Legislation

OBC furnished to adult adoptees over the age of 18 adopted on or before 7/1/1967.  For a person adopted between 7/1/1967 and 9/30/1997, the department shall furnish a copy of the OBC upon a court order; adoptees adopted on or after 10/1/1997, a copy of the OBC will be furnished upon the written request of an adult adoptee unless the birth parent has requested in writing that the OBC not be automatically released, or by a court order. The department may release a copy of the adoptee's OBC if release of this document is required to assist an adoptee to become enrolled in or a member of an Indian Tribe.

Access to Adoption Records

To better understand this issue and to view it across States, see the Access to Adoption Records: Summary of State Laws (PDF - 463 KB) publication.

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 45a-746

Nonidentifying information is available to the following persons:

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

Identifying information may be accessed by:

• The adopted adult
• Any birth parent of the adopted adult, including any person claiming to be the father who was not a party to the proceedings for the termination of parental rights
• Any adult birth sibling of the adult adopted person
• If the adopted person is deceased, any adult descendants, including legally adopted descendants

Access to Nonidentifying Information
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
• The existence of any other children born to either parent
• Health history of the birth parents and blood relatives
• The reasons for placing the child for adoption
• The religion of the birth parents
• Any other relevant nonidentifying information

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
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 be seriously disruptive to or endanger the physical or emotional health of the applicant or the person whose identity is being requested.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
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 adopted person was adopted or born. The court will determine that the examination or issuance of a copy of the birth certificate of the adopted person by the adopting parents or the adopted person, if over 18 years of age, or by any other person will not be detrimental to the public interest or to the welfare of the adopted person or the birth or adoptive parents.

Where the Information Can Be Located

• The department and each child-placing agency involved in the adoption shall maintain registries.
• Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Office of Foster and Adoption Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 924

Family information may be available to the following persons:

• The adopted person who is age 21 or older
• All other parties to an adoption

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 924

The department or agency may release nonidentifying information in its records to the parties to the adoption.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, §§ 924; 929; 962

Identifying information shall not be released except by order of the court or with the consent of all parties when it is deemed by the agency to be in the adopted person’s best interest. In cases where the adopted person'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 adopted person, 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 the 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 adopted person 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 adopted person.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 923

The adopted person 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.

Where the Information Can Be Located

• Delaware Adoption Registry
• The agency involved in the adoption

Who May Access Information

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Access to Nonidentifying Information

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 16-311

All records are sealed and may not be inspected except upon order of the court, and then only if the welfare of the child is promoted.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 16-314

The original birth certificate is a sealed record that cannot be opened without order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

The Child and Family Services Agency or the agency involved in the adoption

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 63.162; 63.165

Information may be available to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parents
• The adoptive parents
• Birth siblings
• Maternal and paternal birth grandparents

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162

All nonidentifying information, including the family medical history and social history of the adopted person and the birth parents, when available, must be furnished to the adoptive parents before the adoption becomes final and to the adopted person, upon the adopted person'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.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162

Identifying information about a birth parent, an adoptive parent, or an adopted person may not be disclosed unless the respective party has authorized in writing the release of such information. If the adopted person is less than 18 years old, written consent must be obtained from an adoptive parent.

The department shall maintain a registry with the last known names and addresses of an adopted person, 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 adopted person, 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 adopted person 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.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Florida Adoption Reunion Registry (F.A.R.R.)

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 19-8-23

Information may be accessed by:

• The adult adopted person
• The birth parents
• Adult birth siblings
• The child of the adopted person, if the adopted person is deceased
• The adoptive parents

The adoptive parents may access only nonidentifying information.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 19-8-23

Upon the written request of an adopted person age 18 or older or an adoptive parent on behalf of an adopted person, nonidentifying information shall be released regarding the birth parents and the adopted person's birth, including the date and place of the adopted person's birth and the genetic, social, and health history of the birth parents.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 19-8-23

Upon written request of an adopted person age 21 or older, the name of the birth parents shall be released if the birth parent has submitted an unrevoked written consent. If a birth parent has not filed an unrevoked written consent, the department shall, within 6 months of receipt of the written request, make a diligent effort to notify each birth parent, by personal and confidential contact, that a request for information has been made. The birth parent may then file an affidavit consenting or objecting to disclosure.

The adopted person also may petition the court to seek the release of information. The court shall grant the petition if it finds that failure to release the identity of each parent would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the adopted person.

Birth parents and adult birth siblings may also access information about an adopted person using the same procedure. If the adopted person is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching age 21, may seek the name and other identifying information concerning his or her grandparents in the same manner as the deceased adopted person and subject to the same procedures.

The Office of Adoptions within the department shall maintain a registry for the recording of requests by adopted persons for the name of any birth parent, the written consent or the written objections of any birth parent to the release of that parent's identity to an adopted person, and for nonidentifying information regarding any birth parent.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 31-10-14

[Effective until July 1, 2006]

The original birth certificate is accessible only by order of the court or as provided by statute.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 578-14.5; 578-15

Health information may be provided to:

• The adult adopted person
• The adoptive parent
• The adopted minor’s guardian or custodian

Adoption records may be accessed by:

• The adult adopted person
• The adoptive parents
• The birth parents

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 578-14.5; 578-15

The department of health shall prepare a standard medical information form to obtain medical information on the birth parents of the adopted minor child. 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 adopted person, or the adoptive parent, guardian, or custodian on behalf of a minor adopted child, 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 Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 578-15

An adopted person 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 adopted person may submit an affidavit person consenting to the inspection of records by the birth parents.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 578-14; 578-15; 338-20

If a new birth certificate is issued, 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.

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

Where the Information Can Be Located

Family Court Central Registry - Honolulu, Hi

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 39-259A

Identifying information may be made available to:

• The adult adopted person
• The birth parents
• Adult birth siblings

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 16-1506

A copy of all medical and genetic information compiled as part of the adoption investigation shall be 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 Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 39-259A

The State registrar of vital statistics shall establish and maintain a confidential list of qualified adult adopted persons, 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 adopted person 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 other birth parent is unable to be located by the department of health and welfare or by a licensed child-placing agency after a search.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 39-258

The 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.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Voluntary Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 750 § 50/18.1; 50/18.4

The following persons may apply to the Illinois Adoption Registry:

• Either birth parent
• If the birth parent is deceased, the adopted person’s adult birth sibling or a birth aunt or birth uncle
• Any adult adopted person or any adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted person under age 21
• If the adopted person is deceased, any surviving spouse or adult child
• Any adoptive parent or legal guardian of a deceased adopted adult

Nonidentifying information may be provided to the adoptive parents, the adopted person, or legal guardian who is a registrant of the Illinois Adoption Registry.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 750 § 50/18.4

The adoptive parents shall receive in writing the following nonidentifying information, if known, not later than the date of placement of the child:

• The birth parent's age
• The birth parent’s race, religion, and ethnic background
• The general physical appearance of the birth parents
• The birth parent’s education, occupation, hobbies, interests, and talents
• The existence of any other children born to the birth parents
• Information about birth grandparents, their reason for emigrating into the United States, if applicable, and country of origin
• The relationship between the birth parents
• Detailed medical and mental health histories of the child, the birth parents, and their immediate relatives
• The actual date and place of birth of the adopted person

No information provided under this subsection shall disclose the name or last known address of the birth parents, grandparents, the siblings of the birth parents, the adopted person, or any other relative of the adopted person.

Any adopted person 18 years of age or over shall be given the information listed above upon request.

