Adoptee Rights Coalition - the Fight to obtain our Original Birth Certificates

Exciting news!

2012-02-29T02:01:00.000-05:00

The Adoptee Rights Coalition would like to thank everyone who has helped us with our fundraising efforts. We have the best supporters!

Here's some other exciting news- Have you been to the Mary Gauthier - The Foundling Concept Concert YouTube page? Everyone can now enjoy "The Foundling"- the ENTIRE concert!

For more Mary Gauthier information, like her Facebook page, or check out Mary's website.

This "Concept Concert" includes a live performance of all the songs from "The Foundling" concept album. The concert was filmed on June 16, 2010 at Joe's Pub at the Public Theater in NYC, produced by Jack Ballo, from Ultravision Productions.

Ultravision is a production company that makes humanitarian films highlighting charitable organizations and individuals with a passion that support a cause the traditional media does not cover. Adoptees know all about not getting traditional media coverage about our cause. We would like to thank Ultravision Films for giving us recognition on their website!! Thank you, Ultravision! Please like their Facebook page, and subscribe to their YouTube page.

Keep checking our blog and our Facebook page for more information about The 2012 Adoptee Rights Demonstration. Don't forget to register as soon as possible!

Help Fund the Lobby Booth for the Adoptee Rights Coalition at the NCSL!

2012-02-26T14:07:00.002-05:00

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What happens AFTER the Adoptee Rights Demonstration?

The profit in adoption, happened along time ago in most of our lives. As we all know, there is NO money in the work that we do. When it comes to changing laws, the adoption groups are marginalized, underrepresented, ignored, and unfunded. That's one of the main reasons we have the demonstration at the NCSL Summits. The good old fashioned stick waving chanting protest is what gets the ATTENTION of the lawmakers.

After we demonstrate, the real work of the ARC begins! The NCSL Legislative Summit is Aug. 6-9, 2012 in Chicago, IL. In order to have access to the state legislators, we have to purchase an exhibit booth in the main exhibit hall during the conference. We are vying for attention against the huge lobby groups who have giant displays, custom swag to giveaway and are funded by major interest groups. We are, without a doubt, the underdogs of the NCSL fighting against the big corporations. There is no getting around the cost of the booth.

Please help the ARC BUY THE BOOTH!

This year the booth is $1,795 and NCSL exhibit hall want their money right away. Minimum 50% down ($897.50) by March 16 or 100% payable after. They're already assigning booths, but there are a few good ones left at the moment. The better the booth location, the more attention we can bring to the need for new Adoptee Rights legislation, so time is of the essence!

This is a special Donation Campaign specifically to help fund the booth!

Perks for Your Contributionto The ARC

Add Your Name to the Chain: $1

One of the traditions of the Adoptee Rights Protest is Jeff Hancock's hand made "Name" necklace. If you can't make it to Chicago, march in spirit.
PLEASE NOTE: We are NOT charging for additions to the annual name necklace that Jeff creates, but we want to have a perk even for the smallest donation because EVERY bit helps! You can STILL be included in the necklace without this donation.

CLAIM THIS PERK

2 Claimed

Sweets for Sweeties!: $25

A sampling of custom made ARC wrapped minis can be yours! Ok they are really just Hersey's minis, but they are wrapped up by hand in beautifully crafted Adoptee Rights Wrappers. Hand cut and tapped! (delivery after the Adoptee Rights Demonstration)

CLAIM THIS PERK

0 out of 10 Claimed

The Foundling: $100
49 years ago Mary Gauthier was abandoned by her mother at the St. Vincent’s Infants Home in New Orleans. She was adopted. Last year she released her seventh recording, a concept album called “The Foundling.” It’s scathing and tender and fearless.. and all about what it feels like to be adopted.

CLAIM THIS PERK

0 out of 4 Claimed

Be Infamous: $500

Ever have a blog post dedicated to how super awesome you are? Ever have something to say but not sure how to say it? Birthmother blogger Claudia D'Arcy of Musings of the Lame will write and publish a blog post all about you.

CLAIM THIS PERK

0 out of 5 Claimed

Help with What You DO!

Short of cash of strong in spirit? Go share the love! Tweet it, share on Facebook, email your friends, give the video a thumbs up on YouTube!

Adoptees Like Memes Too!

2012-02-16T19:36:00.002-05:00

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Hotel Reservation Information

2012-02-13T01:15:00.000-05:00

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The official hotel for The 2012 Adoptee Rights Demonstration is the Starwood Four Points Sheraton O'Hare.

We have reserved a block of rooms and secured a group rate of $79.00 plus tax for our attendees. The hotel has a 24 hour shuttle to O'Hare International Airport, where public transportation is available 24 hours a day to downtown Chicago.

We will have our sign making/pizza party Sunday night, August 5, from 6-10 pm at the hotel.

We will be posting more details about the demonstration soon, but we know everyone wants to get their rooms reserved.

We will be providing transportation via charter bus to and from the demonstration, Monday August 6.

To make hotel reservations, follow this link.

Let's make 2012 THE year!

2012 Adoptee Rights Demonstration: Hotel Update

2012-02-08T16:09:00.004-05:00

CHANGE!!!

Chicago Hotel

We have been blessed by the most gracious donation! The OFFICAL Adoptee Rights Demonstration Hotel is the:

Starwood Sheraton Four Points O'Hare

We have a group rate of $79.00 a night. We will have the discount available as soon as possible, but you have to wait for the contract to be signed ( as we type) and the discount code to be produced. More details coming soon!

Get on the Adoptee Rights BUS!

As the hotel is closer to O'Hare, we have been most fortunately gifted by the payment of a charter bus with a driver which will take us from the hotel to the Downtown Chicago for the Adoptee Rights Demonstration!!! IF our donor says yes, we shall release her name so you know who to thank! The bus will also take us all, em mass, back to the hotel after the demonstration.

Adoptee Rights Sign Making Party

With this FINAL hotel decision, we have also confirmed the meeting room for the sign making party on August 5th!

Other Adoptee Rights Demonstration Details

The Adoptee Rights Coalition will be providing OFFICIAL signs and literature to hand out at the sign making party and the day of the demonstration.

We will be meeting at the hotel and then getting on the ADOPTEE RIGHTS BUS! After the demonstration, we will return to the hotel this year. As past experiences have showed us that people are tired and wanted to clean up after the demonstration, we will have the celebratory after party closer to the hotel after "nap time"

No Excuses! Plan for the Adoptee Rights Day 2012!

To sign up for ARD 2012 Chicago, please fill out the simple ARC registration form. All you have to do is click this link!Start putting some $$ aside and plan for the BEST fight for Adoptee Rights to date!

Chi'town here we come!

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Register to Attend the 2012 Adoptee Rights Demonstration

2012-01-28T12:05:00.002-05:00

August 6th, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago...it's our kind of town!

The 2012 Adoptee Rights Demonstration at the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Summit will be held in Chicago, Illinois August 6, 2012.

The 5th Annual 2012 Adoptee Rights Protest Details

Our Adoptee Rights sign making party will be held on Sunday, August 5^th 2012.

We will have hotel reservation details, along with a discount code in a few days, both here and on our Facebook page.

Why Chicago? Why the NCSL?

The National Conference of State Legislatures is the largest grouping of state legislators at any one given time. It's the national organization of STATE LAWMAKERS, the people who DECIDE whether you may access your original birth certificate… OR NOT.

The Exhibitors Booth in the NCSL convention center allows us to talk about adoption laws to legislators from every state. The NCSL Legislative Summit is the largest and most important meeting of the year for legislators and legislative staff and is highly attended. It is here where we enlighten lawmakers about achieving equal rights for adoptees. After the Demonstration, The ARC spends the following three days, August 7th, 8th and 9th, in the Exhibition Hall at McCormick Place in Chicago working directly with legislators and staff so they may become aware and educated about the need for Adoptee Rights legislation in their home states.

Add Your Voice to the Adoptee Rights Demonstration!

We hope supporters representing every state will join us in Chicago to demonstrate their commitment to adoptee rights and meet their state delegation.

To sign up for ARD 2012 Chicago, please fill out the simple ARC registration form. All you have to do is click this link!

WE NEED EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS THE RIGHTS OF ADOPTEES TO UNCONDITIONAL ACCESS THEIR RECORDS OF BIRTH TO COME AND SHOW THAT SUPPORT. Adult adoptees, first families, adoptive families, friends and supporters… EVERYONE.

Support the Adoptee Rights Demonstration in Chicago

We rely on donations from our supporters to fund our expenses- city permits, booth rental and supplies can exceed $3000.00, so any amount you can donate would be greatly appreciated. All you have to do is click the "Donate" button, located on the top left of this page!

In addition, please share the information freely to all your adoption groups, adoption forums, adoption related articles, on your blogs, or ANYWEHRE you can think of! Please SHARE from Facebook, add your comments, and like the announcement. If you are on Google Plus, add the Adoptee Rights Collation to your circles. Follow the @AdopteeRightsCo on Twitter and re-tweet!

The Staff of Adoptee Rights Coalition would like to thank you for your commitment, and we look forward to seeing you at the in Chicago in August!

We value the importance of your identifying information and we’ll never share it with any third parties. Your information will only be used for the Adoptee Rights Demonstration 2012 Chicago.
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It's National Adoption Awareness Month?

2011-11-01T22:01:00.002-04:00

We are aware. Are you?

We've all seen the advertisements/public service announcements for National Adoption Month. Are you aware that this was originally conceived to promote foster care adoption of older children? Are you aware that it's promotion is now heavily funded by agencies facilitating the adoption of infants under one year of age? (average cost to the adoptive parents exceeding $30,000)

Something these ad sponsors won't tell you is that in all but six states, the adopted person's original birth certificate will be sealed from their inspection FOREVER.

