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 1,205,094 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
631. Harmancel : Birth mother is Pauline Irwin and child’s name is Charles Irwin. Adopted by Frank and Blanche mancel in Missouri.
632. Dmass0283 : I was born in Hot Springs, AR in 1983 and am looking for my birth parents to obtain medical records and knowledge.
633. Davidwilliams55 : Hi my father David James Williams was born in Saint Louis Missouri! He was with my grand parents at 5 in Arkansas where he was adopted! We have done ancestry DNA & I believe theres 4 half siblings! We are almost certain Wayne Millsap was his father & pretty sure his mothers maiden name was Evans . But they weren’t married! Any info would be so greatful.
634. BrentW74 : Birth mother. The adoption was arranged by Dr. Hayton who delivered me at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, AR on 01/27/1974. I was told that my birth mother was young (16 or 17) and that she was from or had family in Texas.
635. DONNASUE1967 : I think my sister was approximately 18 months older than me. Birth mother Patricia Ann Howell. She supposedly lived in Memphis, Tn or West Memphis. Ar. .I was born at Osceola Memorial Hospital, Ar. .grew up there. My adoptive parents still live in the same house.
636. Tressaburnside : Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Adopting parents were Alan and Seely Lucas.
637. LunaSenai : Laveda Cheek Amy Cheek Alexis Cheek Deborah Cheek
638. Russey1962 : I was adopted in Pulaski county little rock arkansas
639. AliciaJustice : Mother was adopted soon after birth. Born on May 4, 1951 around Little Rock, AR. Birth name was Patricia Ann Turpin.
640. Kimberly1972 : My birth name was Diane Garcia and I was born in Little Rock‚ Arkansas on October 30‚ 1972.
641. Francesca2806 : It happens in Arkansas. I know my birth moms name is Annie.. that’s it. It was a Christian adoption agency. That’s all I know
642. Mdeaton3 : Hi, My adopted name is Michelle Deaton. I was born December 21st, 1964 in Lee County Memorial Hospital in Marianna, AR. I was a foster child from 2 weeks old till I was adopted I believe at 6 or 7 years old by Noah Raymond Deaton and Geneva Louise Deaton. The place I remember living was Forrest City, AR and West Memphis, AR and then we moved to MS, where we lived in towns called Houlka and Okolona. I now live in St Petersburg, FL. I really do not know anything about my parents. I was snooping one time when I was a kid and found papers on me that said "baby girl Harrelson’ and then on other papers, "baby girl McQuinton". I’m not sure if those are my parents names. I was told my parents were in college and my mom may have been sent away to have me in Marianna, AR. This is all the information I have about my birth parents. I don’t want anything from them, just to connect and hopefully find out I have some brothers or sisters that would like to meet me as I would them and form a friendship. I am a very happy and outgoing person and I’ve made a pretty good life for myself. Thanks in advance and look forward to the journey. Sincerely, Michelle
643. TianaSchroeder : I don’t know if my sibling or siblings where adopted or even put out for adoption. I just want to find out if I have siblings or sibling out there my dad always dienied that he had other children to my sisters and I but then our mom said that he was with multiple women and they could have gotten pregnant.
644. Willie91 : Looking for my parents. Was put into foster care. The foster family’s daughter adopted me and raised me. Key info that I know. Texas, Wilmer, Ulices, Castillo, Bonilla, Harris County Texas DOB 10/26/1991, Foster parents last name ballantyne
645. WilliamHouse : Born in Kansas City Mo at St Vincents Maternity Hospital. I have my original birth certificate. It says my mother was Theresa Kordsmeier from Little Rock Arkansas. She is dead but a sister of hers, Bernardine Treml, is still alive in Maryland, I believe. The doctor was Ford J Lowery, MD. Birth number is 124-49-034651. Registration district # 149 Primary Registration District #1002 Registrar’s # 47815808.
