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 1,205,103 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
541. Sc5712 : My sister was most likely born at St. Edwards Hospital in Van Buren Arkansas. We believe she was born between Spring and Summer of that year. (Feb-July?) She went through a Catholic Charities adoption service. Birth mother’s name was Cecilia Rose Dahlem. She was 17 D.O.B. is October 5, 1967. The father was Harmon Edgar Cusick Jr. and his DOB was March 10, 1958. Both parents were/are caucasian. She would be 33 now.
542. Sc5712 : Actively looking for my older adopted half-sister. She was born between 1984 -1986. Her mother was about 17 when she gave birth to her and put her up for adoption. She said she gave her a letter and a photo when she was adopted. They went through a Catholic adoption group. I believe she was born at St. Edwards Hospital around Fort Smith, but that is just what I was told. Both parents were Caucasian. Been looking nonstop for years.
543. VenusHarperTodd81 : His name is Raven Alexzander Miller. It has been changed but not sure to what. He was 8 years old. It happened in Fort Smith Ark. It was done by the DHS office in Fort Smith. I have his original birth certificate and Ssi card. And a picture if him when he was 8. I just want to see my baby! He is now 20. He has two brothers and a sister as well. Calibos Nethaneal Fleming will be 18 this Sept. 23. Just looking for my babies.
544. Gmcclurg06 : I am searching for an adoptee family member. He was born clubbed foot. His birth name is Robert Wayne Stewart. He was born in Hot Springs AR in 1963 at AMI hospital. His biological mother is Dorothy Heth. His biological Father is Bobby Stewart. They are my grandparents.
545. Shescountry2 : My brothers name at birth was Robert Wayne Stewart‚ his birthday is 2/4/1963 born in Hot Springs‚Ar at Ouachita General Hospital. From what ive been told someone took him when he was about 9 mo old from our home while my mother was at work. He was born with club feet and had braces on his feet at the time he was taken. I found court records starting in 1967 that Social Services out of Little Rock‚Ar had taken custody of him and that in 1977 he was adopted. He would have been 14 at that time so im just assuming he kept his first and middle name.
546. Vbeak16 : Kailee broadways whitnee Broadway Kirsten Parnell Ashley Witcher
547. Randyblur : Looking for siblings. I was born William Alfred Haynes. My birth mother was Sophia Haynes
548. Sd110083a : I am searching for my biological mother Deborah Alice Combs . I was born 12/16/1974 boy in little rock Arkansas.
549. Lydiamalkhinissac : He name was Lydia Turner he two brothers were malikhi and Isaac Turner they were younger. They were adopted out to a jaqulin Ferguson and removed from her also because she beat the hell out of them, the last I heard they were at pinebluff children’s home. My name is Amber Butera we just didn’t have the money to fight for them. we made the front page of the Arkansas times magizine and also on the news. please help me find my niece and nephews.
550. Niecnnephews : He name was Lydia Turner he two brothers were malikhi and Isaac Turner they were younger. They were adopted out to a jaqulin Ferguson and removed from her also because she beat the hell out of them, the last I heard they were at pinebluff children’s home. My name is Amber Butera we just didn’t have the money to fight for them. we made the front page of the Arkansas times magizine and also on the news. please help me find my niece and nephews.
551. Jajoatab041518 : I’m her father and I was not in the adoption case and I was never given a chance to get her so im searching for my baby girl now
552. Erinswain88 : My birth mom’s name is Rebecca Jane Baker. She was not married at the time of my birth. She was 31 years old when I was born and was living in the city limits of Little Rock, AR. I was born at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, AR.
553. Dglilbit : Appears to have been adopted after a year old by a 39 year old woman.
554. LMMe : Searching for any information on my adoption, I just recently discovered my birth name was Diane Matthews, I believe my mother resided at the Florence Crittenton home in Little Rock , AR. I am still unsure where I was the first 5 months of life. Hoping to find any family I may have out there.
555. Bowers : I am looking for my son. He was born July 14, 1972 in Fort Smith Arkansas at Sparks Hospital. The adoption was arranged by Dr. Ralph Kramer. The attorney was John M. Robinson,Jr.