Final Itinerary for The 2011 Adoptee Rights Demonstration

2011-08-03T00:19:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Adoptee Rights Demonstration,

San Antonio, Texas August 7th and 8th

It's last call, y'all!

2011-07-28T10:06:00.003-04:00

We are just DAYS away from The 2011 Adoptee Rights Demonstration! Are you ready? We are!

We would like to send a shout of thanks to everyone who has made this year's event possible. Without your donations, there would be no demonstration. Our demonstration is unique in that it gives adoptees, first Mothers and adoptive parents direct access to the legislators who can change our laws...laws which prevent adoptees from possessing their own personal information, their original birth certificates.

Read more »

Post Demonstration Party RSVP form

2011-07-16T00:02:00.001-04:00

Details, details...

2011-07-15T09:59:00.001-04:00

Many of you are asking for itineraries for our upcoming demonstration. We will be posting them here for you to print out, on our Facebook page, and we will have some on hand to pass out at our sign making party.

First things first- WHO IS NOW COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS TIL THE 2011 ADOPTEE RIGHTS DEMONSTRATION?? We are!

It's right around the corner, and we are super pumped and honored that this year will be a record breaking demonstration! It's fitting, because everything's bigger in Texas, ya'll!

Read more »

Going green and keeping cool,

2011-07-09T22:37:00.000-04:00

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS!

Many people have been asking, "What does one bring to a demonstration?"

We thought we'd give you a few suggestions

San Antonio is hot. Not hot like sipping an ice cold lemonade on the porch hot, but hot like a revolution in hell hot. Remember Louisville last year? Add about 10 degrees and you have a good idea of the kind of hot we're talking about. (90-100 degrees) We have shortened our march route this year. We need our Adoptee Rights Revolutionaries to be strong and bold, not wilting and ready to pass out!

We will have some bottled water available, but it is strongly advised to throw a few extras in your pocket or purse that morning.

Light colored clothing helps with the heat. While black is slimming, it is a magnet for the sun. We like our revolutionaries to wear something green, so light green may be a better choice for the Texas heat. The Adoptee Rights Coalition has tee-shirts available here!

Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are also a good idea, as are good walking shoes.

Comfy is in the toes of the beholder!

We will have some art supplies for our sign making party, but if you are partial to glitter, or if you will only used scented markers, by all means, feel free to pack those items, too. A word of caution, though- put your glitter in a zip lock baggie, unless you want to sparkle the entire time you are there!

We will be posting more specific details as we get closer to the date, but we know how excited everyone is getting for this year's demonstration.

If you have not made your hotel reservations, there are only two more weeks to do so before our special rate goes up. This is the last reminder about the hotel...we know some people like to wait til the last minute. One more time, here's the link to The Menger Hotel for reservations, and our group code is GRPARC.

We are so excited about this year's Adoptee Rights Demonstration. Talk to y'all next week!

Are you ready for San Antonio??

2011-06-27T01:43:00.000-04:00

We are!!

It's almost time....

2011-06-21T23:39:00.000-04:00

TO KICK IT TEXAS STYLE!!!

It's almost time! Only 7 weeks left until the 2011 Adoptee Rights Demonstration in San Antonio!

We have a record number of registrations this year, and know we will have more! We wanted to remind you to register for the demonstration if you haven't. To sign up for ARD 2011 San Antonio, please fill out the simple registration form at the following link: 2011 ARD REGISTRATION FORM. It's important for us to have your registration ASAP, so we can schedule booth workers, purchase supplies, etc.

Also, don't forget to make your reservations for the hotel. The official hotel for The 2011 Adoptee Rights Demonstration is The Historic Menger Hotel, just steps away from The Alamo! It's within walking distance to The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention center, the site of our demonstration & this year's NCSL annual meeting.

Remember, our sign making party is August 7th at 6:00 pm and our demonstration is August 8th at 11:00 am.

Our group code is GRPARC and our secured rate is $90.00 per night, plus tax. This rate will expire in a few weeks, and we have a specific number of rooms blocked, so boot scoot on over to the Menger's site to make your reservations today. Just click here, y'all.

One more very important request- we still need donations to make this year's demonstration a success. Many of you have donated, and we thank you so much for your generosity. We are almost there.....if everyone here, especially those who are new members of our Facebook page, donated a few dollars, it would really help! Our Paypal donate button/link is on the upper right side of this page, and it won't take but a few seconds!

Thank you so much for your help! We will be posting more details soon regarding the march route and other activities.

Our Letter Writing Campaign Starts Now!!

2011-06-06T01:10:00.000-04:00

How can YOU help?

By writing your legislators. If you don't know who your legislator is, or
where to send your letters, here's a great link:

Find Your Representative

Enter your zip code in the box and click ‘GO’. Many zip codes split
legislative districts, so enter in your full ZIP+4 code. If you don’t know
your ZIP+4, just enter your zip code in the box, and on the next page enter
your address. The site will find your representatives that way.

On the results page, you’ll be given every representative, from the
President all the way down to your local assembly. While it sounds good to
get the word all the way to the top, you’ll want to skip writing to the
President or Congress. They have no power nor authority over our birth
certificate access, and honestly don’t care. The individuals you want to
focus on will be on the right hand side of the results.

Clicking on an individual’s name will bring you to a page with their contact
information. The page will have an option to send an email to your elected
official. We’d like to ask you to please consider not emailing them; rather
sending them snail mail instead. Many legislators do not value emails, or if
they do, value personal letters over emails. Sending a personalized fax is
acceptable if you’re running out of time close to a deadline, but letters
via US Mail carry the most weight.

*************
So, you're ready to write your legislators but you don't exactly know what
to say? Here is a sample to help get you started. If you take these basics,
and personalize your details into the mix, you'll have a great letter!

A quick note... access to original birth certificates is not about a right to reunion. Access to our records is about ending the discrimination being done to adopted people.

It really is that simple. That is truly something that no statistic, no fake privacy rights, no adoption agency can counter. There is no argument that overrules our discrimination. Discrimination is discrimination. And we, the adopted, ARE being discriminated against by being denied access to our original, unaltered birth certificates.

You’ll want to keep your letter short – under one page – and you’ll want to focus on the civil rights issue of sealed birth certificates for only one class of citizens – adoptees! Arguments and compromise measures come up over the ideas of reunion and medical history, but no one can argue that the non-adopted have unrestricted and unjustified access to their birth
certificates!

Here is a sample letter- it's a sample, so tweak it a bit to make it more personable, but stick to the main topic- ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATES FOR ALL AMERICANS.

Dear Assembly member X — or Honorable Senator Y:

   This August, individuals from across the Nation will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas, to take part in the annual Adoptee Rights Demonstration. As a registered voter in your District, I wanted to advise you that I have made plans to attend the National Conference of State Legislators, and add my support to those who view adult adoptees as equal citizens under the law.

   The State of X must stop discriminating against adoptees and allow them the same unfettered access to their original birth certificates that non-adopted citizens enjoy. As an adoptee, I am clearly treated differently because of out-dated assumptions and misleading statistics concerning privacy and secrecy.

   As my elected official, your support and agreement on this matter is extremely important to me (if your state has pending legislation,—- you can add in: as is your support of /opposition to Bill xxxxxx).

   Thank you for your time and attention to this important civil rights issue. I hope you will be attending the convention, and will visit The Adoptee Rights Coalition booth inside the convention center.

   If you should have any questions or wish to speak with me, I can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Respectfully,
XXXXXX

For those from restored access states

As you are aware, in 200x our state restored the rights of adopted adults to access their original birth certificates. As reported in November, 2007 by the Evan B. Donaldson Foundation, there have been no negative repercussions since then by the passing of this bill. I hope you will be able to visit the booth supporting restored access at the National Conference of State Legislators this August and show your support for adoptees currently working to pass similar bills in their states. Your experience and voice as a legislator in a restored access state will be invaluable.

Other points to consider….

The United Kingdom and Australia have restored birth certificate with great success. During your time at the convention, I encourage you to enter conversation with representatives from Alaska and Kansas where birth certificates were never sealed. Other states that may be of interest to you are Oregon, Alabama, New Hampshire, and Maine, as they have reversed sealed birth certificate laws and restored access to adoptees from their states. I believe you will be encouraged by the positive reports from your peers.

OBC access is NOT ABOUT REUNION.

Millions of adult adoptees’ original birth certificates are currently sealed, denying them basic genealogical information.

Adoptee's original birth certificates have been sealed for less than 60 years in many states. They were sealed as a "courtesy" to the adoptive family.

Opponents of birth certificate access have claimed that birthmothers were promised privacy under the law. No such law exists. Birthmothers were not party to adoption documents.

Adult adoptees obtaining their original record of birth is a basic right, a legitimate need in the search of their complete identity.

In many states, adult adoptees must now petition the court, and provide “good cause” for the release of the original birth certificate. The decision for release is left to the discretion of the judge. This constitutes unequal treatment as non-adopted persons have their birth records without petitioning the courts and at their will.

In states where adoptees are provided equal access to their original birth certificate, no negative consequences have occurred.

Of course, if you can visit your state reps in person, that's great, too!! See if you can schedule an appointment.

Thank you for your help! It is up to all of us to make this a reality, and every letter helps, as do your donations to The Adoptee Rights Coalition and your presence at the demonstrations.

Howdy, Y'all!

2011-06-06T01:02:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Adoptee Rights Demonstration is only 2 months away! This year, SMAAC will be joining us!

Registrations are coming in, and we know everyone is getting excited. Here's your opportunity to help make your demonstration on August 8, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas happen!

The Exhibitors Booth in the convention center allows community advocates to talk about adoption laws to thousands of legislators from every state. It is here where we enlighten lawmakers about achieving equal rights for adoptees.

