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 1,205,106 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
391. Mwatson : My birth name was Donna Ruth Hinkle I was born in Washington County, Fayetteville, Arkansas on July 22, 1962
392. BTRG : my father is the adopted person, he was born in September 4 or 8th, my understanding he was born on the fourth but "adopted" on the 8th. Suppose to have been born in Little Rock ,Ar, I have been told it was Green Hospital. Also have been told that his real parents were young and forbidden to get married, she was 18 and he was in the Army/Air Corp and his name may have been Gibson, most of this is word of mouth through the family so may or may not be true.
393. Idkanymor32e5 : I am the brother
394. GGuyer : Looking for a brother, Jeffrey Scott Smith. His family has been looking for him for years.
395. Daydreamingdaisies : Upon my Grandmother’s passing we found adoption papers hidden for my father. He was adopted into the Miller Family. My grandmother’s birth name is Augustine Dunn (She is his birth Mother and was a legal secretary in the late 1940’s early 1950’s.) Our Dad was adopted by Lee Miller around the time they married, about 1945. My Grandmother had mentioned to my father when joining the military that his birth certificate was burnt in a fire. His ’new’ certificate says he was born Jan 8th, 1949, in Little Rock Arkansas? My dad knows he did have a sister who called once and tried to speak to him. Janet Miller, my Dads Sister, hung up on her and the secret has always been kept. He grew up in Arkansas and Tennessee but majority of his life grade/Highschool was lived out in Arlington TX with Lee and Auggie Miller. My Grandmother’s Maiden name was Dunn. Auggie and Lee had Richard as the oldest, a middle son Andy and a younger Daughter named Janet. My Dad passed 4 years ago and my Sister and I would love to hear his story. Such a sweet soul!!! A fantastic Dad!!! We would love to find out more info!!! We would love to see a picture of his birth father and to find out if he he did indeed have other siblings!! We hope they have had a amazing life just life our Dad has!!! Blessings!!!!
396. Babyboythornton : My name is Jeremy Paul Phillips. The name on my original birth certificate says "baby boy Thorton changed to baby boy Thornton". I was born on April 16, 1970 in Sebastian County Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I was adopted by Paul and Sharon Phillips but do not know when that adoption took place. All I know about my DNA parents is that the father was over 6 feet tall with blue eyes and blonde hair and the mother was about 5’5 with green eyes and brown hair. That is all I know.
397. Dratkins : Birth name: Dina Evans
398. KarenJFrye : I was adopted and taken home from the hospital at 6 days old. I was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on 1/19/1966 at St Edwards Mercy Medical Center. I was adopted by Edward and Jean Frye. I have no information regarding bio parents. I have the names Bolin/Saralampi and Cain in my ancestry DNA. I am searching for any bio family.
399. Caitibeths : Pine Bluff, AR. Amy was my moms name.
400. KiaraGage1425 : Auntie of the children
401. Countryredneck : Her name at birth was Melissa marie couch was born on 8/5/2001 born in Fayetteville Arkansas. At Washington regional medical center last place that i know she lived was in gentry Arkansas she was 2 years old when she was taking from me
402. TravisCat1 : i want to know who my birth parents are
403. Happilyfaithmarand : Jacob rauldupho timothy nelson-todd, this is your sister faith. Your father was franklin todd died in prison in 2016. Your mother debra nelson. Your father murdered my son noah alexander caldwell in 2002 in pea ridge arkansas. I forgave him many years ago. Our mom is a wonderful woman. Your sister stacy, brother aaron, and me faith all want you in our lives. We love you.
404. Per.Fred.A : Looking for child born April 1980-March1981‚ mother and father is from SD‚Mother age younger than16‚ father 20. I never was told about the child. Mothers name on birth certificate would be Lisa or Michelle‚ Father name is Perry or could be Dennis or unknown. The adoption took place through the Catholic adoption agency probably close to South Dakota or any place in the United States
405. SMALLEY3SARAH : Born in Fremont, NE at Methodist hospital off military st. Catholic Charities and a womans convent within a block or so away from the hospital were involved. Birth mom is Pamela Marie (Jaeger) Ryan born Dec 6,1949. She will be 71yrs old this year (2020) she Graduated at Noterdame academy and also went to Mercy high school in Omaha Neb. Adoptee was born June 6,1968. You are Italian and German and Irish. Your maternal grandparents are Jack and Rosina/Rose (Bonacci) Jaeger On your moms side. Your dad is ("Willie" Hamilton.??) He was a biker. Part of "Hell’s Angel’s". You will be 52yrs old this year June 6, 2020. I pray that u find us!! You have a half brother 50yrs old 11/12/70 Randy Ryan , lives in SC. and half sister 48yrs old 9/14/72 Sarah DawnMarie Smalley..I live in Bellevue, Nebraska.
