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 1,205,098 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
316. Sweetboo80 : My daughters name is Shannon amberlynn the couple I think there last name was graham from Farmington Arkansas
317. Mijosr : I was adopted in Little Rock Arkansas through Catholic Charities. Would like to find birth parents and siblings.
318. Helpingothers : given name at birth Sherry Lavita Thompson
319. LeoDad : I am searching for my son and daughter, whose mother absconded with them and may have lost or given up custody of one or both of them.
320. Ashleydominguez631 : I adopted two of my cousin’s babies and they have an older brother who was adopted by his aunt on his fathers side, we do keep in touch, but another one(the youngest) i beleave was adopted through the system and i want to find them and ask his parents if they are willing to keep in touch for our kids. Also he might be affected my a genetic disability that both of my kids and older brother tested positive for it is life threatening and i have no idea if they know about it
321. Bryanweber : I hope you find me.
322. Montana13 : Baptist hospital Little Rock Arkansas
323. Thatcherfurr : i’m adopted and know nothing about my former life i just want to know if i have any siblings...i am from southwest arkansas
324. Alice8200 : I was told I was born at 6 months at st Edward mercy medical center in fort smith Arkansas. I weighed only 2 lbs but still survived and was adopted by my adopted parents, John and Patricia Patton.
325. Donnaspurgeon : Im looking for my sister who was adopted when she was 2 months old her birth name is ashley nicole spurgeon her birthday is june 2 1999 she was adopted in arkansas 18 years ago birth mother is christina spurgeon and father jonathan spurgeon my name is donna spurgeon i am her older sister and never had contact with her i would love to find my sister and get to know her
326. Stacysmith : I was told years ago by my mother, whom has now passed away, that when she was 14 years old she was raped and got pregnant. She carried the baby full term but, my grandmother told her when the baby was born it had died. (My mother was under "twilight sleep" for the birth.) My mother believed she was lied to about it. She never got to see the baby. My grandmother passed away before I got to ask her anything about this "big family secret" and now I can’t get information from anyone living. I don’t know the exact date of birth either. I do believe I have a sibling that was adopted without my mother’s knowledge. Mother’s maiden name: Shores Birth mothers age when giving birth 14 or 15? Baby’s birth place: Stuttgart, AR, USA? Year of baby’s birth? 1970?
327. Tommy1971 : Seeking birth relatives. I am hoping to reunite with birth family. This is extremely important to me. I was born in Little Rock, Ar. on or about November 8 1971 and adopted February 8 1972. I am told my birth mother may have called me Tommy. She was said to have red hair and have siblings with red hair too. Her maiden name may possibly be some spelling variation of the name Boles.
328. Tommy1971 : I was born on or about November 8, 1971 at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, Ar. My adoption date was February 8 1972. I was told my birth mother called me Tommy. I was also told that she had red hair and came from a family of redheads. Her maiden name may possibly be some variation or spelling of the sir name Boles. I was told my birth father had 1 brother at the time of my birth. It was said that my father worked at a service station. It is of utmost importance to me to make contact. I have known of my adoption all my life.
329. Jimbo51 : I am look to see if my dad was adopted
330. Elaine_keesee : Birth name was: Stephanie Smith. She was adopted at 3 1/2 months. Father was in some branch of the Service, don’t know which. We believe mom was around 17 and reportedly slow (maybe low I.Q.) ???? Dad and Mom, both, had siblings. We believe that she was born in one of the hospitals in Little Rock, Arkansas.
