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 1,205,102 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
361. Jabolin : Jerry and Virginia Hogan
362. 1974stehanietaylor : My names is Stephanie Taylor, My cousin Mira Martin Evans was born Feb.15,1975, her mother was from stuttgart Arkansas and was born at Saint Vincents Infirmary in Little Rock Arkansas. She wants to find out about her mom can anyone help us her here connect dots please.
363. 1974stehanietaylor : I need Help in finding my cousins mom
364. Brodnax : Looking for birth mother. Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Bridgeforth Law Firm handled adoption.
365. AmandaMathis : Pine Bluff Arkansas
366. Vance_Lee : My Grandfather was adopted into the Freeman Family sometime before WWII. From my understanding his name was originally KOUNTZ or COUNCE. The only name I knew was Carl E. Freeman.
367. Nitajoglenn : I have been longing to find my son for 36 years I’m 50yrs old now and have thought of him everyday since my mother gave me no choice at the time he was born and said it was the best for the baby he is 36 now and I’m sure he has had a good life as I have prayed for every day that he would had I love him now and have forever and just would love to meet him
368. Jenniburr01 : My father traveled for work and I know that I have other siblings. I’m not sure of names or birth dates. He passed away when I was a year old. This siblings would be from my father only and not my mother. He was from Hickory/Newton MS.
369. Lzornes80 : My birth mother was Cindy Shere Kent. She was born in July 1961. Her mother’s name is Reba. Cindy spent a time time in a youth home is Bryant, AR. She had a brief relationahip with a boy there named Alan or Allen. His dad didnt want his son to have anything to do wuth the whole situation. Cindy had any other contact with him since at least to our knowledge. Cindy got married to Bruce Woosley in Feb 1979 but divorced shortly after. I was told she was at 1 time in TX in early 80s then started magazine sales & made her way to FL. She has made no contact with anyone since she made her to FL. Her sister, Betty was friends with Cathy Zornes & helped find a family that adopted me. She went to Bryant High School in the 70s but was placed in a youth home in Bryant, AR where she became pregnant. I’m trying to locate my birth mother or any info would greatly be appreciated. Thank u in advance Here is the only picture we have of Cindy when she was pregnant with me.
370. LeahBonaduce666 : I believe baby was named Benjamin Farmer when born. Mothers name was Theresa Farmer. She was in her early 30’s. She was a bartender and actually from Missouri not AK.
371. Mountian : male born October 5, 1958 in Arkansas
372. MSCaringMom : We hope to find our daughter’s birth mother. She is not comfortable talking with us about this but from her friends, we know this weighs heavy on her heart. Who do I look like? Do I have siblings? So many questions with no answers yet.
373. JudyMilholland : Searching for birth family of a female born February 1958 adopted in central Arkansas around 1960
374. HopeStrickel : Searcy Arkansas, Strickels
375. Barnes1234 : I really need to know