The Illinois Adoption Registry shall release any nonidentifying information above that appears on the certified copy of the original birth certificate or the Certificate of Adoption to an adopted person, adoptive parent, or legal guardian who is a registrant of the Illinois Adoption Registry.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 750 §§ 50/18.1; 50/18.3(a)

The Department of Public Health shall establish and maintain a Registry for the purpose of providing identifying information to mutually consenting members of birth and adoptive families. Identifying information shall mean one or more of the following:

• The name and last known address of the consenting person
• A copy of the Illinois Adoption Registry Application of the consenting person
• A copy of the original birth certificate of the adopted person

Each registrant may indicate whether exchange of information is authorized or denied. Written authorization from all parties must be received prior to disclosure of any identifying information. If information is disclosed, the department shall redact it to remove any identifying information about any party who has not consented to the disclosure of identifying information. Any other disclosure of information requires a court order.

Any adult adopted person, adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted minor, or birth parent of an adopted adult may petition the court for appointment of a confidential intermediary for the purpose of exchanging medical information, obtaining identifying information, or arranging contact with one or more mutually consenting birth relatives.

Beginning 1-1-2006, any adult adopted person, adoptive parent or legal guardian of a minor adopted person, any birth parent, sibling, aunt, or uncle of an adult adopted person, or any surviving child, adoptive parent, or surviving spouse of a deceased adopted person who wishes to petition the court for the appointment of a confidential intermediary shall be required to accompany their petition with proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Comp. Stat. Ch. 750 § 50/18.05; Ch. 410 § 535/17

For adoptions finalized after 1-1-2000, a copy of the original birth certificate is provided through the adoption registry.

For adoptions finalized prior to 1-1-2000, the original birth certificate is available only upon a court order or as provided by regulation.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Illinois Adoption Registry, Illinois Department of Public Health

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 31-19-18-2

The following persons may transmit identifying information and nonidentifying information to the State registrar for inclusion with the adoption history:

• The adopted person who is age 21 or older
• The birth parent or sibling
• The adoptive parent
• The spouse or relative of a deceased adopted person
• The spouse or relative of a deceased birth parent

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 31-19-17-3; 31-19-17-5

The person, licensed child-placing agency, or county office of family and children shall release all available social, medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the child to:

• The adoptive parent
• Upon request, the adopted person who is at least 21 years old

The report shall exclude information that would identify the birth parents.

For an adoption that was granted before 7-1-1993: Upon the request of an adopted person who is at least 21 years of age, the licensed child-placing agency or a county office shall provide to the adopted person available information of social, medical, psychological, and educational records and reports. Information that would identify the birth parents shall be excluded from the report.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
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

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

For adoptions after 12-31-1993: Identifying information shall be released to the adult adopted person 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 adopted person who is at least 21 years old or a preadoptive sibling who is at least 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 adopted person 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 less than 21 years old. If the sibling is at least 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 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 adopted person who is under 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.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 31-19-13-2

The 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.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Indiana Adoption History Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 144.43A

The following persons may register with the mutual consent voluntary adoption registry:

• The adult adopted person
• An adult sibling
• The birth parents

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 600.16

Any information compiled relating to medical history, medical and developmental histories, and social history of the person to be adopted shall be made available at any time by the clerk of court, the department, or any agency that made the placement to:

• The adopting parents
• The adopted person who is age 21 or older
• Any person approved by the department if the person uses this information solely for the purposes of conducting a legitimate medical research project or of treating a patient in a medical facility
• A descendant of an adopted person

The identity of the adopted person's birth parents shall not be disclosed.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 144.43A

If all of the following conditions are met, the State registrar shall reveal the identity of the birth parent to the adult adopted child or the identity of the adult adopted child to the birth parent, shall notify the parties that the requests have been matched, and shall disclose the identifying information to those parties:

• A birth parent has filed a request and provided consent to the disclosure of his or her identity to the adult adopted child, upon request of the adult adopted child.
• An adult adopted child has filed a request and provided consent to the disclosure of his or her identity to a birth parent, upon request of the birth parent.
• The State registrar has been provided sufficient information to make the requested match.

If the adult adopted person has a sibling who is a minor and who has also been adopted, the request will be denied.

If the following conditions are met, the State registrar shall reveal the identity of the adult adopted child to an adult sibling:

• An adult adopted child has filed a request and provided consent to the disclosure of his or her identity to an adult sibling.
• The adult sibling has filed a request and provided consent to the revelation of his or her identity to the adult adopted child.
• The State registrar has been provided with sufficient information to make the requested match.

A person who has filed a request or provided consent may withdraw the consent at any time prior to the release of any information by filing a written withdrawal of consent statement with the Sate registrar. The adult adopted person, adult sibling, and birth parent shall notify the State registrar of any change in the information contained in a filed request or consent.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 144.24

The original birth certificate may not be inspected except under order of a court. The State registrar shall, upon the application of an adult adopted person, a birth parent, an adoptive parent, or the legal representative of the any of the former, inspect the original birth certificate and reveal to the applicant the date of the adoption and the name and address of the court that issued the adoption decree.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Iowa Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 59-2122

The files and records of the court in adoption proceedings shall not be open to inspection or copy by persons other than the parties in interest and their attorneys, and representatives of the State department of social and rehabilitation services, except upon an order of the court expressly permitting the same. As used in this section, ''parties in interest'' shall not include birth parents once a decree of adoption is entered.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 59-2122

The department of social and rehabilitation services may contact the adoptive parents of the minor child or the adopted adult at the request of the birth parents in the event of a health or medical need. The department of social and rehabilitation services may contact the adopted adult at the request of the birth parents for any reason.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 59-2122

Identifying information shall not be shared with the birth parents without the permission of the adoptive parents of the minor child or the adopted adult.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 65-2423

The original birth certificate is a sealed document that may be opened by the State registrar only upon the demand of the adult adopted person or by an order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Department of Children and Family Services, Post Adoption Search and Records

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 199.520; 199.572; 199.575

Nonidentifying information may be provided to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The adoptive parents

Identifying information is accessible to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• A birth sibling who is age 18 or older
• A birth parent

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 199.520

The health history and other nonidentifying background information of the birth parents and blood relatives of the adopted person shall be given to the adoptive parents and the court not later than the date of finalization of the adoption proceedings.

The information shall be made available upon the request, in person or in writing, of the adult adopted person. The information shall not be made available if it is of a nature that would tend to identify the birth parents of the adopted person, except as provided in §§ 199.570 and 199.572.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 199.572; 199.575

If the birth parents have given consent, the adult adopted person may inspect the records pertaining to his or her adoption proceedings upon written request. If the birth parents have not given consent, the cabinet may notify the birth parents that the adult adopted person has made a request for information. The notification shall be by personal and confidential contact, without disclosing the identity of the adult adopted person.

If after a diligent effort, the secretary of the cabinet certifies that both birth parents identified in the original birth certificate are deceased or the secretary is unable to locate the parents, then a judge may order that all adoption records shall be open for inspection to the adult adopted person. In any case, the court shall order that only identifying information about the birth parents be shared with the adult adopted person.

In situations where a preadoptive brother or sister relationship existed, and one or more of these siblings was then adopted, the following procedures shall be followed on an inquiry by one or more of the siblings to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services seeking information about his brother or sister:

• In all cases, an adopted person age 21 years or older or a preadoptive sibling age 21 or older may file information about himself or herself, his or her present location, and his or her known antecedents with the cabinet, stating his or her interest in being reunited with his or her preadoptive siblings and authorizing the cabinet to release such information to any preadoptive siblings who may make similar inquiry.
• In any case in which a person age 21 or older requests information about or expresses a desire in being reunited with a preadoptive sibling, the cabinet shall first determine whether the sibling has made similar inquiry. If the sibling has previously authorized release of information, the cabinet shall release the information to the sibling making inquiry.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 199.570

The original birth certificate is available only upon court order.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Department for Community Based Services, Cabinet for Families and Children

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ch. Code Art. 1126; 1270

The voluntary adoption registry may be used by:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parents
• The birth siblings who are age 18 or older

Nonidentifying information shall be provided to:

• The adoptive parents
• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parents

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ch. Code Art. 1126; 1127; 1127.1

The agency or person to whom surrender is made shall have the duty to make a good faith effort to obtain a statement of family history, containing nonidentifying medical and genetic information. The statement is to be delivered to the adopting parents at the time of placement.