The Adoptee Rights Coalition and SMAAC needs donations to help budget for the City of San Antonio, which will cover permits, security, advertising and supplies. Our target right now is $3000.00

If everyone donates, we can easily meet this challenge!

Just twenty bucks, $20.00, we'd cover the permit fees. Fifty bucks, $50.00, we'd cover the permit fees PLUS the exhibition booth inside the National Conference of State Legislatures, which is the heart and soul of your demonstration. The cost of a booth is $1,800 plus an estimated $400 in supplies. This is an expensive venture, but we know you think it is worth it.

Just $20 from each active member here will make this demonstration
not only a reality, but a huge success.

To donate to the protest, our paypal account is listed on this page!

Thank you so much for your support!

The Adoptee Rights Coalition
"Your Rights, Your Demonstration"

Illinois Original Birth Certificates

2010-05-21T20:29:00.001-04:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Illinois if You Were Adopted

Illinois OBC Access Status: OPEN ( at age 21) May 21st, 2010

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Illinois

Illinois born Adoptees born prior to Jan. 1, 1946, will be able to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate immediately.

Illinois Adoptees born after 1946 has to wait for this 12-month campaign to complete itself and allow all birth parents to come forward. After May, 2011 any Illinois adoptee can apply for their birth certificate ONLY through the mail. If there's no if there's no denial filed/ preference form the Adoptee will receive a copy of their original birth certificate.

Illinois Adoptees Must Wait until Age 21 and Birthparents Can Still Deny Access

The new system essentially puts the burden of keeping information confidential on the birthparents.

All adoption records are currently sealed, though all adoption agencies and services have outreach programs. Birth parents of adopted persons born after January 1, 1946, may request that their names be deleted from this non-certified copy. All birth parents may indicate their preferences regarding contact with their adult child. This new law creates a system where the birthparents can opt how much, if any, information they want shared, should the adoptee seek that information after turning 21.
For instance, the form birth parents will be asked to file contains a checklist that starts with full release of all information and providing contact numbers, moves to restricted release and contact and concludes with no release of any information. The birthparents simply check which option they prefer.

If no form is filed blocking access, the records will be available to the adoptee.

UNDER THE NEW LAW, ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATES CANNOT BE ISSUED IN PERSON BY STATE OR COUNTY VITAL STATISTICS OFFICES

The New Illinois law allows adult adopted persons born in Illinois to request non-certified copies of their original birth certificates through the Illinois Department of Public Health. In most cases, the original birth certificate will list the first and last names of one or both birth parents.

The options available under this new law are different for adopted persons, birth parents and their family members. The options available also change depending on the date of birth of the adult adopted person.

For additional information, click on the applicable link below:

If you are an adopted person who was born in Illinois before January 1, 1946, you may now request a non-certified copy of your original birth certificate through the Illinois Department of Public Health.

If you are the birth parent of an adopted person who was born in Illinois before January 1, 1946, the new law requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide a non-certified copy of your birth child's original birth certificate to certain individuals upon request.

If you are an adopted person over the age of 21 who was born in Illinois on or after January 1, 1946, you may request a non-certified copy of your original birth certificate through the Illinois Department of Public Health starting November 15, 2011.

If you are the birth parent of an adopted person, who is over the age of 21 and was born in Illinois on or after January 1, 1946, the new law allows the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange ("the Registry") to provide a non-certified copy of your birth child's original birth certificate to certain individuals beginning November 15, 2011.

If you are the surviving spouse of a deceased adult adopted person who was born in Illinois, and you and the deceased adopted person have one or more biological children under the age of 21, and no children over the age of 21, the new law authorizes you to request a non-certified copy of the deceased adult adopted person's original birth certificate through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange ("the Registry").

If you are the surviving child of a deceased adopted person who was born in Illinois, and are over the age of 21, the new law authorizes you to request a non-certified copy of the deceased adult adopted person's original birth certificate through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange ("the Registry").

If you are over the age of 21 and are the surviving sibling or surviving adult child of a deceased birth parent and wish to share medical background information, pictures, written correspondence and/or your preferences regarding contact with the birth son or birth daughter of your deceased sibling or parent, you may do so by signing up with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange ("the Registry").

Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange

The Illinois Adoption Registry now offers Illinois adoptees and their birth and adoptive families another post-adoption option – the Medical Information Exchange.

Previously, registrants were able to authorize or prohibit the release of identifying information to others involved in their surrender or adoption. While that option remains, under new provisions, the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (IARMIE) now also allows mutually consenting and adopted and surrendered persons and members of their birth and adoptive families to voluntarily exchange a wealth of information without petitioning the courts.

Adoption Information for Illinios Adoptees and Bih Parent Searches

Illinois Open
Searching groups for Illinois:

Aborns Illinois Adoption resources CHECK HERE FIRST!- loaded with useful information

Quad States Lost Angels in Adoption – group is for venting, search and support with search help offered in four [Ia, Il, WI, NE] states; help or refferals for others will be offered.

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Cal Open: Adoptee Rights Legislation in California

2002-01-25T19:26:00.008-05:00

This page was updated January 2012; please refer to the California Open Website for more information.
For information regarding current access for adoptees and bithparents please see our page about California birth certificates.

Find your California Legislators and write to them.

California Adoption Legislation Bills to Watch in Session

California Adoption Legislation Bill #AB 73

Author: Asm. Mike Feuer (District 42)
Cal Open Position: SUPPORT

Bill AB 73 Synopsis: This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to provide that juvenile court hearings in juvenile dependency cases shall be presumptively open to the public, unless the court finds that admitting the public would not be in a child's best interest. The bill would also include a statement of legislative findings and declarations. Public access to juvenile court hearings has the benefit of ensuring that the child welfare system can be held more accountable, and of educating the public about the needs of the child welfare system.

Contact the Assembly Human Services Committe

California Adoption Legislation Bill #AB 791

Author: Asm. Tom Ammiano

Cal Open Position: SUPPORT

Bill AB 791 Synopsis: This bill would require the court, when it terminates or declines to order reunification services, to order that the child's caregiver receive the child's birth certificate, or, if the child is 16 years of age or older, that the child receive his or her birth certificate, when appropriate.

Get Involved in the Fight for Birth Certificate Access in California

California Adoptee Rights Email Lists

Join the California Open List Yahoo email group: This listserves as a meeting place for those interested in affirming the identity rights of adult adoptees bornand/or adopted in California. Specifically, California Open seeks to restore unconditional access to birth records by adult adoptees. California Open will also monitor adoption related bills in the California State Legislature and take position on those bills which forward our mission. We believe truth and dignity are GOOD for adoption.

Join the California Open Action Alert List Yahoo email Activist group: This receive only list is an adjunct to California Open membership and Coalition Partner organizations. It provides periodic alerts for those whose activism time is more limited. Here you will receive California Open leadership's posts of important news that requires immediate action by supporters of adoptee rights.

California Open has a private Facebook Group.

You can follow California Open on Twitter

California Adoption Support Live Meetings

Sacramento Triad Meeting
2nd Tuesday of every month
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Marie Callender's
(Library Room)
5525 Sunrise Blvd.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
RSVP: Jean (916) 213-0992 or acconet@comcast.net

California Adoption Surrender Consent Forms Needed!

California Open has initiated a call for California relinquishment papers, sometimes termed surrender papers. Our purpose is to utilize actual documents in educating lawmakers and voters to the specific language presented to mothers and fathers, who relinquished their parental rights to the state. Copies of these documents should have been provided at the time of signing. Birthparents may request them now, from the agency that assisted them with the relinquishment.

These documents were often provided to adoptive parents, at the time of adoption. They may also be retrieved, by parties to the action, when access is petitioned through the courts. Cal Open intends to explore the specific terminology of the documents, as it varied from decade to decade, when Family Code was amended through the legislature. Through this activity, we can historically dispel the myth that parents were promised anonymity. Further, we will explore the dissonance found within code, specific to the California Birth Index, which was a protected public record, since 1907.

To protect the privacy of parties from the general public, Cal Open will white out legal names, preserving the content and language of the document for teaching purposes.

Issued 05/11/2010

E-mail to: info@calopen.org

To FAX, call for dedicated fax line: (916) 213-0992

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Indiana Birth Certificates

2001-02-24T21:11:00.001-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Indiana if You Were Adopted

Indiana OBC Access Status: SEALED / TIER Access with Permissions

In Indiana adoptions prior to January 1, 1994, an adult adoptee may receive identifying information if both the adoptee and the natural parent (named on birth certificate) file a written consent with the registry.

In Indiana adoptions January 1, 1994 or after, an adult adoptee may receive identifying information unless the natural parent has filed a written non-release form with the State Registrar.

Access to Original Birth Certificate in Indiana

Per Indiana Adoption Citation: Ann. Stat. § 31-19-13-2; the Indiana original birth certificate is withheld from inspection except for a child adopted by a stepparent or as provided in statutes pertaining to release of identifying information. An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized to receive to obtaining an Original Birth Certificate.

Access to Nonidentifying Adoption Information in Indiana

Adopted adults age 21 and over, birth parents, and adoptive parents may obtain non-identifying adoption information. Per Indiana Citation: Ann. Stat. § 31-19-18-2 effective July 1, 2009
The following persons may transmit identifying information and nonidentifying information to the State registrar for inclusion with the adoption history:

An adoptee who is an adult
A birth parent
An adoptive parent
A pre-adoptive sibling who is at least age 21
The spouse or relative of a deceased adoptee if the relationship existed at the time of the adoptee’s death
The spouse or relative of a deceased birth parent if the relationship existed at the time of the birth parent’s death

Non-identifying adoption information, medical history, age, race, state of birth and education can be released upon written request to adult adoptee, natural parent, adoptive parent, pre-adoptive sibling, or spouse or relative of deceased natural parent or adoptee.

