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
1141. Blpvhook : Born in Little Rock, AR
1142. CatyW89 : I am searching for my older half brother. We share our mom. He was born in Monticello, Arkansas on September 18, 1978 (not sure if that’s how the date was recorded though) and was placed for adoption after birth.
1143. Jamieeckler : I would like to leave my contact information jamie eckler 8707363254
1144. Phoenix928 : Louisa Catherine Shipley, Louisa catherine Pierce, Addie Boyd,
1145. CarmenTromp : I am seeking to find my brother who has given up for adoption two months after his birth. My mother lived in Springdale, AR but he was born in Tulsa. It was a private adoption. Lawyer, Bobby Odom, helped with the adoption. The lawyer is from Northwest Arkansas.
1146. Myaaiessa925 : I was born September 25 2001. my birth name given to me was Dascha Shancer. My birth mother’s name is Samantha. I believe I have two half brothers. I wish I knew them so bad.
1147. KathrynChapman : My daughter Eden Marie Edwards was born in Dallas Tx and we moved to Arkansas after a house fire in 2007. She was taken by the state some short time after and I lost full custody in Jan of 2010. I believe she was adopted by her foster parents(Katz family). I’m always thinking of her and would appreciate any help in finding her,to reunite w her. I’ve been checking Facebook etc and no luck. Plz help
1148. Josey1938 : The adopted females name was Brenda Bloomstrand. The adoptive mother was named Lottie. She lived in Hot Springs Arkansas
1149. Ladybugbutterfly16 : I am looking for my daughter she was with a family in Conway AR her name before she was adopted was Emily Nicole Mayfield she was born 2-17-07 to Christopher Mayfield and me her mother Cassandra (Cassie) Ann Shelton her grandma Belinda was Arnold now Moore has her younger sister Haily Alexis Mayfield and her older brother Austin Brice Mayfield
1150. Carmal8472 : My daughter was born at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro,Arkansas on 12/15/06. Her Name at birth was Sherma Crystal Dowdy. Not sure if her name was changed ,but a friend of mines aunt knows the adopted family that adopted my daughter, but won’t give me any information about her. Or where they’re living at. Well, last time I heard anything is that they lived in Bono,Arkansas, then moved to Hickory Ridge,Arkansas.
1151. Lizlee0385 : I am looking for my dads birth family. He was born in Little Rock Arkansas on Aug 15, 1957 I think his birth family maybe from soutwestern Arkansas, and Louisiana. My dad has dark hair and tan complexion. He is about 5’8. I was told by my grandparents that his mother and father were college students and were not married when my dad was conceived. My dad was raised on a naval base my grandfather was in the Navy. I just want to know a little bit more about me and where my dad comes from.
1152. A56n : Alvin George Starks was my father (12/301993) and I have always understood that the Starks name was adopted. All I know is it is supposedly adopted by Leroy Starks
1153. Ag1976 : Baptist hospital Little Rock Arkansas Paul Dewayne Cramer September 26‚ 1976
1154. U263934 : My father was born Sept. 28, 1950 in Austin, TX. He was white and his parents were white. There was the name of Albert Alsenz listed as his father but I think that might not be true. I am almost positive the mother was Alice Marie Lane Alsenz. Albert was born in 1911 in Brooklyn, NY and Alice in 1927 in Shandaken, NY. Both parents stated they had other children from other relationships either already adopted out or in foster care waiting for papers to be signed so they can be adopted. The only indication of where these children are is the mother said she had a child in foster care ’up east’ with the parents wanting to adopt the child which may have been a boy. The Alsenz’s lived in Austin, TX in 1950-1952 and in Kansas in 1956. The Kansas census has a Donald and a Jack Alsenz listed as being with them. I don’t think these were Alice’s children. I think they were the children of Albert and a Ruth Kniffen Alsenz Hartman Olsen now buried in New Orleans, and they were visiting with Albert and Alice, with Ruth being the person in charge of them. Let me know of any info, please, by sending a message.
1155. Mrettig1971 : I am her grandmother been looking for her for years and she will be 18 in March