The information shall be disclosed upon request to the adopted person at the age of 18, if the information was not previously disclosed.

Any child surrendered to an agency or a surrendering birth parent may, upon written request to an agency, obtain nonidentifying medical or genetic information from the agency without the necessity of filing a petition for disclosure from the agency.

After adoptive placement of the child, the agency or person to whom a surrender is made shall have a continuing duty to maintain these records and supplement them if additional nonidentifying medical or genetic information is received about the adopted child or a birth parent.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ch. Code Art. 1270

The department shall maintain a voluntary registry for the matching of adopted persons and birth parents or siblings, or both. The purpose of this registry shall be to facilitate voluntary contact between the adopted person and the birth parents or siblings, or both.

The use of the registry shall be limited to the adopted person who is at least 18 years of age, the birth mother, the birth father, and any birth sibling who is at least 18 years of age. No registration by an adopted person shall be permitted until all birth siblings who were adopted by the same adoptive parents have reached age 18.

The registry shall not release any information from adoption records in violation of the privacy or confidentiality rights of a birth parent who has not authorized the release of any information.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 40:73

The original birth certificate is available:

• Upon court order to the adopted person, or if deceased, the adopted person’s descendants, or the adoptive parent
• To the agency that was a party to the adoption upon court order after a showing of compelling reasons

Where the Information Can Be Located

Louisiana Voluntary Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 2706-A; Tit. 18-A, § 9-310

The following persons may participate in the adoption registry:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• An adoptive parent or legal guardian if the adopted person is under age 18 or deceased
• A birth parent
• A birth sibling or half-sibling who is age 18 or older
• If a birth parent is deceased, a birth mother, legal father, grandparent, sibling, half-sibling, aunt, uncle, or first cousin of the deceased birth parent

Medical or genetic information shall be made available to:

• The adopted child upon reaching the age 18
• The adopted child's descendants
• The adoptive parents or the child's legal guardian on petition of the court

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. Tit. 18-A, § 9-310; Tit. 22, § 8205

The licensed child-placing agency shall obtain medical and genetic information on the birth parents and the child, that shall include:

• A current medical, psychological, and developmental history of the child, including an account of the child's prenatal care, medical condition at birth, results of newborn screening, any drug or medication taken by the child's birth mother during pregnancy
• Any subsequent medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination
• Any physical, sexual, or emotional abuse suffered by the child
• A record of any immunizations and health care received since birth
• Relevant information concerning the medical, psychological, and social history of the birth parents

Prior to the child being placed for adoption, the licensed child-placing agency shall provide the information described above to the adoptive parents.

Any medical or genetic information in the court records relating to an adoption must be made available to the adopted child upon reaching the age 18 and to the adopted child's descendants, adoptive parents, or legal guardian on petition of the court.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 2706-A; 2766

The State registrar shall maintain a file of the names and addresses of adopted persons and their adoptive and birth parents who have registered with the registry. At the time of registration, each registrant shall indicate with which persons contact is desired. A registrant may withdraw from the adoption registry at any time by submitting a written request to the State registrar.

The State registrar shall require each person registering or requesting contact to provide certification of his or her identity and relationship to the person with whom contact is desired and any additional information that is necessary to ensure accurate identification of the registrant and assist in identifying the other party.

When the State registrar has requests for contact from a person specified above and another person that are related to the same adoption and both persons indicated that contact with the other person was desired, the State registrar shall notify each party of the name and address of the other party and of sources of counseling.

A person age 18 or older, born and adopted in this State, may apply to the State registrar for a statement identifying his or her birth parents. The adopted person shall submit to the State registrar proof that the birth parents are deceased, an affidavit from a blood relative who is not a sibling and who is at least 10 years older than the adopted person, verifying that the adopted person lived with the birth parents for 5 years, and an order from the court authorizing the State registrar to open the original birth certificate to verify the identity of the birth parents.

Upon verification of the information, the State registrar shall prepare a form identifying the birth parents of the adopted person. This form must be attached to the new birth certificate and an abstract of birth issued by the Office of Health Data and Program Management, and must be provided to the adopted person.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 2765

Legislation was enacted on January 1, 2009, allowing adults to get their original birth certificates.

Statistics reflect findings in other access states.

• No harm done to any party

• Few birth parents state a preference for no contact

• Fulfillment has no fiscal note for the state and the process of fulfillment has gone smoothly.

Three months past enactment in Maine, 542 requests for original birth certificates have been received of which 24 birth parents (23 birth mothers and 1 birth father) completed Contact Preference forms. Fourteen birth mothers requested contact, 8 requested no contact; one expressed no preference, and one submitted a medical history form only
without the contact preference form.

please visit: www.obcforme.org

Where the Information Can Be Located

Maine State Adoption Reunion Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Fam. Law §§ 5-4C-05; 5-356; 5-357

Only the following persons may register with the adoption registry for exchange of identifying information:

• Birth parents and siblings
• An adopted person, age 21 or older, who does not have a birth sibling under the age of 21 with the same adoptive parents
  Most adoption records are open prior to 6/1/1947

Nonidentifying and medical information shall be available to:

• The adoptive parents
• The adopted person
• The birth parents

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Fam. Law §§ 5-329; 5-356; 5-357; 5-358

A local department shall make reasonable efforts to compile and make available to a prospective adoptive parent a comprehensive medical and mental health history of the prospective adoptive child. On request of an adoptive parent, a local department shall make reasonable efforts to compile a pertinent medical and mental health history of each of the adoptive child’s birth parents, if available to the local department, and to make the history available to the adoptive parent. A medical or mental health history may not contain identifying information about a parent or former parent.

On request of an adopted person, adoptive parent, or birth parent, a local department shall provide information in its adoption record on the adopted person. The records that are accessed may not contain any identifying information.

If, after a hearing on a petition of an adopted person or birth parent, a court is satisfied that the adopted person, a blood relative of the adopted person, or a birth parent urgently needs medical information not in department and court records, the court may appoint an intermediary to try to contact the adopted person or a birth parent for the information.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Fam. Law §§ 5-4C-06; 5-4C-07

To register with the Registry, an individual shall submit a notarized affidavit containing identifying information, including the individual's current name, any previous name by which the individual was known, address, and telephone number. A registrant may withdraw at any time by submitting an affidavit.

On receipt of an affidavit, the administration shall:

• Attempt to match registrants or to provide matching information
• If a match is made, direct the child-placing agency or the local department to notify the registrants through a confidential contact

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Fam. Law §§ 5-359; 5-3A-42; 5-3B-29

For adoptions finalized on or after 1-1-2000:

• An adopted person who is at least 21 years old may apply to the Secretary for a copy of his or her original birth certificate.
• If an adopted person is at least 21 years old, a birth parent may apply to the Secretary for a copy of the adopted person's original birth certificate.

A birth parent may file with the Director a disclosure veto to bar disclosure of information about that parent in an accessible record. The birth parent may also cancel a disclosure veto and refile a disclosure veto at any time.

