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
706. Amykeeland : Name is Henry Hugh Merritt from around Arkadelphia, AR. Born around 1944. He was in the Air Force and went to Henderson. State University.
707. Annaleighkelly : I am in search of my dad. Tony Bell. Birthday is either 3/27/75 or 3/29/75. Also in search of mother. Caysi Hudson Bell. Siblings are as follows: Reyes Vasquez Tony Lamot Bell July 15,1999 Myself My brother whom I’ve been in contact with Boish Hudson Kayla Brianne Bell 10/23/01 Anthony Lamot Bell 10/11/02 Daniel Bell June 12, 2004 Tiara Bell Hudson June 2,2006 Carly Hudson 9/1/08
708. Dakotataylor1023 : I’ve meet my mother but I’ve never met my father
709. Crawford3663 : Was born at dardanelle. Doctor was doctor russle
710. Searching73120 : I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. I am told that my birth mother did not stay long in recovery after birth. My adopted parents came and picked me up when I was three days old and brought me to Oklahoma.
711. AlexEdney : I am currently looking for my dad parents. He was born October 8, 1961 in Pulaski county, AR. He was placed in welfare a year later. His name on the adoption papers was Lee Flanery Jr. His mothers name is Linda Faye Flannery from Pope county, AR. He was born at St. Vincent infirmary.
712. TracyHelms : My name on my original birth certificate was Tracy Ann Helms.
713. Tammiejones27 : Tammie Jones Marcus L. Jones
714. Cburt128 : She was born at a Catholic hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, St. Vincent’s Infirmary. I named her Kimberly. I was living at the Florence Crittenton Home for Unwed Mothers, as they called it then, in Little Rock. I did not get to hold her or bring her home from the hospital. A woman from the state, Mrs. Crabtree, had me sign adoption papers. I never had a choice - was doing what my parents decided should be done.
715. AC1977 : Adopted in Fort Smith, Ar. Very little information but understand that birth mother was wife of solider stationed at Fort Chaffee
716. MKShock : She was born August 8,1965 Little Rock, AR. My sister stayed at the Crittenton Home. She does not have internet access.
717. Kxc89 : I was put up for adoption in 1989/1990 with the Friends of Children agency in Washington DC. I was then transferred to Arkansas to be adopted. I know that my mother was a 21 year old student in industrial psychology and my father was a 23 year old student in philosophy and computer science. My mother was German/Irish and my father was Thai/Indian. According to my AncestryDNA results, my mother may have relatives with the last name Shea. This is pretty much the extent of my relevant knowledge.
718. Jleeroberts : My sister remembers staying with an architect and his wife in Texarkana. Her name was Pam Roberts. It could have been arranged by an uncle who is a doctor Frank roberts from magnolia Arkansas. She delivered and remembered signing a blue form thinking it was a boy. She has little recollection after that. The wife could have been a nurse. Our mother was a nurse on arkadelphia and a physician in arkadelphia also could have helped. Possibly helping out could have been aunt and uncles last name Roberts or Messersmith. I’m the uncle.
719. Jewellz1113 : Their birth mother is Whitni. (Whitney) Ritter. My grandson Colton John Dow Swearingen and granddaughter Kasslynn Marie Ritter were taken into DHS custody in Arkansas but born in Shawnee‚ Oklahoma. I believe the family Kass was with was in Mena‚ Ark. They both stayed with my brother‚ Lloyd and Lana and sons‚ (Noah and Xander in a 2 story house‚ big yard‚ pool‚ trampolin)‚ for awhile but Sis left first. They are both of the Choctaw tribe. Colton‚ (I call him Peanut) is only 2 months younger than my oldest grandson‚ Kash. They were like brothers. Kasslynn‚ I call her Sissy Bissy) Is 2 years younger than them. Both were so full of spunk & light. DHS didn’t do due diligence & my lawyer was on their side. i will never stop looking. I will never give up! I pray they’re happy & loved like they so deserve. I just want to be Nan if they are with a good family.
720. Savagekain : I dont want my son thinking he wasnt wanted. There is things you will want to know
