23andme.
259. Rcrawford1 : My husband was born in Dardanelle, AR DEC 1985. It was a closed adoption and his adopted mother will not give him accurate information. He left the hospital with his adopted mother, who was a nurse there. The judge was a Judge McCormick, only info we have
260. Brianna__99 : Born at St. Bernard’s hospital in Jonesboro, AR. If I wasn’t adopted then my last name would’ve been Smith. My adopted mother said I would’ve had a sister named Brittany
261. Nicknick123 : the mothers name is Patricia Gorden. I know i’m looking for a sister that was born in 1978. Thats all I know,
262. Lovell1 : Our daughter’s birth name was Latrica Lovell. Her name has is now to Alyssa (Allie) Tressie Frisby‚ Ayssa wants to find her birthmom Robin Lovell.
263. MissingBorn1987 : We are looking to the missing piece of our heart - male, born August 28, 1987, in Shreveport, LA. We were told a couple from Arkansas adopted him, through the Volunteers of America and that the couple had another boy, 2.5 years older than our family member, who was also adopted.
264. Kailogansmom : Born Little Rock, Arkansas at St Vincents Doctors Hospital. I was adopted when I was around 3 days old
265. WithanH : I’m looking for a boy that was born on or around April 23, 1990 in Little Rock, Ar. At St. Vincent Hospital and adopted through a Catholic agency. His adoptive parents sent photos and letter for the first year to his bio mom through agency. Bio Mon last name was Eppinette and she was 15 or 16 at time of birth. Bio mom named him Kegan Lynn.
266. Cartergreenland : My mom was 19 or so when I was adopted. My parents were the 3rd family choice utill they made a booklet on how they could provide me a better life. Also I have a biological sister that’s 18 months older then me. My biological moms first name is Caroline and my dads is Johnathan. It was actually a semi-open adoption.
267. Jenn226 : Mother was 14 father was 21 or 22. Fther loved the water and ourdoors and had a limp. I was born in Little Rock Arkansas.
268. RansomR : Her real name is Rayonna West and she was born in Kennet Missori
269. AubreyReneMcGhee01 : I am looking for my older brother Austin Rae McGhee. I was seperated from him when our dad died. My dad was originally from Kansas so my brother could of been born in either Kansas or Arkansas.
270. GeriHarriman : Dr. Long University Hospital Little Rock AR