An adult adopted person may file a disclosure veto to bar disclosure of information about him or her in an accessible record. The adopted person may also cancel a disclosure veto and refile a disclosure veto at any time.

Except as provided below, the Secretary shall give to each applicant who meets the requirements of this section a copy of each record that the applicant requested and that the Secretary has on file.

Whenever a birth parent applies for a record, the Secretary shall redact from the copy all information as to:

• The other birth parent if that parent has filed a disclosure veto
• The adopted person and each adoptive parent if the adopted person has filed a disclosure veto

Whenever an adopted person applies for a record, the Secretary shall redact from the copy all information as to the birth parent if that parent has filed a disclosure veto.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Maryland Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry, Social Services Administration

Who May Access Information
Citation: Comp. Laws § 710.68

Nonidentifying information may be provided to:

• The adult adopted person
• The adoptive parents
• Birth parents and adult birth siblings

Identifying information may accessed by any of the persons listed above except for the adoptive parents.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Comp. Laws § 710.68; 710.27

Within 63 days of a written request, the following information must be provided:

• The date and place of the child’s birth
• The health and genetic history of the child, including prenatal care, condition at birth, and any drug taken by the child's mother during pregnancy
• Any subsequent medical, psychological, psychiatric, or dental examination done when the child was under the jurisdiction of the court
• Any neglect or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse suffered by the child
• A record of any immunizations and health care the child received while in foster care
• The health and genetic history of the child's birth parents and other members of the child's family
• The findings of any medical, psychological, or psychiatric evaluation of each parent at the time of placement
• If a parent is deceased, the cause of and the age at death
• A description of the child and the child's family of origin, including:
  • The first name of the child at birth
  • The age and sex of birth siblings
  • The child's educational background and any special educational needs
  • The child's racial, ethnic, and religious background
  • A general description of the child's parents
• The child's past and existing relationship with any relative, foster parent, or other individual or facility
• The levels of educational, occupational, professional, athletic, or artistic achievement of the child's family
• Hobbies, special interests, and school activities of the child's family
• The circumstances of any order terminating the parental rights of a parent for abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other mistreatment of the child
• Length of time between the termination of parental rights and adoptive placement and whether the termination was voluntary or court-ordered
• Any information necessary to determine the child's eligibility for State or Federal benefits, including financial, medical, or other assistance

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Comp. Laws § 710.68

Within 63 days after a request for identifying information about an adult adopted person is received, a child-placing agency or the department shall provide in writing to the birth parent or adult birth sibling requesting the information the adult adopted person's most recent name and address if the adult adopted person has given written consent to release of the information. If written consent is not on file, a confidential intermediary may be used to locate the adult adopted person.

Upon a written request for identifying information from an adult adopted person, including a request for the name and address of an adult birth sibling, the agency or department shall submit a clearance request form to the central adoption registry. After receipt of a clearance reply form from the central adoption registry, the agency or department shall notify the adopted person in writing of the identifying information to which the adopted person is entitled, or, if the identifying information cannot be released, the reason why the information cannot be released.

For adoptions finalized between 5-28-1945 and 9-12-1980, identifying information shall be released to the adult adopted person on each birth parent who has consented to the release, or both birth parents if both have consented or one or both parents are deceased. For adoptions finalized before 5-28-1945 or after 9-12-1980, identifying information may be released to an adopted adult unless the birth parent has filed a statement currently in effect with the central adoption registry denying consent to have identifying information released.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Comp. Laws § 333.2882

A copy of the original birth certificate may be provided to the adult adopted person upon request when accompanied by a copy of a central adoption registry clearance reply form, or by court order.

Where the Information Can Be Located

• Central Adoption Registry
• Michigan Confidential Intermediary Program

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 259.83; 259.89

Nonidentifying information may be provided to:

• The adopted person who is age 19 or older
• The adoptive parent

Identifying information may be provided to:

• The adopted person who is age 19 or older
• The birth parents
• Birth siblings if the birth parents give consent

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 259.83

For adoptions finalized on or after 8-1-1994, the adopted person, if age 19 years or older, or the adoptive parent may receive the detailed medical and social history that was provided at the time of the adoption. In addition, the adult adopted person or the adoptive parent may request the agency to contact the birth parents to request current nonidentifying social and medical history of the adopted person's birth family.

When the agency receives information about a medical or genetic condition that has affected or may affect the physical or mental health of genetically related persons, the agency shall make a diligent effort to contact those persons in order to transmit the health information.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 259.83; 259.89

Agencies shall provide assistance and counseling services upon receiving a request for current information from adoptive parents, birth parents, or adopted persons aged 19 years and over. The agency shall contact the other adult persons or the adoptive parents of a minor child in a personal and confidential manner to determine whether there is a desire to share information or to have contact. The agency shall provide services to adult birth siblings if there is no known violation of the confidentiality of a birth parent or if the birth parent gives written consent.

In adoptive placements made on and after 8-1-1982, the agency shall obtain from the birth parents an affidavit attesting to the following:

• The birth parent has been informed of the right of the adopted person at age 19 to request from the agency the name, last known address, birth date, and birthplace of the birth parents named on the original birth record.
• Each birth parent may file an affidavit objecting to the release of information about that birth parent, and that parent only, to the adopted person.
• If the birth parent does not file an affidavit objecting to release of information before the adopted person reaches age 19, the information will be released upon request.
• Notwithstanding the filing of an affidavit, the adopted person may petition the court for release of identifying information about a birth parent.
• The birth parent shall then have the opportunity to present evidence to the court that nondisclosure of identifying information is of greater benefit to the birth parent than disclosure to the adopted person.
• Any objection filed by the birth parent shall become invalid when withdrawn by the birth parent or when the birth parent dies.

Upon receipt of a death record for the birth parent, the agency shall release the identifying information to the adopted person if requested.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 259.89

If the person was adopted prior to 8-1-1977, unless the birth parent has filed an affidavit for nondisclosure, the person may petition the court for disclosure of the original birth record, and the court shall grant the petition if, after consideration of the interests of all known persons involved, the court determines that disclosure of the information would be of greater benefit than nondisclosure.

If the person was adopted on or after 8-1-1977, the commissioner of health shall release the requested information to the adopted person if there is no affidavit for nondisclosure on file.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Adoption Archive, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 93-17-207

Nonidentifying information may be provided to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The adoptive parent
• The legal guardian or custodian of an adopted person
• The offspring or birth sibling of an adopted person if the requester is age 18 or older

Identifying information is available to the adopted person who is age 21 or older.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 93-17-205; 93-17-207; 93-17-209

The bureau shall maintain a centralized adoption records file for all adoptions performed in this State after 7-1-2005 that shall include the following information:

• The medical and social history of the birth parents, including information regarding genetically inheritable diseases or illnesses and any similar information about the adopted person's grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters
• A report of any medical examination that either birth parent had within 1 year before the date of the petition for adoption, if available
• A report describing the adopted person's prenatal care and medical condition at birth, if available
• The medical and social history of the adopted person, including information regarding genetically-inheritable diseases or illnesses, and any other relevant medical, social, and genetic information

Any birth parent may file with the bureau at any time any relevant supplemental nonidentifying information about the adopted person or the birth parents, and the bureau shall maintain this information in the centralized adoption records file.

Nonidentifying information shall be released for a reasonable fee to any qualified person listed above. If the information is not on file, the adopted person may request the bureau to locate the birth parent and obtain the information.

