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 1,205,093 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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Merandadold
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
451. Mommabecca1 : Erik I miss you very much and have been trying to find you for a long time. I am so sorry we got separated, I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me and seek our relationship. You also have a sister who would like to meet you.
452. JuliaBrandon : Adopted by Brandon in about 1907. Julia and her brother Louie at the same time
453. Jeffrobinson26 : January 11, 1981 (1-11-81) Looking for my biological mother/father or potential siblings. I was born premature at Little Rock Children’s Hospital.Extremely interested in family medical history. DOHHS says they have no record of my name and need my birth name. Details on the adoption... My surname (ROBINSON) is the name of my adoptive parents. I do not know my biological parents information or their last name. I have an amended birth certificate so January 11, 1981 possibly could be the wrong birth date for me. I am caucasion/blue eyes/dark hair/ Tall Build It was a closed adoption Attourney was Paul Gean (Ft. Smith, AR)
454. Jenniferwilliamd82 : Arkansas state hospital my grandma named her Barbra ann
455. Gerald_Johnson : I believe my birth mothers name is Marie Brown. My only family are my children. They have questions about my family that I can’t give.
456. Dshemika39 : Im from chicago my name is beth and my child was adopted in little rock arkansas.
457. Robmw28 : I was born April 28, 1965 in Fayetteville Arkansas. My birth mom’s last name was Ryan. I believe I was born at Washington Regional Medical Center.
458. MeganSchmidt7707 : I was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas on August 16, 1984 at Memorial Hospital which no longer exists from my understanding. I was adopted through Catholic Social Services ten days after my birth day.
459. Morefamily13 : Birth Mother, Marsha Jean Bell My Mom had a baby when she was in High School. My Mom graduated from high school in 1964. She lived in the Table Rock Lake area and was sent away to have the baby. My Aunt thinks she was told it was a boy but not for sure. My Aunt believes my Mom was close enough for my Grandma to visit her while she was away at the maternity home.
460. Jan1flash : Baby was born in Searcy, Arkansas. Don’t know Dr’s name or name of clinic. Adoption was privately arranged. Was not allowed to see it or hold it & was not told the sex of the baby, only that it was healthy. Don’t know the name of the adoptive parents. Would like to know where he or she is.
461. Stutay339 : I was born in Springdale AR, at northwest medical center.
462. ChaeDenton : I need my adoption records for school so I can attend, my adoptive family will not give me my adoption records and I desperately need them and have needed them for now 2 years.
463. Sarahar2ga : My father in law was born on may 12 1948 and had a twin brother with either a first or last name of davis. the were adopted in little rock arkansas.
464. Jmturnbow1 : Am looking so that you can meet your bother and sister’s
465. Jmturnbow1 : SO you can meet your bother and sister’s
