State laws on accessing adoption records vary, but adoption records are usually sealed and kept from the public after the adoption is finalized. Most states allow the release of some non-identifying information to some of the parties involved in the adoption, while other states allow release of identifying details under certain circumstances.
Who can get adoption information
Adoptees over age 18 or 21 and their adoptive parents or guardians can usually get non-identifying information such as the adoptee's birth date and location, the child's health at the time, and the birth parents' ages, health, and appearance at the time of the adoption. Information may also be released about the birth parents' education and jobs at the time, the reason they relinquished the child for adoption, and whether the birth parents had other children.
Some states allow birth parents or birth siblings to see non-identifying information. Some states also allow adoptive parents to get health information from birth parents through a state agency in cases of medical need.
In some states the person seeking adoption information must first register with a state adoption registry. In other states, you may need to get an attorney and ask a court's permission for the release of any adoption information. You will have to present a compelling reason why your need for the information should override the confidentiality promised to the person whose information you seek.
Where to find adoption records
Adoption records are kept on file in the state where the adoption took place. If the adoption took place through an independent adoption agency, contact that agency for adoption records. If the adoption took place through a state child-welfare agency, contact that agency. In either case, you will likely be asked to submit a written request with personal details that prove you have a right to the information. Depending on your state, you may also be able to get information through state records departments.
Getting identifying information
Identifying information includes any details about the adoption that would allow you to positively identify an adopted person, birth parent, or other birth relatives. Examples of identifying information include the person's current name, address, or other contact information.
In nearly all states, you can get identifying information for a person who has agreed the information can be released. Some states ask birth parents at the time of the adoption for consent to release their information, and the state may have this consent on file.
Some states use confidential intermediaries to facilitate the release of adoption information. Without revealing any personal information to any parties involved, the intermediary will contact the birth parent, adoptee, or other family members and request that they release their identifying information.
Using registries to get adoption information
Another avenue for getting adoption information is to participate in a registry. You leave your information with the registry and give permission for its release in hopes that the adoption participant you are trying to reach also contacts that registry. Many states maintain registries, and there are also national and international registries run by various adoption organizations.
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