If an agency receives a report from a physician that a birth parent or another child of the birth parent may have a genetically transferable disease or illness, the agency shall notify the adopted person of the existence of the disease or illness if he or she is age 21 or older, or the adopted person’s guardian, custodian, or adoptive parent if he or she is under age 21. If an agency receives a report from a physician that an adopted person may have a genetically transferable disease or illness, the agency shall notify the adopted person's birth parent of the existence of the disease or illness.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 93-17-205; 93-17-215; 93-17-217; 93-17-219

The bureau shall maintain as part of the centralized adoption records file the following:

• The name, date of birth, social security number (both original and revised, where applicable), and birth certificate (both original and revised) of the adopted person
• The names, current addresses, and social security numbers of the adopted person's birth parents, guardian, and legal custodian
• Any other available information about the birth parent's identity and location

The birth parent may file with the bureau at any time an affidavit authorizing the bureau to provide the adopted person with his or her original birth certificate and with any other available information about the birth parent's identity and location, or an affidavit expressly prohibiting the bureau from releasing any information about his or her identity and location, and prohibiting any licensed adoption agency from conducting a search for such birth parent. An affidavit filed under this section may be revoked at any time by written notification to the bureau.

An adopted person age 21 or older may request identifying information regarding either birth parent, unless that birth parent has executed an affidavit prohibiting the release of such information. The adopted person must submit to counseling in connection with any release.

If an affidavit is not on file, the adopted person may request the agency to undertake a search for the birth parent who has not filed an affidavit.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 93-17-21; 93-17-205

The original birth certificate shall not be a public record and shall not be divulged except upon the order of the court or pursuant to §§ 93-17-201 through 93-17-223.

The birth parent may file with the bureau at any time an affidavit authorizing the bureau to provide the adopted person with his or her original birth certificate, or an affidavit expressly prohibiting the release of any information. The affidavit may be revoked at any time by written notification to the bureau.

Where the Information Can Be Located

• The Bureau of Vital Records, Mississippi State Board of Health
• Licensed adoption agency

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 453.121

Nonidentifying information is available to:

• The adoptive parents
• The child's legal guardians
• The adult adopted person

Identifying information is available to the adopted adult.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 453.121

Nonidentifying information, if known, concerning undisclosed birth parents or siblings shall be provided upon written request. Nonidentifying information can include the physical description, nationality, religious background, and medical history of the birth parents or siblings.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 453.121

An adopted adult may make a written request for information identifying his or her birth parents. If the birth parents have consented to the release of identifying information, the court shall disclose the information. If the birth parents have not consented, the court shall notify in writing, within 10 days of receipt of the request, the adoptive parents and the child-placing agency or court personnel having access to the information. For adoptions completed prior to 8-13-1986, the adoptive parents must consent to contacting the birth parents unless there is proof that the adoptive parents are deceased or incapacitated.

If the agency or court is unable to notify the birth parent within 3 months, the identifying information shall not be disclosed to the adopted adult. If an affidavit executed by a birth parent authorizing the release of information is filed with the court, the court shall disclose the identifying information.

An adopted adult may request identifying information about an adult sibling when such information is necessary for urgent health-related purposes. Identifying information pertaining exclusively to the adult sibling shall be released only upon consent of that adult sibling.

The department shall maintain a registry for birth parents, adult siblings, and adoptive adults to indicate their desire to be contacted by each other. At the time of registration, a birth parent or adult sibling may consent in writing to the release of identifying information to an adopted adult. If such consent has not been executed and the division believes that a match has occurred, the division shall make confidential contact with the birth parents or adult siblings and with the adopted adult. The birth parent, adult sibling, or adopted adult may refuse to go forward with any further contact between the parties when contacted by the division.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 193.125

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Missouri Division of Family Services, Adoption Information Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 42-6-102

Information may be provided to:

• The adult adopted person
• The adoptive or birth parent
• An extended family member of an adopted person or birth parent
• A court-appointed confidential intermediary

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 42-6-102

Upon request, all nonidentifying information will be provided to a person listed above.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 42-6-102; 42-6-103; 42-6-104

The department may disclose identifying information:

• To a court-appointed confidential intermediary
• As needed to assist an adopted person to become enrolled in an Indian tribe
• To authorized personnel during a Federal Child and Family Services Review

Information may be disclosed to any person who consents in writing to the release of confidential information to other interested persons who have also consented. Identifying information pertaining to an adoption involving an adopted person who is still a child may not be disclosed based upon a consensual exchange of information unless the adopted person's adoptive parent consents in writing.

An adult adopted person, an adoptive or birth parent, or an adult extended family member may petition the court for disclosure of identifying information regarding the adopted person, a birth child, a birth parent, or an extended family member.

After a petition has been filed, the court shall appoint a confidential intermediary who shall conduct a confidential search for the person being sought. If the intermediary locates the person being sought, a confidential inquiry must be made as to whether the located person consents to having his or her present identity disclosed to the petitioner. If the person being sought does not consent, identifying information regarding that person may be disclosed only upon order of the court for good cause shown. If the person being sought is found to be deceased, the court may order disclosure of identifying information to the petitioner.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 42-6-109

For a person adopted on or before 7-1-1967, the department shall furnish a copy of the original birth certificate upon the written request.

For a person adopted between 7-1-1967 and 9-30-1997, the department shall furnish a copy of the original birth certificate upon a court order.

For a person adopted on or after 10-1-1997, the department shall furnish a copy of the original birth certificate upon the written request of an adopted person who is age 18 or older unless the birth parent has requested in writing that the original birth certificate not be automatically released, or by a court order.

For a person adopted on or after 10-1-1997, upon the request of an adoptive parent or an adopted person who is age 18 or older, the department shall issue a certificate of adoption that states the date and place of adoption, the date of birth of the adopted person, the name of each adoptive parent, and the name of the adopted person as provided in the decree.

A birth parent may request in writing to the vital statistics bureau that the birth certificate for an adopted person not be released without a court order.

The department may release a copy of the adopted person's original birth certificate if release of this document is required to assist an adopted person to become enrolled in or a member of an Indian tribe.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Office of Vital Statistics, Department of Public Health and Human Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 43-128; 43-130; 43-146.02; 43-146-04

Medical history shall be provided to:

• The adoptive parents
• The adopted person

Identifying information is available to:

• For adoptions finalized prior to 9-1-1998, an adopted person who is age 25 or older
• For adoptions finalized on or after 9-1-1998, an adopted person who is age 21 or older

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 43-128; 43-146.02

A child-placing agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, or a private agency handling the adoption shall maintain and shall provide to the adopting parents upon placement of the child and to the adopted person, upon his or her request, the available medical history of the person placed for adoption and of the birth parents. The medical history shall not include the names of the birth parents of the adopted person or any other identifying information.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 43-131; 43-146.05

For adoptions finalized prior to 9-1-1998: Upon a request for information, the department shall check the records of the adopted person to determine whether a consent form has been signed and filed by any relative and whether an unrevoked nonconsent form is on file from a birth parent or an adoptive parent.

If the consent form has been signed and filed and has not been revoked and if no nonconsent form has been filed by an adoptive parent, the department shall release the information to the adopted person.

If no consent forms have been filed, or if the consent form has been revoked, and if no nonconsent form has been filed, the following information shall be released to the adopted person:

• The name and address of the court that issued the adoption decree
• The name and address of any child-placing agency involved in the adoption
• The fact that an agency may assist the adopted person in searching for relatives

For adoptions finalized on or after 9-1-1998: Upon a request for information, the department shall check the records of the adopted person to determine whether an unrevoked nonconsent form is on file from a birth parent. If no nonconsent form has been filed, the following information shall be released to the adopted person:

• The name and address of the court that issued the adoption decree
• The name and address of any child-placing agency involved in the adoption
• The fact that an agency or the department may assist the adopted person in searching for relatives
• A copy of the person's original birth certificate
• A copy of the person's medical history and any medical records on file

If an unrevoked nonconsent form has been filed, no information may be released to the adopted person except a copy of the person's medical history if requested. The medical history shall not include the names of the birth parents or relatives of the adopted person or any other identifying information.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 43-130; 43-136; 43-143; 43-146.04

For adoptions finalized prior to 9-1-1998, an adopted person who is age 25 or older may file a written request for the original birth certificate. For adoptions finalized on or after 9-1-1998, an adopted person who is age 21 or older may request the original birth certificate. If a consent form has been signed and filed by both birth parents, or by the birth mother of a child born out of wedlock, and no nonconsent form has been filed, a copy of the adopted person's original birth certificate shall be provided to the adopted person.

