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 1,205,104 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
736. DC1955DC : Born at (then) Children’s Hospital‚ Washington‚ DC on May 31‚ 1955‚ adopted a birth. Adopting family was military‚ then living in Fort Smith‚ Arkansas. Birth father name Richard Leese.
737. Bobbifrazier : Born in Springdale, Ar. At Northwest regional hospital . doctor MS. love May 3 2000 11:45 pm.... 4 lbs, 14 oz Brown hair, blue eyes
738. Dunn2019 : My son was taken from me by CPS/DCFS and my parental rights were terminated in 2008. My son may still be in foster care or he may have been adopted. He turns 18 in September. I didn’t do anything wrong. I wasn’t a bad parent. My roommate trashed my house and then called CPS. Despite going through all the classes, jumping through every hoop, they tore my baby boy away from me. I just want to find my son. His name is Jordan Lawrence Caruso and this happened in Baxter County Arkansas - but my son was taken closer to Little Rock at the time.
739. LindsayDstuart1994 : My foster parents are Harvey Stuart and Linda Stuart. Located in Y city Arkansas near Waldon Arkansas. My birth mother left me a letter when I was just a baby but it was lost in a house fire and my foster parents are refusing to give me any information in regards to finding my birth parents. Please.. If you’re still out there.. I just want you to be a part of my life.. You have a granddaughter now, Kasey.. She wants to meet you too!
740. Kedari : I am attempting to find a relative of my wife, this is very important to her. The relative was Cherokee Indian and was adopted at birth. We know nothing more than her name at time of death which is Opal Miller-Neighbors. Any info is very appreciated.
741. AndrewRhodes : I’m looking for my brother, he was placed for adoption August 1981, birth mothers name was Vicki Mullins, now Vicki Rhodes, she was 16 at the time of the adoption the lawyer who did the adoption was Philp Clay, he was a lawyer out of Glenwood AR (birth mom and dads home town). My mom said all she knew was that the adoptive mom was a teacher and the adoptive dad was in the army. Birth mom now lives in Hot Springs. Birth moms sister name is Janna Lock other family members me Andrew Rhodes, cousins Derick Parton and Krystall Ward. Will update with more info soon
742. BrennanAshmore : I am searching for my girlfriends birth parents. The name she was adopted under was Autumn Makenzie Brown. She was adopted around Little Rock, Arkansas, at birth.
743. Grateful1967 : I was born in Hot Springs, AR. Dr. John Haggard was the doctor. Apparently, my birth parents were in medical school. I am very grateful for my adoption. My parents are amazing people and I’ve had a wonderful life.
744. Hagan240 : Adoptee searching for birth mother. Birth Mother Name on Original Birth Certificate: Emily Irene Sanders Adoptee Name on Original Birth Certificate: Jacob Levi Sanders Hospital: Baptist Medical Center, Little Rock AR, Pulaski County Doctor: Pat Livingston
745. 1724mb : I was adopted from a Christian agency in Tocoma Wa. I was known as baby girl Larrabee. Possible name could have been June or May. Was with in the Vancouver Courts and lived in Washouga
746. ChrishannaS21 : Her name is Jessica Newsome and roxanne Jones there my sisters we were separated at birth
747. Victoria_Duhon : I am trying to find my fathers biological mothers or fathers name. He was born in the Lake Craig’s head AREA. in Arkansas. I am on Ancestry.com and 23 and me and am linked to people in that area during the early 1800 and 1900’s. I just need the names if the exact people or girl that gave him up. Thank you Vicki Duhon
748. MichaelBrown89 : My child’s mother got custody taken when we were very young and I’m looking to reach out
749. Tonyagilcrease68 : I’m trying to find my real father family didn’t give me much information all I know is my mother joy warren gilcrease was with my father and pregnant with me in Chicago Illinois and she moved to Shreveport la before I was born in Brinkley,Arkansas anything would help I have had no luck
750. SMFC : JD Steel George Dale Jr.(attorney) Dr. McCreary from Hot Springs AR Birth mother is thought to be from Florida