Fees: $25.00 for medical history search
Eligibility: Written requests for adoption history
Area Served: Indiana
Wait: 4-6 weeks

The report shall exclude information that would identify the birth parents unless the adoptive parent or adoptee who requests the information knows the identity of the birth parents The person, licensed child-placing agency, or county office shall release all available social, medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the child to:

The adoptive parent
Upon request, the adoptee who is at least age 21

Indiana's Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry

Per Indiana Adoption Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 31-19-22-2; 31-19-25-2; 31-19-25-3; 31-19-25-6; 31-19-25-8; 31-19-25-9 Obtaining Identifying Adoption Information in Indiana: Identifying information is provided through an Adoption Registry.

For Indiana adoptions before 12-31-1993: Identifying information shall be released if requested by a person listed in § 31-19-18-2 if the adult adoptee and the birth parent have submitted a written consent to the State Registrar.

For  Indiana adoptions after 12-31-1993: Identifying information shall be released to the adult adoptee upon written request to the State Registrar unless the birth parent has submitted a written nonrelease form that indicates the birth parent’s lack of consent to release of identifying information.

An  Indiana adoptee who is at least age 21 or a preadoptive sibling who is at least age 21 may submit a written request to the State Registrar stating an interest in being reunited with any preadoptive siblings and authorizing the release of their name and present location to any preadoptive siblings who make similar inquiries.

If an  Indiana adoptee or a preadoptive sibling submits a written request to be reunited with a preadoptive sibling, but the preadoptive sibling has not made a similar inquiry, the State Registrar shall search the adoption records for information concerning the preadoptive sibling and if possible, contact and advise the sibling of the request unless the sibling is younger than age 21. If the sibling is at least age 21, he or she shall make the final decision as to whether to release his or her name and present location to the requesting person. If the sibling is under age 21, the sibling’s parents shall make the final decision regarding release of the sibling’s name and present location to the requesting person.

The adoptive parents of an adoptee who is under age 21 may submit a written request for information concerning the identity and present location of any preadoptive siblings of the child. The State Registrar shall release the name and present location of the preadoptive sibling to the adoptive parents if the preadoptive sibling submitted a written request authorizing the release of the information.

Using a Confidential Intermediary in Indiana

This service is provided through the registry.
2 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone(s): (317) 233-7253
Fax: (317) 233-1289
E-mail: mhinds@isdh.state.in.us
Web Site: http://www.in.gov/isdh/bdcertifs/medical_history.htm
Operating Agency: Indiana State Department of Health

Indiana Adoption Search Help
Indiana Searching – registry and searching links
Born in Indiana ( online registry )
Looking in my Journey through Adoption - authors story and useful searching links.

Idaho Original Birth Certificates

2001-02-24T19:00:00.001-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Idaho if You Were Adopted

Idaho OBC Access Status: Sealed with Limited OBC Access based on Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry

For all, birth certificates are legally confidential in Idaho for 100 years. Death, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce certificates are legally confidential in Idaho for 50 years. Access to Original Birth Certificate per Idaho Citation: Ann. Code § 39-258; The Idaho original birth certificate is available upon a court order or, in accordance with § 39-259A, when all parties have consented through the State adoption registry.

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Idaho

Per Idaho Citation: Ann. Code § 39-259A; Identifying information may be made available to:

The adult Adoptee
The birth parents
Adult birth siblings

Access to Nonidentifying Adoption Information Per Idaho Citation: Ann. Code § 16-1506 includes a copy of all medical and genetic information compiled as part of the adoption investigation made available to the adopting family by the department or other investigating children’s adoption agency prior to entry of the final order of adoption.

Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry for Idaho

Per Idaho Citation: Ann. Code § 39-259A; The State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall establish and maintain a confidential list of qualified adult adoptees, birth parents, or adult birth siblings who have consented to release of their identifying information. Any consent shall indicate the person’s desired method of notification in the event that a match occurs, and shall also indicate whether the applicant desires release of identifying information if a match occurs after his or her death. The applicant may revise his or her consent with respect to change of address or method of notification

A birth parent shall not be matched with an adult adoptee without the consent of the other birth parent unless:

There is only one birth parent listed on the birth certificate.
The other birth parent is deceased.
The Department of Health and Welfare or by a licensed child-placing agency if unable to locate the birth parent after a search.

Idaho Voluntary Adoption Registry

For more information about the Idaho Voluntary Adoption Registry, call the Idaho Bureau of Health Policy and Vital Statistics by dialing 1-208-334-5990.
Download and print a form for the Idaho Voluntary Adoption Registry
Have it notarized and include $10 and mail it to the address below:

Voluntary Adoption Registry
Vital Records Section
Center for Vital Statistics and Health Policy
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
(208) 334-5990

Google+

2001-02-12T20:28:00.002-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Hawaii if You Were Adopted

Hawaii OBC Access Status: Sealed with Contact Veto

When a new birth certificate is issued upon the finalization of an adoption in Hawaii, the original birth certificate shall be sealed. The sealed document may be opened by the department only by an order of a court or when requested in accordance with § 578-15. An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized.

The birth parent may be provided a copy of the original birth certificate upon request.

Who May Access Adoption Information in Hawaii

Hawaii Adoptin Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 578-14.5; 578-15: Health information may be provided to:

The adult adoptee
The adoptive parent
The minor adoptee’s guardian or custodian

Adoption records may be accessed by:

The adult adoptee
The adoptive parents
The birth parents

Mutual Access to Non-Identifying Adoption Information in Hawaii

Per Hawaii Adoption Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 578-14.5; 578-1: Adoptive parents and adopted adults may receive ethnic and medical history.

The Department of Health shall prepare a standard medical information form to obtain medical information on the birth parents of the minor adoptee. This form shall include a request for any information about the adopted child’s potential genetic or other inheritable diseases, including similar medical histories, if known, of the parents of the birth parents. All child-placing organizations shall make reasonable efforts to complete this form on both birth parents, to obtain from the natural parents written consent to the release of this information to or for the benefit of the adopted child, and whenever possible, to obtain from the natural mother a signed release to receive a copy of all of her medical records relating to the birth of the adopted child that are in the possession of the hospital or other facility at which the child was born. The completed forms shall be included in the department’s adoption records.

Upon written application from the adult adoptee, or the adoptive parent, guardian, or custodian on behalf of a minor adoptee, the Department of Health shall furnish the applicant with a copy of the completed forms. The department is authorized to disclose the information without prior court approval. Information concerning the ethnic background and necessary medical information may be released regardless of the presence of a confidentiality affidavit.

Mutual Access to Identifying Adoption Information in Hawaii

Per Hawaii Adoption Citation: Rev. Stat. § 578-15; An adoptee who is age 18 or older may submit a written request to the family court for inspection of adoption records. Such records will be released unless the birth parents have filed a confidentiality affidavit. Such affidavits may be renewed every 10 years. The adoptee may submit an affidavit person consenting to the inspection of records by the birth parents.

For adoptions finalized before January 1, 1991, adopted adults or adoptive parents must petition the court for information. The court will send a notice to the last known address of the first parents. If no response is received, the adopted adult can access his or her information.

For adoptions finalized after December 31, 1990, the adopted adult or adoptive parents can receive information if there is no affidavit on file requesting confidentiality.

In simpler terms, they’ve enacted a contact veto on your file if your adoption was finalized in Hawaii. What this means, is that if your first parent, the one who you’re searching for most likely, feels like it, they can have your records sealed at their own discretion. Giving another human being power over your connection to your ancestry, access to YOUR birth records is not only a violation of the convention of child rights per the United Nation, but also a violation of your civil rights!! Contact Veto’s are a violation to the adoptee and this is something that we firmly believe against here at Adoptee Rights.

Using the Hawaii Adoption Registry

Adopted adults and parents who’ve surrendered may register. (A fee is involved)
Contact:

Family Court Registry
Court Management Services
777 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96811

Hawaii Adoption Search Sites

Hanai Adoption Relationships – useful information.
Adoptee Connect Hawaii
G's Adoption Searches Hawaii

Google+

Georgia Adoptees and Their Original Birth Certificates

2001-02-12T19:26:00.001-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Georgia if You Were Adopted

Georgia OBC Access Status: Sealed

Per Georgia Adoption Citation: Ann. Code § 31-10-14: The original birth certificate is accessible only by order of the court or as provided by statute. There are no proposed laws currently to change Georgia's outdated adoption laws. Tell your Georgia legislators to change their outdated an unjust laws for adoptees!

Mutual Access to Non-Identifying Adoption Information in Georgia

Per Georgia Adoption Citation Ann. Code § 19-8-23: Obtaining Non-Identifying Adoption Information: If you are an adult and have been adopted, in the state of Georgia, or if you are an adoptive parent of a child under 18, background history of the birth parents and their families may be available from the sealed adoption record. This usually includes physical descriptions, social and health information, early childhood development data and reasons for the plan of adoption. Adopted adults age 18 or older and adoptive parents of an adoptee younger than 21 can obtain information.

Mutual Access to Identifying Adoption Information in Georgia

Per Georgia Adoption Citation: Ann. Code § 19-8-2 Obtaining Identifying Adoption Information: An adopted adult can receive information if the parents who surrendered have filed a consent to release information. If no consent is on file, an intermediary(for a fee) will search for the parents to see if they will file a consent for release of information. If the parents who surrendered are not located, the adopted adult can then file a petition to release the information on the first parents. You must contact and register w/ GARR ( address below) for your non identifying information.

The Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry was created on July 1, 1990 to offer services to birth parents, adopted persons, adoptive parents and siblings who are affected by adoptions finalized in Georgia. Using the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry The following persons may register:

adopted adults 21 or older,
adoptive parents of an adoptee younger than 21,
parents who have surrendered,
birth siblings.

Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry Forms can be found here. The cost is $300

Contact:

Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry
Families First/Office of Adoptions
2 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Suite # 323
Atlanta, GA 30303-3142
(404) 657-3555
(888) 328-0055

Help for Adoption Searches in Georgia

Adoptee Connect Georgia Searches

Google+

Florida Original Birth Certificates

2001-02-12T16:16:00.003-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificates in Florida if You Were Adopted

Florida OBC Access Status: Only unSealed by Courts / Adoption Registry

Per Florida Adoption Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162
The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the Florida court. Contact the Adoption Unit at (904) 359-6900, extension 9001 for specific instructions. There is an Florida Adoptee Rights Page on Facebook and an Occupy Florida Adoption page as well.

Access to NonidentifyingAdoption Information in Florida

Per Florida Adoption Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162

All nonidentifying adoption information, including the family medical history and social history of the adoptee and the birth parents, when available, must be furnished to the adoptive parents before the adoption becomes final and to the adoptee, upon the adoptee’s request, after he or she reaches majority. Upon the request of the adoptive parents, all nonidentifying information obtained before or after the adoption has become final must be furnished to the adoptive parents.

How one obtains non-identifying information depends on how the adoption was facilitated. Of the adoption was facilitated by a private adoption agency, the private agency has the information and should be contacted directly. If the adoption was facilitated by the Department of Children and Families, (formally HRS) or an independent adoption facilitated by an attorney or physician, non-identifying information information may be obtained by writing to:

Florida Post Adoption Services Unit, Department of Children and Families
1317 Winewood Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700

Mutual Access to Identifying Adoption Information in Florida

Per Florida Adoption Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162
Identifying information about a birth parent, an adoptive parent, or an adoptee may not be disclosed unless the respective party has authorized in writing the release of such information. If the adoptee is younger than age 18, written consent must be obtained from an adoptive parent.

The department shall maintain an adoption registry with the last known names and addresses of an adoptee, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents and any other identifying information that the parties wish to include in the registry.

The registry shall be available for those persons choosing to enter information therein, but no one shall be required to do so. A person who enters information in the registry must indicate clearly the persons to whom he or she is consenting to release the information, and shall be limited to the adoptee, the birth parents, the adoptive parents, birth siblings, and maternal and paternal birth grandparents. Consent to the release of this information may be made in the case of a minor adoptee by his or her adoptive parents or by the court after a showing of good cause. At any time, any person may withdraw, limit, or otherwise restrict consent to release information by notifying the department in writing.

Florida Adoption Reunion Registry

Florida Adoption Reunion Registry (F.A.R.R.), Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services. FARR was established in 1982 by the Florida Legislature for people affected by adoption in Florida to have the opportunity to reunite. Currently FARR has more than 6,200 people listed on the registry and is facilitating 6 to 8 reunions a month. FARR is operatedby the state of Florida Department of Children and Families Eligibility:Adopted Adults, Birth Parents, Birth Siblings, Birth Aunts and Uncles, Birth Grandparents and Adoptive Parents on behalf of their Adopted Minor Child.

The way FARR works: If two (or more) people affected by an adoption in Florida lists themselves on the registry, then FARR gets them in touch with both parties. The registry is passive and does not actively search. There is a one time fee of $35 unless the applicant is able to provide proof of financial hardship (i.e. eligibility for unemployment, SSI, public assistance, etc.) In these cases fees may be waived. There is a fee of $10 to update information on the registry.

Florida Reunion Registry Applications may be obtained from the registry:
Florida Reunion Registry Update Applications
Florida Reunion Registry
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
Or Florida Adoption Information Center 1-800-96-ADOPTor 904-353-0679

Florida ReunionRegistry Application and Reunion Registry Application Update Applications are
mailed within one workday. TheAdoption Information Center also mails International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR) applications in the packet.

The Post Adoption Services Unit does not charge a fee for non-identifying information. Private adoption agencies may charge a fee for releasing the information. Some agencies charge a fee, others do not.
For Additional information including local search and support groups, other State operated reunion registries, of International Reunion Registry applications, you may contact the center listed below.

Florida's Adoption Information Center
4203 Southpoint Blvd.
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
In Florida:1-800-96-ADOPT
Out of Florida: 904-353-0679
adoptflorida@danielkids.org

contact :

Department of Children and Families
Post Adoption Services
Unit 1317 Winewood Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL, 32399-0700.

If an agency facilitated the adoption, contact that agency for non-identifying information.

Help for Adoption Searches in Florida

As the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry is passive and will not search actively, most adoptees and birthparents in Florida will have to search on their own.

Adoptee Connect
Adoption Data Base
The Seeker
G's Adoption Registry Florida
More Florida Adoption Search resources
Sunflower Birthmother's Florida Search page

Google+

Delaware Adoptees and Birth Certificate Access

2001-02-12T15:22:00.001-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Delaware if You Were Adopted

Delaware OBC Access Status: Open at Age 21 IF Not Denied

The adoptee born in the state of Delaware who is age 21 or older may request a copy of the original birth certificate unless the birth parent has filed an affidavit denying release of identifying information.

Access to Nonidentifying Adoption Information in Delaware

Obtaining Non-Identifying Delaware Adoption Information: Non-identifying information is available to adoptive parents, adopted adults, and parents who have surrendered.

Access to Identifying Adoption Information in Delaware

Identifying adoption information in Delaware shall not be released except by order of the court or with the consent of all parties when it is deemed by the adoption agency to be in the adoptee’s best interests. In cases where the adoptee’s health or the health of any blood relative is concerned and the adoption agency has refused to release the health information, the court may, through petition by the adoptee, permit the party to inspect only that part of the adoption agency or court record containing medical information if it is needed for the health of the person or of any blood relative of the person.As part of the adoption planning process, the department or agency may provide information to the birth parents and to the adoptive parents as follows:

In preplacement planning, identifying information shall be limited to the viewing of photographs, provided that such viewing is with the consent of birth parents and adoptive parents and that no additional identifying information is contained in the photographs.
After a placement has been completed, and prior to finalization of the adoption, identifying information may include, but is not limited to, the exchange of names, addresses, photographs, and face-to-face meetings, provided that:

The birth parents and adoptive parents request the exchange of information in writing.
The birth parents, adoptive parents, and the department or agency agree to the exchange of information as specified in writing.
The birth parents and adoptive parents acknowledge in writing their understanding that no legal right or assurance of continuing contact after finalization of the adoption exists.

An adoptee who is age 21 or older may request an agency to assist in locating a birth relative. When the relative is located, he or she may make a no-contact declaration. If the declaration is not made, the agency may release the birth parent or sibling’s current name, address, and telephone number to the adoptee.

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Delaware

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate in Delaware Adoptions: An adopted adult age 21 or older can obtain his or her original birth certificate, if, within the previous 3 years, the birth parents have not filed a written notarized statement with the Department of Health and Social Services Office of Vital Statistics denying the release of identifying information.

NOTE that the adoption agency is able to decide in this case, and if we are all adults, we don’t need a third party to intervene and control the contact in a reunion. More times than not when third party intermediaries are involved, the reunion doesn’t work out. Intermediaries can mess up reunions. Private adoption agencies have a lot “invested” in reunion and they have a lot to worry about when a reunion takes place. We advise all searchers to try and contact their lost family by themselves without an agency or state or CI going in between family.

Adoption Searches in the State of Delaware;

Adoptee Connect
Tina's Adoption Search Lists
G's Adoption Registry Delaware

Google+

Connecticut Adoptions and OBC Access

2001-02-12T15:20:00.000-05:00

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Connecticut?

Connecticut OBC Access Status: Sealed Records State

In CT the OBC is sealed after the adoption is legally finalized and an "amended" or adoptive certificate is substituted. Since 1974 the adult adoptee has been denied access to the OBC by law. When a new birth certificate is created at the time a person is adopted, the original birth certificate becomes confidential. In order to gain access to the original confidential birth record, a person must receive a written order from a court of competent jurisdiction allowing such person access to the original birth record. History of adoption laws in the state of Conn. can be found here.

For more information on legislation in Connecticut or how to help, please see Access Connecticut: OBC for CT.org. Proposed changes to current CT Original Birth Certificate legislation for adult adoptees can be found here. Access Connecticut also has a Facebook Page.

Nonidentifying Adoption Information per Connecticut Citation: Ann. Stat. § 45a-746 is available to the following persons:

The adult adoptee
The adoptive parents or guardian of the child
The legal representative of the adoptee
If the adoptee is deceased, any adult descendants, including adopted descendants

Access to Nonidentifying Information per Connecticut Citation: Ann. Stat. § 45a-746

Nonidentifying information about the birth parents shall be provided in writing to the adopting parents prior to finalization of the adoption. The birth parents may access the information at any time for the purposes of verifying, correcting, or adding information. Information about the birth parents includes, but is not limited to:

Age at the time of the child’s birth
Ethnic background and nationality
General physical appearance at the time of the child’s birth
Education and occupations of the birth parents
Talents, hobbies, and special interests
Existence of any other children born to either parent
Health history of the birth parents and blood relatives
Reasons for placing the child for adoption
Religion of the birth parents
Any other relevant nonidentifying information

Connecticut 's Adoption "Records"

Mutual Access to Identifying Information Connecticut Citation: Ann. Stat. § 45a-751

Any authorized applicant may, by applying in person or in writing to the child-placing agency or the department, request the release of identifying information. The information should be released unless:

The consents of every person whose identity is sought, as required by § 45a-751b, are not given.
The release of the requested information would seriously disrupt or endanger the physical or emotional health of the applicant or the person whose identity is being requested.