For adoptions finalized prior to 7-20-2002, an adoptive parent or parents may at any time file a notice of nonconsent stating that at no time prior to his or her death or the death of both parents if each signed the form may any information on the adopted person's original birth certificate be released to such adopted person.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 127.007; 127.152

Information from the State register is available to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parents
• Persons related within the third degree to the adopted person

Medical and sociological information shall be provided to the adoptive parents.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 127.152

The agency that provides child welfare services or a licensed child-placing agency shall provide the adopting parents with a report that includes:

• A copy of any medical records of the child that are in the possession of the agency
• Any information about the medical and sociological history of the child and the birth parents and any behavioral, emotional, or psychological problems that the child may have
• Information regarding any subsidies, assistance, and other services that may be available to the child if it is determined that he or she has any special needs

The report must exclude any information that would lead to the identification of the birth parent.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 127.007

The division shall maintain the State register for adoptions to provide information to identify adults who were adopted and persons related to them within the third degree of consanguinity. The State register for adoptions consists of:

• Names and other information relating to persons who have released a child for adoption and who have submitted the information voluntarily to the division
• Names and other necessary information of persons who are 18 years of age or older who were adopted and who have submitted the information voluntarily to the division
• Names and other necessary information of persons who are related within the third degree of consanguinity to adopted persons and who have submitted the information voluntarily to the division

Any person whose name appears in the register may withdraw it by requesting in writing that it be withdrawn. The division shall immediately withdraw a name upon receiving the request and may not thereafter release any information to identify that person, including the information that such a name was ever in the register.

The division may release information about a person related within the third degree of consanguinity to an adopted person or about an adopted person to a person related within the third degree of consanguinity if the names and information about both persons are contained in the register and written consent for the release of such information is given by the birth parent.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 440.310

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Nevada Adoption Registry Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 170:B-23; 170:B-24

Nonidentifying information is available to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parents
• The adoptive parents

Identifying information is available to:

• The adopted person
• The birth parents
• Blood relatives

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. §§ 170:B-23; 170:B-24

The department or the licensed child-placing agency may share with the adoptive parents all information it has available about the minor child being placed for adoption. The department or the licensed child-placing agency shall delete any information that would tend to identify a birth parent.

Requests for nonidentifying social or medical information may be made by an adopted person who is age 18 or older, a parent of an adopted person under the age of 18, or a birth parent.

When any person listed above submits a request for nonidentifying social or medical information, the department or agency shall disclose such information relating to the adopted person, the birth parents, or the blood relatives. The department or the agency shall delete any information from the health history or background that would tend to be identifying. Court approval is not required for information disclosed under this paragraph.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 170:B-24

If the parties mutually consent to the release of identifying information, it shall be released as provided in this paragraph. Only the following people may authorize the disclosure of identifying information about an adopted person, a birth parent, or a blood relative:

• An adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The adoptive parents of an adopted person under age 18
• A birth parent at the time of surrender or later

Any release may be revoked or amended at any time. The person signing the release or its revocation shall file a copy with the department or licensed child-placing agency. The department or licensed child-placing agency shall then file a copy of the release with the court that heard the adoption petition. Court approval is not required for release of identifying information when a release has been signed, and the person affirms his or her desire to be contacted.

Court approval shall be required if the parties do not agree, they cannot be contacted, or if the department or agency questions the safety of releasing information.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 170:B-23

access as of June, 2007 with original Birth Certificate now available to adoptees, 18 and older. New Hampshire

Where the Information Can Be Located

Division for Children, Youth, and Families

Release of OBC Effective January 1, 2017

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 9:3-41.1

http://www.state.nj.us/njfosteradopt/adoption/registry/


The adoptive parent may have access to nonidentifying information.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 9:3-41.1

Prior to placement, the adoptive parent will be provided with all available information relevant to the child's development, including:

• The child’s developmental and medical history
• The child’s personality and temperament
• The birth parent's complete medical histories, including conditions or diseases that are believed to be hereditary
• Any drugs or medications taken during pregnancy
• Any other conditions of the birth parent's health that may be a factor influencing the child's present or future health

Information that would identify or permit the identification of the birth parents of the child shall be excluded.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 9:3-52

All records of proceedings related to the adoption shall be filed under seal by the clerk of the court and shall at no time be open to inspection or copying unless the court, upon good cause shown, shall otherwise order.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 26:8-40.1

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

For public agency adoptions only:
New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, Adoption Registry Coordinator

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 32A-5-40

Information may be accessed by:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parent if the adopted person is age 18 or older
• The adoptive parent of an adopted person under age 18
• An adopted person's birth sibling
• A guardian
• An attorney for any party

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 32A-5-40

Unless the birth parent and the adopted person have consented to the release of their identities, inspection of records is limited to nonidentifying information. This includes:

• The health and medical histories of the birth parents and the adopted person
• General family background
• Physical descriptions
• The length of time the adopted person was in the care and custody of persons other than the adoptive parents

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 32A-5-40; 32A-5-41

At any time after the entry of the decree of adoption, a birth parent may file:

• Consent or refusal to be contacted
• Release of the birth parent's identity to the adult adopted person or to the adoptive parent of a minor adopted person
• Information regarding the birth parent's location or changes in background information

At any time, an adult adopted person may file information regarding his or her location and consent or refusal regarding opening of his or her adoption file to his or her birth parents.

If mutual authorizations for release of identifying information by the parties are not available, an adult adopted person, the birth parents, or the adoptive parents if the adopted person is a minor may file a motion with the court to obtain the release of identifying information for good cause shown. When hearing the motion, the court shall give primary consideration to the best interests of the adopted person, but shall also give due consideration to the interests of the members of the adopted person's birth and adoptive families. The court may assign a confidential intermediary to ascertain needed information.

An adopted person shall have the right to access information to enroll in his or her tribe of origin. If the department establishes that an adopted person is of Indian descent, the department shall:

• Provide the requester with the tribal affiliation of the adopted person's birth parents
• Submit to the tribe information necessary to establish tribal enrollment for the adopted person and to protect any rights flowing from the adopted person's tribal relationship
• Provide notice to the requester of the department's submission of information to the adopted person's tribe

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 24-14-17

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Who May Access Information
Citation: Pub. Health Law §§ 4138-c; 4138-d

The following persons may receive information:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parents
• A birth sibling who is age 18 or older
• The adoptive parents of an adopted person who is under age 18

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Pub. Health Law §§ 4138-c; 4138-d

The department shall operate an adoption information registry for the exchange of nonidentifying information between the persons listed above. Nonidentifying information shall only include the following information, if known, about the adopted person, birth parents, and birth siblings:

• The age of the parents in years at the time of the child’s birth
• The heritage of the parents, including nationality, ethnic background, race, and religion
• Education completed by the parents at the time of the child’s birth
• General physical appearance of the parents at the time of the child’s birth, including height, weight, color of hair, eyes, skin, and other information of similar nature
• The occupation of the parents
• The health history of the parents
• The talents, hobbies, and special interests of the parents
• The facts and circumstances relating to the adoption
• The existence of any known birth siblings

Upon acceptance of a registration, the department shall search registry records to determine whether the adopted person's adoption occurred within the State. If the adoption did occur within the State, the department shall request nonidentifying information from court records. If the department determines that the adoption did not occur within the State, it shall notify the registrant that no record exists of the adoption occurring within the State.

