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
796. Tom72788 : Just looking for my birth mother, Born July 27th, 1988.
797. Davidburns2016 : Her name was jenny ann holt and she is my cousin she live with me and my parents off and on. Before her mother lost her custody rights. We miss her and want to just make sure she is doing well.
798. Johnrobertyates : Born adoptiod a t birth it was pre arranged i was adopted to a gynecologist with the last name yates
799. ComlyWhite2019 : My father was taken away and adopted back in 1942. For many years he knew very little about his biological family. He knew his father’s last name was White and he was taken away from his mother, because his biological father was never home or supporting him and his siblings. In the late 90’s his biological niece found him and showed us some of the family including her father which was adopted as well. As well as his mother Nellie E. Poush White, his half siblings, Beverly, Bill, and Jerry and his biological father Denver Thomas White. When I had the opportunity to talk to Denver, I asked him how many aunts and uncles I have. His answer was he was a truck driver that drove from coast o coast and he had a warm bed and cuddle buddy at every stop. So I am looking for my biological family that are the children or grandchildren of Denver Thomas White. If that names sounds like someone you know please, please contact me!
800. Wpollitt : I am Walker Brooks Pollitt IV, my father the III was adopted possibly in Arkansas, where Walker Jr comes from. Walker Brooks Pollitt Jr and Ina Pollitt are the adoptive couple, and I dont know if the records are sealed. Walker Jr, Ina, and Walker III are all deceased.
801. Browniequeen3 : Me and my two siblings were adopted in Arkansas 11-12 years ago and I would like to find my birth mom
802. Phoenixjacobs : Um all I know is my last name was Jacobs I was born out side of little rock and given away at age 4 or 5
803. AmberKennon : I’m looking for my brother AND sister Kailey Marie and Joshua Dean. I am your 24 year old older sister who lives in Florida, the state where you were born.
804. GiaTaylor : Within a day of my birth I was left in the stairwell of the Washington County (AR) hospital. I have no record of my parents
805. CarmalMorris7284 : Carmal Renee Morris.
806. Arkitten : Name of biological mother: Phyllis Kay Poyner (later Reeves)
807. TammyRMays : Birth mother Sue Aa Woods
808. Nigel1979 : Looking for brother whose name at birth was Shaun or Shawn. Born to father Mario Johnson while he was in the Army married to your mother name of Thelma
809. SleepyB : Cookson Hills, Melvin Burns,Dawn Renee Mcbride
810. Llh1964 : I was born May 31 1964 in Little Rock. My birth mother gave me up on july 6th and I was turned over to welfare services. I have no record of a birth father or even mention one in my records. My adotpion was final in January of 1965.
