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
1051. Theyadorelyssa : I really want to meet my brother.
1052. Angel69127 : I am searching for my grandma’s oldest sister. She was born in Oregon in 1919 but I don’t know if that is where the adoption took place. Her birth mom’s family originated from Virginia or West Virginia. Her birth mom died July 6, 1919. The name on the records I’ve found show her birth name as Marie Lois Hodges.
1053. Gingie1517 : Hello! Looking for my adopted brothers Rusty‚ Jesse and Kody! Bio mothers name was Tina Oberdahlhoff and Gary Oberdahlhoff. Tina told me that all 3 boys were born in Mountain Home‚ AR and were adopted out if Yellville‚ AR
1054. Trout01 : I am searching for my nephew who was born in Ft Smith AR at Sparks hospital in October of 1983. I need to pass on some family medical information of a serious nature. Any relationship would be more than welcome, but it will be at your discretion and at your level of comfort. You do have cousins who would love to know you, but again, you decide your comfort level. Praying that I hear from you.
1055. NathanRamsey : This was for my Father who was adopted
1056. SunnyApril : I am looking for my brother born on St Patrick’s Day in Hennepin County Minnesota. Most likely at Hennepin County General Hospital. Placing agency was Lutheran Children’s Friend Society (Lutheran Social Service). Most likely birthdate is 17 Mar 1965. Birth mother’s last name is Johnson. Unsure of bio dad’s name or what was put on the birth certificate. St Patrick’s day 1965 in Minneapolis was a huge blizzard.
1057. Cdhardee1512 : Hospital in Pine Bluff, Arkansas
1058. MistyVanhorn1982 : Bethany Webb, Uncle Mark, papa Gary, Nana Diane, Paragould Arkansas, Jesse, Gramps
1059. Chriswebby93 : Mother christian lee huey
1060. Synthartist69 : Hello, I am looking to make contact with my son who was given up for adoption at birth, in Fort Smith, Arkansas on june 4th 1992. The hospital he was born at was then called St Edwards in Fort Smith. The adoption lawyer was Jeanne A. Whitmire.
1061. Mommyandmaxmissyou20 : She was adopted by Marybeth and Micheal trammell she lives in cabot arkansas or austin arkansas she was 7yrs old the last time I seen her i really need to be able to hold my baby girl and let her know I tried to see her but was told a bunch of things that wasn’t true but I didn’t know all this until recently please corman was her birth name I was told that they changed her and her sisters name I think they named her mia I want to help her with the problems she having with self worth I don’t want my daughter to succeed in negative action she attempted we both would feel more complete and not so empty
1062. JackelandHyde : My birth mother was pregnant with a boy during my adoption. I am unsure if he has been adopted as well
1063. Dayna369 : Tateum Lively was my son’s name
1064. Tabitha0911 : My dad Monroe was stationed in San Diego California with the US Marines in either 1973-1975 (?). He had claimed that he met a woman while in the marines‚ who became pregnant with his child. The only name that was ever mentioned was Jacqueline “Jackie”. My grandmother Ola had a picture of this little girl it was black and white‚ and on the bottom it said Jacqueline “Jackie” Morris. I cannot remember for sure but she was around the age of 2 or 3 with dark hair‚ & I believe had a dress on with a crochet shawl on‚ if I remember correctly. My dad was from southern Illinois at the time of his entry‚ although born in Caruthersville‚ MO. He enlisted into the Marine Corps at 17-18yrs of age. My dad has passed and I have no further information. I’ve included his Marine photo and hope that this may trigger a response.
1065. Sammy0000 : Yes I’m looking for my daughter I put her up for adoption October of 91 and Newport Arkansas at birth I named her Alyssa Cheyenne she has a big brother Aaron jaco I would love to find her and let her know the reason why and there’s not a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t think of her