If an agency was involved in the adoption, nonidentifying information may be accessed by registering the mutual consent voluntary adoption registry maintained by the agency.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Pub. Health Law §§ 4138-c; 4138-d

The department shall operate an adoption information registry for the exchange of information between the persons listed above. Any person whose registration was accepted may withdraw the registration prior to the release of any identifying information.

Upon acceptance of a registration, the department shall search the registry files to determine whether the person sought is registered. If there is a match, the department shall notify the court to request the person’s final consent to the release of identifying information.

Upon receipt of a final consent by the adopted person, birth parent, and/or birth sibling, the department shall, unless the adopted person or birth sibling has elected otherwise, release identifying information to all the registrants. Such identifying information shall be limited to the names and addresses of the registrants and shall not include any other information contained in the adoption or birth records.

A mutual consent voluntary adoption registry may be maintained by each agency involved in an adoption. Persons eligible to receive identifying information may work through the agency involved in the adoption. The agency shall accept and maintain the registrations of an adopted person, the birth parents, or a birth sibling. If the agency determines that the agency was involved in the adoption, it shall transmit the registration to the adoption information registry operated by the department and release nonidentifying information.

An adoption medical information subregistry shall be part of the registry. Access to all identifying records and information in the subregistry shall be subject to the same restrictions as the adoption information registry. The department shall establish procedures by which a birth parent may provide medical information to the subregistry, and by which an adopted person age 18 or older, or the adoptive parents of an adopted person who is under age 18, may access the medical information.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Pub. Health Law § 4138

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

New York State Department of Health, Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Cent. Code § 14-15-16

Nonidentifying information must be provided to:

• The adoptive parents
• The adult adopted person
• The birth parent

Identifying information may be provided to:

• The birth parents
• The adoptive parents
• The adopted person
• Adult birth siblings
• The adult child of an adopted person

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Cent. Code § 14-15-16; 14-15-01(12)

Nonidentifying information, if known, concerning undisclosed birth parents must be furnished upon written request to the individuals listed above. ''Nonidentifying adoptive information'' includes:

• The age of the birth parent at the time of the child’s birth
• The heritage and religion of the birth parent
• The education completed by the birth parent at the time of the child’s birth
• The general physical appearance of birth parent at the time of the child’s birth, including the height, weight, color of hair, eyes, skin, and other information of a similar nature
• The talents, hobbies, and special interests of the birth parents
• The existence of any other children born to either birth parent
• The reasons for the child being placed for adoption
• The vocation of the birth parent in general terms
• The health history of the birth parents and blood relatives

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Cent. Code § 14-15-16

Before the child reaches adulthood, exchanges of identifying information may take place between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted child.

• Disclosure of a party's identifying information may not occur unless the party consents to disclosure.
• If one parent objects, the identifying information disclosed by the agency may only relate to the consenting parent or parents.

An adopted person who is age 18 or older may request the department to initiate the disclosure of information identifying his or her birth parents or adult birth sibling. A birth parent or adult birth sibling may request the department to initiate the disclosure of information identifying that individual. An adult child of an adopted person may request the department to initiate the disclosure of information identifying the adopted person's birth parents.

Within 90 days after receiving a request, the child-placing agency shall make complete and reasonable efforts to notify the individual or individuals that a disclosure of identifying information has been requested. An adopted person, birth parent, or birth sibling may authorize disclosure, refuse to authorize disclosure, or take no action. If no action is taken in response to a request, the child-placing agency must treat that as a refusal to authorize disclosure, except that it does not preclude disclosure after the person’s death.

Upon application to the department by an adult adopted person or the parent or guardian of a minor adopted child, the department may investigate to determine the adopted person's eligibility for enrollment as a member of an Indian tribe.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Cent. Code § 23-02.1-18

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of a court or as provided by rules and regulations.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Passive Registry:
North Dakota Department of Human Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Code §§ 3107.66; 3107.47; 3107.49

Nonidentifying information is available to:

• An adopted person who is age 18 or older
• An adoptive parent of a minor adopted person
• An adoptive family member of a deceased adopted person
• A birth parent or adult birth sibling
• A birth family member if the birth parent is deceased

Identifying information is accessible to:

• An adopted person who is age 21 or older
• An adoptive parent of an adopted person who is older than 18 but under age 21
• The birth parent or adult birth sibling (to the adopted person’s name by adoption only)

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Code § 3107.66

Any of the above persons may submit a written request to the agency or attorney who arranged the adoption, or the court that finalized the adoption, for release of nonidentifying information.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Rev. Code §§ 3107.47; 3107.49

The adopted adult person or adoptive parent may submit a request to the department of health for a copy of the adopted person's adoption file. If there is not an effective denial of release form for either birth parent on file, the department shall release a copy of the file. If there is an effective denial of release form for each birth parent on file, the request will be denied. If there is an effective denial of release form for only one of the birth parents on file, the department will release the file with all identifying information about the birth parent for whom there is an effective denial of release form deleted.

If an adopted person or adoptive parent is denied a copy of the contents of the adopted person's adoption file or receives a copy of the contents with identifying information about one of the birth parents deleted, the department of health shall inform the adopted person or adoptive parent that it will notify them if the department later receives an authorization of release form from one or both birth parents.

A birth parent or adult birth sibling may submit a request for assistance in finding an adopted person's name by adoption. The department may release the adopted person's name by adoption if:

• The adopted person's adoption file contains a request from the adopted person that permits release of the information.
• The birth parent's parental rights concerning the adopted person were not involuntarily terminated.
• The request is in writing, with a notarized signature, and includes identification of the birth parent or birth sibling.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Code § 3705.12

The original birth record shall be placed in an adoption file and sealed. The contents of the file shall not be open to inspection, except as follows:

• The department shall make the file's contents available to an adopted person or adoptive parent in accordance with § 3107.47.
• The department shall inspect the file to assist a birth parent or birth sibling in finding the adopted person's name by adoption in accordance with § 3107.49.
• The court that decreed the adoption may order that the contents be made open for inspection or available for copying.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Ohio Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10, § 7508-1.3

The services of a confidential intermediary are available to:

• The adult adopted person
• The legal parent or guardian of the child of a deceased adopted person
• The adult descendant of a deceased adopted person
• The birth parent
• The adult birth sibling or grandparent of an adult adopted person
• The sibling of a deceased birth parent

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10, § 7508-1.3

If the person who is the subject of the search is not willing to share identifying information, meet, or communicate with the person who initiated the search, the confidential intermediary shall attempt to obtain any nonidentifying medical or social history information that has been requested by the person who has initiated the search.

If nonidentifying medical or social history information was obtained, the administrator shall provide a copy of the nonidentifying information to the person who initiated the search.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10, §§ 7508-1.2; 7508-1.3

The department shall establish a search program using the services of a confidential intermediary that may be used by eligible persons listed above to locate an adult birth relative with whom contact has been lost through adoption.

If a birth relative of an adopted person, other than a birth parent, applies to initiate a search or is the subject of a search, the administrator of the confidential intermediary search program shall ascertain from the State Registrar of Vital Statistics whether an affidavit of nondisclosure by a birth parent is on file. If such an affidavit is on file and has not been revoked, the search may not be initiated.