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Connecticut

Access to Original Birth Certificate per Connecticut Citation: Ann. Stat. § 7-53

Any person seeking to examine or obtain a copy of the original birth certificate must obtain a written order from the court in the jurisdiction in which the adoptee was adopted or born. The court will determine that the examination or issuance of a copy of the birth certificate of the adoptee by the adopting parents or the adoptee, if older than age 18, or by any other person will not be detrimental to the public interest or to the welfare of the adoptee or the birth or adoptive parents.

The Department of Children and Families, Office of Foster Care and Adoption Services, has a master database that lists all adoptions, both public and private, which have occurred in Connecticut since 1944. Information can be obtained by calling 860-550-6582, writing DCF Search Unit, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106 or e-mailing the Search Unit at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families at Annemarie.Stonoha@ct.gov

If the adoption was completed prior to 1944, the adoptee can contact directly the Probate Court that was involved in the adoption finalization.

Connecticut Permission and Interviews Needed

What procedures are involved to find out anything?? The person wishing to receive information or conduct a search must make their request in writing to the agency that completed their adoption and have their signature notarized as proof of their identity. The agency will initially provide non-identifying information.

If the individual wishes to search, then a personal interview is required. The agency will then attempt to locate the person being sought and gain that person’s permission before any identifying information can be released to the requestor.

If consent is provided, the agency will assist in arranging contact in a way that is acceptable to both parties. If the family member being contacted does not provide consent, then the agency that completed the adoption will not be able to disclose any information about the person being sought. If this occurs, the requestor would have the ability to complete a Reunion Registry form so that their contact information may be provided if the family member changes their mind about contact in the future.

Costs of Adoption Searches in Connecticut: If the adoption was through the State of Connecticut (a public agency), there are no costs associated with searching. Private adoption agencies have a fee.

Adopted in Connecticut, but Out of State?

The person searching can receive the background information through the mail by sending the agency a notarized letter confirming their identity. If they wish to search, they will have to arrange for a personal interview to be done by a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist, or an adoption agency in the state in which they reside.

Adoption Searches in Connecticut

As it is virtually impossible to get any court to release an OBC, and Connecticut demands consent form parties, most adoptees and birth parents searching in Connecticut have little choice but to rely on online adoption searches.

Adoption Search Registry: G's Adoption Search Reigstry
Adoption Search Database
Adoptee Connect

Google+

Colorado Adoption Support

2001-02-07T21:17:00.000-05:00

Support for Colorado Adoptees in Search

This page was updated February 2012; please refer to the Colorado Adoptee in Search website for more information.

For information regarding current access for adoptees and birthparents please see our page about Colorado birth certificates.

Find your Colorado Legislators and write to them.

Adoptees in Search - Colorado's Triad Connection (AIS-CTC) was established in 1975 as an all-volunteer community made up of adoptees, parents by birth and adoption, supportive family members and friends, counselors, and adoption professionals.

Colorado Adoption Support Live Meetings

Denver Small Group Adoption Support in Colorado: The AIS-CTC Support Group now meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the beautiful and serene Robinson Conference Room at Montview Presbyterian Church (unless otherwise posted). It's FREE, and provides an opportunity to tell your story and process feelings in a safe, confidential environment. Additional phone support and sessions are available on an as-needed basis. Contact Kathy Mackechney, LCSW at 303-960-6964

Denver Adoptee Support: The Parker Peer Support Group is currently reorganizing. If you live anywhere from the south Denver burbs down to Colorado Springs, please contact Maggi Pritchard at 303-898-8164or Amy Sams, MSW, LCSW 303-917-4145 to voice your preference regarding day, time and location!

AIS-CTC has a Facebook Page.

Adoptees in Search
Colorado's Triad Connection
P.O. Box 24556
Denver, CO 80224
(303)232-6302

Google+

Colorado Birth Certificates for Adoptees

2001-02-07T20:31:00.003-05:00

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Colorado

Colorado OBC Access Status: A Huge Hodpodge Mess

Colorado is a "blackout" state; meaning that some adoptees have access and some are blacked out based on the date of their adoption finalization.

Prior to July 1, 1951- OBC Access remain sealed except via court order
July 1, 1951 to June 30, 1967 - OBC Access open to adoptee
July 1, 1967 to August 31, 1999 - OBC Access remain sealed except via court order
September 1, 1999 to present - OBC Access open to adult adoptee (18 years of age or older)

For more information about Adoptee Support Groups in Colorado, please see our support pages.

Colorado's Adoption "Records"

In Colorado, adoption records are defined by § 19-1-103 and include:

The adoptee’s original birth certificate and amended birth certificate
The final decree of adoption
Any nonidentifying information
The final order of relinquishment
The order of termination of parental rights

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Colorado

Per Colorado CRSß 19-5-305 Adoptions finalized prior to 9-1-99

Upon presentation of a certified order and proper identification that shows the Confidential Intermediary assigned to a particular case, Colorado Health Statistics and Vital Records staff will search for Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry consent form and original and/or amended birth certificates.
Court order should specify whether a certified copy can be issued to the Confidential Intermediary or whether the Confidential Intermediary may only review the documents.
Persons who have been previously matched in the Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry since 1983 will be issued their original birth certificates by mutual consent of the parties upon proof of identification. The Consent to Release an Original Birth Certificate form must be completed.
Persons who have been previously matched by Confidential Intermediary Service since 1989 and in cases where Colorado Health Statistics and Vital Records holds the order of appointment of the Confidential Intermediary, original birth certificates will be issued to the adult Adoptee by mutual consent of the parties upon proof of identification.
Original birth certificates will be released to persons who complete the Consent to Release an Original Birth Certificate form and Affidavit of Relationship if required. See consent form for all eligible parties.
Sealed files will also be opened and original certificates supplied in the following circumstances.

Upon presentation to Colorado Health Statistics and Vital Records of a certified court order to open a sealed file and issue the original birth certificate
Upon matching all parties in Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/certs/cocisFees.pdf
Upon presentation by an adult adoptee of a certified copy of death certificate of the deceased birth mother and no father is listed on original birth certificate

Birth mothers who used assumed or fictitious names may be referred to the Confidential Intermediary program or a court of competent jurisdiction.
Persons who present a consent form to Vital Records but are not related to each other as established through a search of adoption files, will be referred to the Confidential Intermediary program.

CRSß 19-5-305 Adoptions finalized on or after September 1, 1999

Original birth certificates will be available to adult Adoptees unless confidentiality has been requested by birth parent or a sibling in the same adoptive family is less than eighteen. The adult Adoptee will need to provide a certified court order to Colorado Health Statistics and Vital Records indicating that no restrictions apply to the release of the original birth certificate, report and/or decree of adoption, and other correspondence in sealed file.
Birth parents are not entitled to an adult Adoptee=s new amended birth certificate. Birth parents can use the Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry, a Confidential Intermediary, or request a certified court order to open a sealed adoption file.

For all of the above Colorado's usual and customary fees will apply.

Non Identifying Adoption Information in Colorado

‘Nonidentifying information’ means information that does not disclose the name, address, place of employment, or any other material information that would lead to the identification of the birth parents and includes, but is not limited to, the following:

The physical description of the birth parents
The educational background and occupation of the birth parents
Genetic information about the birth family
Medical information about the Adoptee’s birth
Social information about the birth parents
The placement history of the Adoptee

The State registrar shall prescribe an updated medical history statement that a birth parent may submit with the completed contact preference form. The medical history statement shall be a brief narrative statement written by the birth parent indicating medical information about the birth parent or other biological relatives.

Who May Access Information Colorado Identifying Adoption Information

Depending on the dates of finalization, if you manage to jump through enough hoops, then it seems like just about anyone can get all the records:

The Adoptee who is age 18 or older
The birth parents
The adoptive parent, custodial grandparent, or legal guardian of a minor Adoptee
An adult descendant of an Adoptee or the adoptive parent, with the written consent of the adoptee
The Adoptee’s spouse, adult stepchild, or adopted adult sibling, with the consent of the adoptee
The birth grandparent with the consent of the birth parent
The legal representative of any of the above listed persons
A former foster child who may or may not have been adopted, who is age 18 or older, and who is searching for a birth sibling who is also age 18 or older, who may or may not have been adopted and who may or may not have been in the foster care system

More information and forms for Colorado's very confusing adoption and OBC access laws.

Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry

The purpose of the Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry is to facilitate voluntary contact between adoptees 18 years of age and older who were born in Colorado and their birth parents. The registry will also facilitate voluntary contact between a former foster child who may or may not have been adopted, who is eighteen years of age or older, and who is searching for a birth sibling who is also eighteen years of age or older, who may or may not have been adopted and who may or may not have been in the foster care system. Relatives of deceased adoptees and relatives of deceased birth parents may also register.

You may register for the registry by completing the consent form, to the best of your knowledge, so far as your information will allow, have it notarized, and mail it to us with a check or money order for $20.00 payable to Vital Records and a photocopy of a valid ID and proof of your relationship to the sought after.
If you are a former foster child you must share at least one birth parent of the sought after.If you are an adult adoptee or a birth parent, you need to submit the consent form, the fee, and a valid photo copy of your ID.If you are a relative of a deceased adoptee or a relative of a deceased birth parent, you will need to submit, along with the consent form and the fee, a valid photo copy of your ID and a certified copy of the adoptee's or birth parents’ death certificate and proof of your relationship to that person, such as a certified marriage record or certified birth certificate.

Exchange of current identifying information between an adult adoptee and a birth parent will occur under the following conditions as stated in §25-2-113.5 and 5.5, Colorado Revised Statutes:

A birth parent shall not be matched with the qualified adult adoptee without the consent of the other birth parent unless:

There is only one birth parent listed on the birth certificate: or
The other birth parent is deceased: or
The other birth parent is unable to be located by the Department of Public Health and Environment after an exhaustive search, the cost of said search to be fully funded by the birth parent seeking a match, said search to be in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department.

