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 1,205,091 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
691. RichardGoodrich : This from back of a picture: Thersa Mae Thompson was adopted by Floyd Linton Thompson (b 05 June 1893, Arkansas) from the Methodist Children’s Home of Little Rock, AR) According to back of 1-yr old picture of Theresa Mae Thompson her name was originally Margaretta Stratton and her mother’s given name was Edna. She was born in Stuttgart, AR on Mar 30, 1924.
692. Skyblue10 : Looking for any siblings that might have born in 1967 or 1968 or 1969 The hospital could’ve been in Washington state or Salt Lake City Utah. The birth mother Joyce Elizabeth Chaston was a young mother at the time between 24 years old to 26 years old from Salt Lake City Utah. At the time could of had more children her last names she had was Binch, Rasmussen, Armitage, Taylor, Monge and maybe Murphey
693. Denniszhurley : I’m mostly interested for health reasons it would be interesting to know information about what the reason for why ‚ all things side I’m greatful I was given a wonderful family regardless
694. Robkopp : He was born as John-Robert Carl Kopp and was adopted with his sister in 2012-2014
695. Itsmignonne : Born at John Gaston hospital, TN.
696. KellersPrag : I was born in Jacksonville, Arkansas. My adoptive parents are Howard and Michelle from New Jersey. I don’t have much other information.
697. MrsCeja : I want to help a friend find her boys. She has not asked for contact or disrupt life but would love to see how they are and see pictures. He is Hispanic, Benton county Ar. Is where this took place.
698. THuck : Melody pelcher. Jim hurtado. Both from Texas.
699. Jamieleigh7541 : Barbara “ Johnston” was adopted by Leroy and jean Williams in Little Rock Arkansas around September of 1965. She was born in March of 1965 at old Baptist hospital in Little Rock Arkansas. She was taken by DHS after birth. She was told that she had a sibling brother whom was 2 years older than her. She has medical problems and is wanting to find out information on her birth parents. Mostly just for a medical history even if the biological parents weren’t interested in meeting her or obtaining information. This is my mother in law and I want so desperately for her to have this information.
700. Jpanda447 : Her name was Ashley Christine Hurt, but last time I talked to her, about 14 years ago, she had changed her full name. It was Liz or Elizabeth or something along those lines, I can`t remember. But I really want to find my sister.
701. Lilliefazendin : Her name was Madison Westmoreland Birth father Frank Davis Birth mother Nikki Westmoreland I am her father’s sister
702. Micahsgrammy : I was adopted from the state agency in 1965. I was born in Little Rock on March 18. I think the drs. name was White. My birth name could have been Lisa Gail Ivy.
703. ChrisWhit2 : I was named Christine Whittington at birth. My bio mom’s first and last name is Carolyn Sue. I do not know my father’s name. However, my bio mom knew him well. I believe my bio mom was born in Texas although she and my father were both living in Arkansas at the time of my birth. I believe both were in college at the time. I was born in St. Vincent’s Infirmary in Little Rock. Both sets of my grandparents allegedly knew about me. I believe my father was a senior in college who went on to graduate after my birth. I believe my mother was a sophomore in college at the time of my birth. My mother was working toward a degree in nursing. I was adopted through the State of AR. I believe my mother was a member of the Church of Christ at the time, possibly my father as well. It was specifically requested I be adopted by a Church of Christ family, if possible.
704. NicoleHenry : His birthday listed above is approximate, just to the best of my memory. Anthony Graham Strador was his name before adoption. Was adopted by a church couple. Adopting mother is blind. That’s all I can remember about the adoption.
705. Davidprunty123 : Im adopted by shirleytruitt she was married to david prunty authur tate
