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 1,205,105 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
346. LThompson : I am the daughter of the adopted person which is now deceased. Adopted Mother was Patrecia Goldey
347. Lizziegirl91 : I just found out when my dad passed away he put a little girl and boy up for adoption. They are my siblings and I want to meet them and get to know them.
348. Momofniecy : Searching for birth mother. Name: Betty Jo Petty My date of birth: May 19, 1958 Born in Little Rock, Arkansas.
349. Doodlegirll : Adoptive parents: D.O. Wilson and Ester Wilson of Arkansas Name: Gary Dalton Wilson My grandfather is the person whose records I am searching for. He was adopted at 10 months old, and no records of his adoption have been saved by any surviving family members. My grandfather died in 1989, so I was never able to meet him and ask him anything, but I do know that he never wanted to know his birth parents nor did he want to know the circumstances behind his adoption, but his adoptive parents were very open about his adoptive status and told him if he ever wanted to know, they’d tell him. Since he did not, they took that information to their graves. I want to find any records I can pertaining to his adoption, because I am researching my genealogy, and my genetic records before I decide to have children of my own. I want to know who my birth great-grandparents are, and find out if I have any surviving family from my grandfather’s birth family, so that I can try and reach out to them. Maybe they’ve been searching for me, too.
350. MeganReneeHun : Fayetteville, Washington Regional.
351. Shay6859 : Helping my cousin search for the son she was forced to give up 40 years ago.
352. Mnorris : All I know is that I was born either in Little Rock or Pine Bluff Arkansas
353. Cdawg47 : Phillip Thomas Moore,His name may have been Matthews born in Pine Bluff,Ark. in 1916.His adoptive Parents were Tom an Phillora Moore
354. Miyoshimd1 : I was 18 years old with one child and was convinced by Dr Sterling Roaf my OB Dr that adoption is the best thing for my child I gave birth at Jefferson Reginal Medical Center in Pine Bluff Arkansas. When Dr Roaf came to see me the next day after I gave birth I asked can I see my baby he said no. When the attorney came for me to sign he didn’t let me see anything on the form but I did see it said Pulaski County so I asked someone where is that they said Little Rock, Ark. It is my Prayer my baby would like to meet me and I have 3 other children that would love to meet you. They have known about you since they were children. I wanted them to know if someone should come after I’m gone that they have another sibling. I’ve allayed LOVED YOU💖🌈🦋
355. DavidDuncan20 : I am searching for my birth parents. My birth mother was 13 when I was born
356. Razorfan1963 : I was born in Calico Rock, AR. Dr. Cheney from Mountain Home was my physician. Veda Shedd was involved in helping my adopted parents find me to adopt. I was raised in Mountain Home, AR.
357. NessaLynn69 : I was born Dec 7 1969 at St Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock Arkansas I weighed 9 lbs my mother was 13 years old I was adopted out August 1970
358. Kerrdog85 : P0ssibly
359. DanielleSantana : I so desperately want to know if he is okay, happy, healthy. Just need to know I made the right decision.
360. Gixxerman : Bella vista arkansas bobby and dakota
