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
961. DesperateMom : LAYLA ROSE EVANS 02/24/2009 Born in Joplin MO Birth Mother: Denise N. Jackson 08/12/1980 Parents at Birth: Jennifer F. Grimsley 06/16/1979 (Step-Father Samuel T. Cosper 07/18/1993) & William D. Evans 12/08/1983 Siblings- William D. Evans Jr 10/06/2013 & Zayvier T. Cosper 01/07/2016
962. Tiffanypratt37 : Her name at birth was dorris jean miles right now she would be 14 yrs old dhs took her from me when she was about 6 years old .in texarkana arkansas miller county her names probably change now moma love u dj I’m still here baby I’m looking for u guys I told u id never give up and stop looking for y’all and I didn’t baby
963. Bluesummers1996 : Her name is Elizabeth with adopted mom Laurel and adopted dad Jeff. Has another brother who was also adopted named Ryan. Born in Batesville‚ Arkansas.
964. ParadoxicalSnowflake : I was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on December 22nd 1998. I was adopted within 24 hours of being born and went home with my adopted parents the next day. Please help me find my birth parents, but specifically my mother. I am 21 now and have been looking for the past three years!
965. Haleymudge14 : My mother, Catherine Ann Mudge gave birth to my sister, Bailey Elizabeth Mudge on February 5th, 2003 at St.Vincent Health System in Little Rock Arkansas. The attending physician was Dale Fuller, M.D. and the attending nurse was Kathleen Meigs, R.N. After my sister Bailey was born, her adoptive parents named her Madeline JoAnn.
966. 1CrazyMom20 : When I was born my mother gave me away she chose drugs and prostitution over me and my siblings ally life has took the wrong to turn I just want to know her and meet her maybe my father also not really sure of his name my birth ame was Jennifer Marie Wallace and my name after adoption became Willa Dale Teed
967. Peterhorton : I’m looking for my brother who was born Patrick Horton to our mother Motella.
968. Jimfarris : I was adopted from St. Vincent’s Infirmary in Little Rock.
969. Hannahbahlector : I’m searching on behalf of my mother, Lee Ann. She was born Mary Browning, July 23rd 1957, and was adopted three days later, and her new family had her name changed to Lee Ann Mason. This took place in Russellville AR. We would like very much to find her biological parents. We have found a half sister to my mom through DNA, however she was also adopted and we have had no luck finding out anything about either of their parents.
970. BetsyBabcockNunn : You were born in Siloam Springs, AR . delivered by Dr. Moose you weighed 7#6oz I pray that you are healthy and happy
971. Dixieparrault : He was about 2 when I lost him because of his father he was my world and I was wrongly forced to give him up when I was a kid
972. Lisawagoner : As a child I remember going to Pennsylvania with a baby but not coming back with one. But I think my dad has a child also in Dowagiac MI
973. Paisleykay : I am looking for my granddaughter
974. Identicaltwin1 : Was adopted in Little Rock AR. I’m an identical twin born on 6-4-1964. Was adopted at 3 months through DHS.
975. MalaysiaC : Joseph Born in California Pine Bluff, AR
