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 1,205,087 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
1006. CheriRoberson73 : my son i gave up he was born 11/18/88 born in baxter regional hospital in mountain home arkansas doctor jody calloway
1007. Aschofield : Birth father terry conner April 17th 1958 in oregon
1008. Karenhopkins : this is my niece i’m looking for.. my sister was 13 when she had her. our mom sent her to little rock ark. a home for girls to have baby..not sure what happened from there this was in 1973.my sisters name is shelia griffin or [parker] at that time. she said the dads name is bob oliver 21 at time of birth. I was only 7 when this all took place..For years now i have wanted to see if i can find her. just didnt know how.. I think my niece and nephew would love to find there older sister.....
1009. Carol1960 : I am searching for my birth mother, father or possible siblings. I am a black female, born on 8/30/60 in Little Rock, Arkansas. I am told that my mother was around 16 years of age when she gave birth to me. I was adopted by Rev. Thomas Lewis and Susie Jones of Lexa, Arkansas. I don’t have any specific information regarding my birth parents or any family members. I currently live in Denton, Texas.
1010. Nadarose82 : Adoptee birth name given Samantha Rose Hard Birthdate 1-3-1989 Adoptee birth mothers name Linda B Hard married now so last name is Grose Birthdate 7-22-1966 Adoptee birth father Steven Bailey Greenwood Ar Adoptee sibling Sister Renada Rose Selby Birthdate 4-7-82 Adoptee born Sparks hospital Fort smith Ar 72901 Dr McClananhan Private adoption 3 days old Attorney Kaye Hartenstein
1011. Nadarose82 : Adoptee birth mother Linda B Hard birthdate 7-22-66 Married name Linda B Grose Adoptee birth sibling Renada Rose Selby birthdate 4-7-82 Adoptee birth father Steven Bailey Greenwood Ar Adoptee info Born sparks hospital Fort smith , Ar 72901 Dr McClanahan Private adoption 3 days old Attorney Kaye Hartenstein This is all the info I have wished I had more
1012. Rodneyalan : me and my younger brother were adopted in arkansas in the early 80s my name is rodney and his is freddie those were our birth names as well we were adopted when i was 3ish and he was 2ish his birthday is in august of 79. we are looking for any family members we can find.
1013. Mineymcmikeattack : My name is Michael McRae. My 3 children where adopted out of Union County Ar in 2018. Their names are Austin Lee, Hailey Nicole, and Madalynn Louise. I just want to know if they are ok
1014. Tashaplaxco913 : I am looking for my birth mother, mostly. Any matches to other family is welcomed. My birth mother name is Janet lee (croy) m to bobby gene Hampton. Husband was not my father. Dob 01/30/1952 age 32 at time of my birth. From MI. I was born in Ouachita Memorial hospital in hot springs arkansas. Name on certificate before adoption was baby girl hampton. was a closed adoption and handled by (the late) joe Swaty Law Firm in Sheridan, AR in 1984.
1015. Rook47 : I’m the cousin of Sarah Emmons (Rook) looking for her birth parents to add to our family tree. She was adopted by Rick and Lori Rook when she was an infant.
1016. Helpingdnamatches : I am searching on behalf of an adoptee .Looking for a woman who was adopted and lived in California during her mid 20’s, who then placed a daughter for adoption in January 1979 in California. The child (a daughter) was born in Long Beach. She believes that she was born baby girl Beaumont and that her mother was born in the mid 1950’s. She also believes her father was Navy. Both the adoptee and myself have done DNA testing for this search (we are related as well). I have a couple of families that are DNA related but have been unable to narrow results because of the multiple adoptions.
1017. Rebthetractorman : Last Known location of residency: North West Arkansas. Adopted to: Faulkner. Born in Grass Valley, California. Has family in California including: Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and Father (myself). My Son, who is now 18, was adopted under very screwed up state laws which allowed an adoption to go through without my say so. I love my son(s) VERY MUCH and have had to wait until he turned 18 to be able to contact him. I look forward to reuniting with the ones I love.
1018. Cheyanne5657 : Daisy Mae
1019. Erikc716 : Son of the in question . I’m 25 and looking to find out the origins of my father’s side for my own knowledge possibly as far as health issues and etc..
1020. Madimoger : I have a twin brother, who was born 2 minutes before me, and we were premature
