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 1,205,092 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
1441. Melody55 : Looking for my brother we think is named Christian Smith‚ birth parents were Peggy and danny.
1442. MelindaLambert83 : I am looking for my daughter born Destiny Elizabeth. I know that your name was changed‚ and I know who you are‚ but I won’t intrude unless you want. To the adoptive parents‚ thank you! You have done an amazing job. You will always be the parents and I know my place.
1443. Cynnbynn44 : UAMS in Little Rock baby boy born January 8‚ 1981 looking for his birth parents and other possible relatives
1444. ElvisPhelpsfindmysi8 : My father’s name was Jethro Phelps. My mothers name was Mary Phelps I was give to my mom and dad when I was only 4 months only in November of 1968 and I was born in 8/1968! My brothers and sisters don’t remember me because they were taken away from my mother 2 weeks after I left and I heard they were adopted out in Greenville‚ NC I saw a post from my broth on time naming my parents I got so excited I e-mailed him only to see he’d already deleted his account! My birth name was Elvis Wayne Phelps!
1445. Meggie1221 : I am looking for my birth parents. I was 6 months old when adopted.
1446. Shanesexton777 : The birth place at Saint Edwards Hospital in Fort Smith‚ Arkansas‚ which is now known as Mercy Hospital. My name is shane Sexton. Her mother’s name was Crystal Landers. She was born on 711 2006. She was adopted within the first week of her birth. Contact me. This is my aunt Jerry Ensey. We named her Kaylee Jean Sexton
1447. Mitchell24 : I was adopted in 1970 my birth mom gave me away since then I got to know my birth mom which she passed away a few bk she told me my birth father was Robin DeRushia in Michigan which he passed away when I was younger but I have found his sister which she told me my father had several children. So I’m looking for my half siblings by Robin DeRushia area the Battle Creek Michigan area.
1448. ScottL2121 : I was born in Blytheville Arkansas on June 4th 1969. Adopted at birth.
1449. Hannahss13 : Born 1981 May. In Arkansas possibly Glen marshall agency. I have to find you.
1450. Hannahss13 : I’m looking for my brother. Born at Glenn Marshall‚ Baxter general hospital 1981. I have wanted to meet you since day 1
1451. Albyrd27 : Searching on behalf of my Father Charles William Gillespie. He passed a couple of years ago‚ but found a form showing he was looking for information. He was Born Michael Howard Twyford in Pulaski County‚ Little Rock AR with T. Hart Baker as the attending physician.
1452. Tammyb1961 : Looking for my biological mother. I believe that Samuel "Glenn" Salyer was my Biological father. in Feb of 1921 he got out of the military in San Francisco. He was about 18‚ may have met my mom then‚ it might have been casual or a relationship but I think she got pregnant and gave me up for adoption. It may have been through family members and not an agency as back then things were done that way. My adopted parents were James Leo and Alice Lorraine (Warner) Taylor‚ they lived in Denver Colorado. I was given the name Thelma Pauline Taylor. I am on Ancestry as is my father. If you know my mother‚ whom is probably dead‚ but you could be her child or grandchild‚ please find my tree and my daughter.
1453. AmberK760 : Birth name Gage Daniel Boone born July 2nd‚ 2008 in San Diego‚ CA at Pomerado Hospital in Poway‚ CA. Has 1 older brother‚ James‚ who wants to see him again. His mother Amber Kenney wants to see him again. I’ve uploaded a picture of my baby when he was little‚ after they took him. Been told he died. Don’t want to believe it. CPS stole him a year after birth‚ didn’t get to say bye. You have 2 other half siblings now you haven’t met. I hope you’re not dead. Living with that thought has been the worst. Please reach out‚ just let me know you are ALIVE‚ that’s all I ask. You were abused in 3 out of 7 of the foster homes you were placed in. One place’s license was taken after you were hospitalized! It’s horrible. Anyone reading this can help me locate my baby? I’ll pay! Thank you!
1454. Jullie : My two daughters would took from me whenever you little their names are Kendra and Sarah I’ve been trying to find them since day one since they took my rights away for no reason please help me find my kids
1455. Lespaul1959 : Just curious.