A former foster child can only be matched with the adult-adopted sibling who may or may not have been adopted if the sought after has also registered with the Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry. Call the Colorado Confidential Intermediary Service at (303) 237-6919 for further information.

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California Birth Certificates

2001-01-25T19:18:00.011-05:00

How to Get a Original Birth Certificate in California if You Were Adopted

California OBC Access Status: Sealed Adoption Records with Mutual Consent Registry

California is a "closed record" state.
There is a state level group fighting for unrestricted access to original birth certificates in California. For more information on legislation in California or how to help, please see Cal Open: Adoptee Rights Legislation in California

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in California

Under California Citation: Health & Safety Code § 102705 The original birth certificate is available only by order of the court.

I was adopted in California. How do I obtain a copy of my birth certificate?

Adoption records are sealed at the time of adoption. If there is no birth record in the county where you were born, you must contact the California State Office of Vital Records for a copy of your amended birth certificate. For information on how to order a copy from the state, you may call their information line at (916) 445-2684. If you wish to obtain a copy of your original birth certificate, you must obtain a court order. You may be able to obtain a copy of your original birth certificate by filing a petition under Health and Safety Code Section 102705 in the county clerk's office of the Superior Court in the county where you reside or the county where your adoption was finalized. In your petition, you must show good and compelling cause for the granting of the order. It is at the sole discretion of the court as to whether the original birth certificate will be unsealed. ( Do NOT expect this to happen!)

You may also file a petition under Family Code Section 9200 in the Superior Court of the county where your adoption was granted, for access to documents contained in the adoption file that is maintained by the Superior Court. Again, it is at the sole discretion of the court as to whether any documents are released to you. For further information on how to obtain that court order, you should contact your legal advisor. Please contact the County Clerk's office of the Superior Court for information on petitioning the court for information.

I was adopted in California. How can I get Information about my adoption and my Birthparents?

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), or the licensed public or private adoption agency that handled the adoption can provide non identifying background information on birth parents to adoptees. The information provided includes general facts about the birth parents and their medical history. This service is available only for adoptions that were finalized in California. Some licensed private adoption agencies may charge a fee for this service. You must request this information by writing directly to the licensed adoption agency, if known, or to the CDSS at the following address: California Department of Social Services Adoptions Support Unit 744 P Street, MS 8-12-31 Sacramento, CA 95814. If you do not know the name of the licensed adoption agency, you can request the name from the CDSS. Your letter must include your name, birth date, and the full names of both of your adoptive parents. Also, your signature must be notarized by a Notary Public. This service is not available through e-mail.

How Can an California Adoptee Contact their Birth Parents?

California has a Mutual Consent Program that is administered by either the CDSS or the licensed public or private adoption agency that handled the adoption. In addition to the Mutual Consent Program, the Adoptions Information Act applies to adoptions in which birth parents signed the relinquishment for adoption or consent to adoption, or in which the birth parents' rights were involuntarily terminated by court action on or after January 1, 1984.

Mutual Consent Program: An adoptee may complete Consent for Contact form (AD 904) and submit it to the CDSS or the licensed adoption agency that handled the adoption, if known. If the CDSS or the licensed adoption agency receives a consent form from the adult adoptee (18 years of age or older) and one from his/her birth parent(s), names and addresses can be disclosed to both parties so they may contact one another. The law prohibits the CDSS and the licensed adoption agencies from soliciting consents and providing search services for adoptees or birth parents.

Adoptions Information Act: An adoptee may complete an Adoptions Information Act Statement (AD 908A) requesting disclosure of the name and address of his or her birth parent(s). The CDSS or the licensed adoption agency which handled the adoption can disclose the name and address of the
birth parent(s), if the birth parent signed a relinquishment or consent for adoption, or the parent's rights were involuntarily terminated by court action on or after January 1, 1984, and the birth parent signed an Adoptions Information Act Statement (AD 908) granting permission for such disclosure. The adoptee must be 21 years of age or older in order to complete the AD 908A.

How About Contact with Siblings Separated by Adoption?

Through the Mutual Consent Program, adoptees and siblings may submit a Waiver of Rights to Confidentiality for Siblings form. Please see below for the appropriate form you should complete.

For Adoptees or Siblings 18 Years of Age or Older: If the CDSS or the licensed adoption agency receives a Waiver of Rights to Confidentiality for Siblings form (AD 904A) from the adult adoptee (18 years of age or older), and one from his/her sibling, names and addresses can be disclosed to both parties so they may contact one another. The law prohibits the CDSS and licensed adoption agencies from soliciting waivers.

For Adoptees or Siblings Under 18 Years of Age: If the CDSS or the licensed adoption agency receives a Waiver of Rights to Confidentiality for Siblings - Under 18 Years of Age form (AD904B) from the adoptee and one from his/her sibling, names, addresses, and phone numbers can be disclosed to both parties so they may contact one another. The law prohibits the CDSS and licensed adoption agencies from soliciting waivers.

Can I petition the Court for the Appointment of a Confidential Intermediary?

If you have knowledge of a sibling and wish to seek contact with him or her, you must first submit a waiver to the CDSS or the California licensed agency who handled the adoption. If your sibling has not submitted a form to the CDSS or the California licensed adoption agency, you may petition the county superior court where the adoption was granted under Family Code 9205 to request that a confidential intermediary be appointed to locate the sibling. The confidential intermediary will attempt to contact the sibling and ask if he or she would be interested in completing a waiver form. An adoptee or sibling who seeks contact with the other for whom no waiver is on file with the CDSS or the licensed adoption agency, may petition the California Superior Court where the adoption was granted under Family Code 9205 to request that a confidential intermediary be appointed to locate the sibling. The confidential intermediary will attempt to contact the sibling and ask if he or she would be interested in completing a waiver form. Please contact the County Clerk's office of the Superior Court for information on petitioning the court for information.

I am a Birthparent. What Can of Information Can I Have on My Adopted Child?

The CDSS or the licensed public or private adoption agency that handled the adoption can give birth parents' information on the status of the adoption and general non identifying background information regarding the adoptive parents, including information on the progress of the child at the time of the adoption. This service is available only for adoptions that were finalized in California. Some licensed private adoption agencies may charge a fee for this service. You must request this information by writing directly to the licensed adoption agency, if known, or to the CDSS at the following address: California Department of Social Services

Adoptions Support Unit
744 P Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814

If you do not know the name of the licensed adoption agency, you can request the name from the CDSS. Your letter must include the name you used at the time of the adoption, the child's name (if named) and date of birth. Also, your signature must be notarized by a Notary Public. This service is not available through e-mail.

How to Make Contact with Adoptees in California

California has a Mutual Consent Program that is administered by either the CDSS or the licensed public or private adoption agency that handled the adoption. A birth parent may complete a Consent for Contact form (AD 904) and submit it to the CDSS or licensed adoption agency. If the CDSS or the licensed adoption agency receives a consent form from the adult adoptee (18 years of age or older) and one from his/her birth parent(s), names and addresses can be disclosed to both parties so they may contact one another. The law prohibits the CDSS and the licensed adoption agencies from soliciting consents and providing search services for adoptees or birth parents.

Official California Adoption Forms:

Forms may be obtained by contacting the CDSS at (916) 651-8088, by writing to the address below, by contacting the licensed public or private adoption agency that handled the adoption, or by clicking here:

California Department of Social Services

Adoptions Support Unit

744 P Street, MS 8-12-31

Sacramento, CA 95814

Help for Adoption Searching in California

California maternity hospital codes
Birth Index searchable by FIRST four letters of last name only ( although that may be changing in the future for the better!! )Google+

Arkansas Original Birth Certificates

2001-01-24T23:23:00.003-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Arkansas if You Were Adopted

Arkansas OBC Access Status: Sealed with Confidential Intermediary System

Arkansas is a "closed record" state. That means that vital records are not public record.
There are currently no bills in the Arkansas Legislator for Adoptee Rights or extending access to original birth certificates.

Who May Access Original Birth Certificate Information in Arkansas

Citation: Ann. Code § 20-18-406
The original birth certificate is available only upon a court order or as provided by regulation.
Where the Information Can Be Located
• Arkansas Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry
• The licensed agency involved in the adoption

Access to Nonidentifying Adoption Information in Arkansas

Arkansas Citation: Ann. Code §§ 9-9-504; 9-9-505
Nonidentifying birth records and information is available to:
• The adoptive parents of the child or the child’s guardian
• The adoptee
• If the adoptee has died, the adoptee’s children, widow or widower, or the guardian of any child of the adoptee
• The birth parent of the adoptee
• Any child welfare agency having custody of the adoptee

What Arkansas Nonidentifying Adoption Information Includes

Arkansas Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-505
Nonidentifying information is available upon request to any person listed above. Nonidentifying information for adoptions includes the health, genetic, and social history of the child.

Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry

To obtain information through the Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry, the first step you need to do is download Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry form here.

You may then email, fax or mail your inquiry and payments to the Adoption Registry Coordinator.

Click on email address: chanel.moore@arkansas.gov, fax number is: 501-682-8094, or mailing address is:

Arkansas Department of Human Services
Division of Children and Family Services
Adoption Registry
PO Box 1437, Slot S565
Little Rock, AR 72203-1437

If you are the adoptee please submit (in writing):

A brief explanation of the type of information you are seeking; such as: background/biological information, medical or social history, or trying to find a birth relative.
Your adopted name (no nicknames, please).
Your date of birth.
Adopted parents names (no nicknames, please), as a cross reference only.
Your return mailing address.

You may include any other information you feel may be helpful regarding your adoption; such as, place of birth, name of hospital, your birth name, where your adopted parents lived at the time they adopted you, if you were in foster care, etc.

If you are a birth relative please submit (in writing):

Please read the information regarding the MCVAR to see if you qualify for information. If so, please submit the following information:

A brief explanation of the type of information you are seeking; such as: background information on the adoptive family or trying to find a birth child.
Birth name given to the child/adoptee.
Child/adoptee’s date of birth.
Birth mother’s name at the time child/adoptee was born.
Your name.
Your relationship to the child/adoptee.
Your return mailing address.

You may include any other information you feel may be helpful regarding the child/adoptee; such as, name of the hospital, city or town child/adoptee was born in, attending physician, nurse, etc.

STEP 2: Receive Registry Packet Notification
Adoption Registry Coordinator will check files to verify if we have your adoption record. The Arkansas Adoption Registry Coordinator will notify you within three (3) working days if we do or do not have your adoption record.

For Non-identifying Adoption Information

If you are seeking non-identifying information (genetic, health, and social history of adoptee), complete sections A and B.
Complete section E; get your form notarized.
Get a money order or cashier’s check for $5.00. If you are seeking both non-identifying and identifying, one money order or cashier’s check for $25.00 is acceptable.
Mail the notarized, completed affidavit form with money order or cashier’s check.

Arkansas's Confidential Intermediary Program for Adoptees and Birth Parents Searching

If you are seeking identifying information (to be matched with a birth relative or adoptee), complete sections A and B.
Complete section D; set appointment for counseling session. You need to receive a minimum of one (1) hour of counseling. If you live within Arkansas, you will need to contact the Adoption Specialist that serves your county. For a list of Adoption Specialist’s in Arkansas click here. If you live outside Arkansas, you will need to find a social worker with a licensed agency in your state. (You may incur a fee for the counseling). The social worker will need to counsel with you on issues related to finding the birth relative; such as, what are the pros and cons of finding the birth relative, what if…. The counselor will have to complete section D on your affidavit form, so be sure to take it with you to your appointment.
Complete section E; get your form notarized.
Get a money order or cashier’s check for $20.00. If you are seeking both non-identifying and identifying, one money order or cashier’s check for $25.00 is acceptable.

STEP 3: Receive Response
You will receive your response by certified mail.
The Adoption Registry Coordinator will process the affidavit forms in the order in which they are received.
If you have a medical emergency, please contact Chanel Moore the Adoption Registry Coordinator at 501-682-8462 or toll free at 888-736-2820.

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Arizona Birth Certificates

2001-01-24T22:56:00.002-05:00

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Arizona if You Were Adopted

Arizona OBC Access Status: Sealed with Confidential Intermediary System

Arizona is a "closed record" state. That means that vital records are not public record. Arizona law restricts the public's access to vital records as follows to protect the confidentiality rights of their citizens. There are currently no bills in the Arizona Legislator for Adoptee Rights or extending access to original birth certificates.

Who May Access Birth Certificate Information in Arizona

Arizona Citation: Rev. Stat. § 8-129
The following persons may have access to family information:

The adoptive parents or a guardian of the adoptee
The adoptee who is age 18 or older
If the adoptee has died, the adoptee’s spouse if he or she is the legal parent of the adoptee’s child or the
guardian of any child of the adoptee
If the adoptee has died, any child of the adoptee who is age 18 or older
The birth parents or other birth children of the birth parents

Access to Nonidentifying Adoption Information in Arizona

Arizona Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 8-121; 8-129
Nonidentifying information may be released upon request to any of the persons listed above. Nonidentifying information may include the health and genetic history of the birth parents and members of the birth parents’ families.

Arizona Mutual Access to Identifying Adoption Information

Arizona Citation: Rev. Stat. § 8-121
Court personnel, the division, an attorney assisting in a direct placement adoption, or an agency may provide partial or complete identifying information between a birth parent and adoptive parent when the parties mutually agree to share specific identifying information and make a written request to the court, the division, or the agency.

A person may petition the court to obtain information relating to an adoption in the possession of the court, the division, or any agency or attorney involved in the adoption. The court shall not release identifying information unless the person requesting the information has established a compelling need for disclosure or consent has been obtained.

An adoptee age 18 or older or a birth parent may file at any time with the court and the agency, division, or attorney who participated in the adoption a notarized statement granting consent, withholding consent, or withdrawing a consent previously given for the release of confidential information. If an adoptee who is 18 or older and the birth mother or birth father have filed consent to the release of confidential information, the court may disclose the information, except identifying information relating to a birth parent who did not grant written consent.

When the Adoption Records are Sealed in Arizona

After the adoption process is completed, the Office of Vital Records will amend the child's birth certificate to reflect the information that was agreed upon in court. Court-ordered adoption records are forwarded to the Office of Vital Records by the 10th of the following month so the adoptive birth certificate can be finalized. After the adoptive birth certificate is finalized, the original birth certificate and any documentation from the court order authorizing the adoption is sealed.

Arizona's Confidential Intermediary Program for Adoptees and Birth Parents Searching

Birth parents who wish to regain contact with their children who went to adoptive families, or adopted children who wish to restore contact with their birth parents or siblings, must contact a Confidential Intermediary certified by the Arizona Supreme court. The Confidential Intermediary Program was established to protect the identity of birth parents, and to provide a means for adoptive children to establish and maintain contact with their siblings. The intermediary must gain consent from both sides of the relationship before contact can be established.

The Confidential Intermediary Program was established by the Arizona State Legislature in 1992, by enacting A.R.S. §8-134 (adoption triad member searches). In 2007, the Arizona State Legislature extended the role of the Confidential Intermediary Program to include the Sibling Information Exchange Program (SIX) by enacting A.R.S. §8-543, which provides former dependent children the ability to locate, and stay in touch with, siblings separated by a dependency action. Under both statutes, Confidential Intermediaries are provided access to court records in order to obtain information necessary to locate the sought after party. Consent from all parties is required for the sharing of identifying and non-identifying information.

For a list of Arizona State Approved Confidential Intermediaries please go here.

For more information, please see the Arizona State Vital Records Page regarding birth certificate access.

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Alabama Birth Certificates

2001-01-24T22:13:00.006-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Alabama if Your Were Adopted

Status: Alabama Opened their Adoption Records

In 2000, the Alabama legislature amended the vital records law to allow an adult adoptee or other person whose original birth certificate was placed in a "sealed file" to obtain a non-certified copy of that record and any other documents in the "sealed file."

Individuals born in Alabama who were adopted may obtain informational copies of their original birth certificates upon reaching the age of 19. Adoptees needing a birth certificate for legal purposes should follow the instructions on this page to receive a certified copy of their current birth certificate.

Birth Parent Access to Alabama Adoption Records

The 2000 revision to the vital records law also allows a birth parent to place information in the "sealed file" of the child who was adopted. The birth parent may state his/her wishes regarding being contacted and may provide medical history information.

The applicant will receive a copy of the original birth certificate clearly marked that it is not a certified copy and it may not be used for legal purposes. Note that the information on the birth certificate in the file is shown as it was provided by the birth parent(s) at the time of birth.

The applicant will receive copies of all other documents in the "sealed file" which often include the legal documents from the court where the adoption or paternity determination took place or other legal documents for a legitimation. These files do not contain medical or other information about the birth parents.

In the case of persons who were adopted, the revision of the law in 2000 allows birth parents to submit a Contact Preference Form which will be placed in the sealed file upon receipt. If a Contact Preference Form is in the file at the time the original birth record is requested, it will be sent to the applicant.

For more information, please see the Alabama State Vital Records Page regarding birth certificate access.

Birth Certificates of Adopted Individuals

Individuals born in Alabama who were adopted may obtain informational copies of their original birth certificate from a sealed file upon reaching the age of 19. To find out more information, view the Alabama Adoptee Information page.
Birth parents may place information in the sealed file of the child who was adopted if born in Alabama. To find out more information, view the Birth Parent of Adopted Child page.
Adult adoptees needing a birth certificate for legal purposes should follow the instructions on this page to receive a certified copy of their current birth certificate.
Adopting parents or their legal representatives may request a certified copy of their child's new birth certificate following a recent adoption. To find out more information, view the Recent Alabama Adoptions page.

Cost to Obtain a Birth Certificate in Alabama

The fee to search for a birth certificate is $15.00, which includes one certified copy of the birth certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." For each additional copy of the certificate ordered at the same time, the fee is $6.00. Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to the State Board of Health. Please do not send cash. Fees are not refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service

Adoptees, download your application for your Alabama original birth certificate.

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State of Alaska Birth Certificates

2001-01-24T20:30:00.002-05:00

How to Get Birth Certificate in Alaska if You Were Adopted

Alaska OBC Access Status: Always Open!

Alaska is one of the two states in the US who have never sealed their original birth certificates upon the finalization of an adoption.

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information: Non-identifying information is available to adoptive parents and adopted adults age 18 or older.

Obtaining Identifying Information: Identifying information along with an original birth certificate and any changes in birth parents' names or addresses will be provided upon request to adopted adults age 18 or older. Parents who have surrendered may receive identifying information if the adopted adult is 18 or older and has made a written request for the disclosure of the information.

Providing Information: Adopted adults age 18 or older or parents who have surrendered may submit a change of name or address to be attached to the original birth certificate.

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate: Birth certificates are available upon request to adopted adults 18 years or older.

Alaska Vital Records Contact Information

Bureau of Vital Statistics
Dept of Health and Social Services
5441 Commercial Blvd.
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-3391
Fax: (907) 465-3618

Alaska Birth Certificate Request

Click here to obtain Alaskas birth certificate request form

For additional information on obtaining Alaska Vital Records, please contact the Records Processing Unit in Juneau at (907) 465-3391

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2001-01-20T21:51:00.002-05:00

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2001-01-20T20:49:00.001-05:00