The intermediary will conduct a reasonable search for an individual being sought and make a discreet and confidential inquiry as to whether the individual consents to the release of identifying information or medical information or to meeting or communicating with the individual initiating the search. If the individual initiating the search and the individual being sought consent in writing to meet or to communicate with each other, the intermediary will act to facilitate any meeting or communication between them.

If the confidential intermediary is able to locate the subject of the search, he or she shall make a discreet and confidential inquiry as to whether the person who is the subject of the search will consent to share identifying information, communicate, or meet with the person who initiated the search. The inquiry shall be by personal and confidential contact, without disclosing the identifying information about the person who initiated the search.

If the person who is the subject of the search is willing to share identifying information, communicate, or meet with the person who initiated the search, the confidential intermediary shall obtain this consent in writing.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10, § 7505-6.6

For adoptions finalized after 11-1-1997, an uncertified copy of the original birth certificate is available to an adopted person, age 18 or older, upon written request under the following conditions:

• He or she presents proof of identity.
• There are no birth siblings under age 18 who are currently in an adoptive family and whose whereabouts are known.
• The birth parents have not filed affidavits of nondisclosure.

Original birth certificates are also available upon order of the court for good cause shown, pursuant to § 7505-1.1.

Where the Information Can Be Located

• Adoption Reunion Registry, Oklahoma Department of Human Services
• Confidential Intermediary Search Program

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 109.455; 109.500

In 1998, Oregon voters approved Measure 58, which granted adult adoptees access to the Original birth certificate. Oregon’s results serve as a prototype for what other states can expect when access legislation is passed. The release of 9267 birth certificates to Oregon adoptees during the past decade has resulted in no harm done to any party, including birth parents.

The voluntary adoption registry may be used to obtain identifying information by the following persons:

• A birth parent
• An adult adopted person
• An adult birth sibling
• The adoptive parent of a deceased adopted person
• The parents or adult siblings of a deceased birth parent

Nonidentifying information may be released to:

• The adoptive parents of the child or the child's guardian
• The birth parent of the adopted person
• An adult adopted person
• If the adopted person is deceased:
  • The adopted person's spouse if the spouse is the birth parent of the adopted person's child or the guardian of any child of the adopted person
  • Any progeny of the adopted person who is age 18 or older

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 109.500

A genetic and social history and health history that excludes information identifying any birth parent or putative father, member of a birth parent's or putative father's family, the adopted person or the adoptive parents of the adopted person may be provided, if available, from an agency upon request to the persons listed above.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 109.455; 109.460

The persons listed above may use the voluntary adoption registry for obtaining identifying information about birth parents, the putative father, the adult adopted person, and adult birth siblings.

• An adult adopted person who has a birth sibling in the adult adopted person's adoptive family who is under age 18 may not have access to the registry.
• A putative father may not have access to the registry.

The persons listed above shall work through the agency involved in the adoption, or its successor agency, or the Department of Human Services to receive information concerning the adoption.

The persons listed above and a putative father may register by submitting a signed affidavit to the registry. The affidavit shall contain the information listed in § 109.465 and a statement of the registrant's willingness to be identified to the other relevant persons who register. The affidavit gives authority to the registry to release identifying information to the other relevant persons who register. Each registration shall be accompanied by the birth certificate of the registrant.

An adopted person, or the parent or guardian of an adopted person under age 18, may register to have specific identifying information disclosed to Indian tribes or to governmental agencies in order to establish the adopted person's eligibility for tribal membership or for benefits or to a person settling an estate.

If a birth parent or an adopted person fails to file an affidavit with the registry for any reason, including death or disability, identifying information shall not be disclosed.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 432.230

The original birth certificate is available upon order of the court or as provided by rule of the State registrar.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Voluntary Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 2905

Information may be accessed by:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• If the adopted person is under age 18, his or her adoptive parent or legal guardian

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 2905

The home study and preplacement report, as required by § 2530, shall be made available to parties to an adoption proceeding only after all identifying names and addresses in the report have been deleted by the court.

Upon petition by any person listed above, the court shall release to the adopted person as much information concerning the adopted person's birth parents as will not endanger the anonymity of the birth parents.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 2905

Any person listed above may petition the court to attempt to contact the birth parents, if known, to obtain their consent to release their identity and present place of residence to the adopted person. The court shall ensure that no one but the birth parents are informed of the adopted person's existence and relationship to them. The petitioner may also request the agency that placed the adopted person to contact the birth parents.

If the court or an agency contacts the birth parents, information relating to both birth parents shall only be disclosed if both birth parents agree to the disclosure. If both of the natural parents are deceased, their identities may be disclosed. If one parent is deceased, his or her identity may be disclosed. If only one parent agrees to the disclosure, then only the information relating to the consenting parent shall be disclosed.

The birth parents may, at the time of the termination of their parental rights or at any time thereafter, place on file a consent form granting permission for the court or the department to disclose any identifying or nonidentifying information about them, at any time after the adopted person reaches age 18 or, if less than age 18, to his or her adoptive parent or legal guardian.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23, § 2905

No disclosure shall be made regarding the adopted person's original birth certificate unless the disclosure is made pursuant to the provisions of this section.

The birth parents may, at the time of the termination of their parental rights or at any time thereafter, place on file, with the court and with the Department of Health, a consent form granting permission for the court or the department to disclose the information contained in the adopted person's original birth certificate at any time after the adopted persons reaches age 18 or, if less than age 18, to his or her adoptive parent or legal guardian.

If both parents give their consent, the information on the birth certificate may be disclosed. If only one parent gives consent, only the identity of the consenting parent shall be disclosed.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Adoption Medical History Registry, Office of Children, Youth, and Families

Who May Access Information
Citation: Gen. Laws §§ 15-7.2-2; 15-7.2-7

The following persons may use the passive voluntary adoption reunion registry:

• Birth parents and adult birth siblings
• The adult adopted person
• Surviving relatives of a deceased adopted person
• The parent or adult sibling of a deceased birth parent
• The adoptive parent of a deceased adopted person

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Gen. Laws §§ 15-7.2-1; 15-7.2-2

The passive voluntary adoption reunion registry shall provide for the transmission of nonidentifying health and social and genetic history of the adult adopted persons, birth parents, and other specified persons. Genetic and social history includes the following information that is available:

• Medical history
• Health status
• Cause of and age at death
• Height, weight, eye and hair color
• Ethnic origins
• Religion, if any

Health history includes, when obtainable, the child's health status and medical history at the time of placement for adoption, including neonatal, psychological, developmental, physiological, and medical care history.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Gen. Laws §§ 15-7.2-2; 15-7.2-7; 15-7.2-9; 15-7.2-12

The persons listed above may use the registry to register their willingness to release of identifying information to each other by submitting a signed affidavit. The affidavit gives authority to the registry to release identifying information related to the registrant to the other relevant persons who register. Each registration shall be accompanied by the birth certificate of the registrant.

A registry shall release only information necessary for identifying a birth parent, adult adopted person, or adult birth sibling, and shall not release information of any kind pertaining to the adoptive parents, siblings who are children of the adoptive parents, and the income of anyone.

Any eligible registrant or any adoptive parent may file with the registry an objection to the release of identifying information. When an objection to the release of identifying information has been filed, the court shall hear the objection of the filing party prior to the release of identifying information to determine whether it is in the best interests of the parties to release identifying information.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Gen. Laws § 15-7.2-12

An uncertified copy of the original birth certificate can be obtained through the adoption registry to the adult adopted person when each birth parent named on the certificate has registered.

Where the Information Can Be Located

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Family Court, Juvenile Division

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 20-7-1780

Information may be accessed by the following persons:

• The adoptive parents
• The adopted person who is age 21 or older
• The birth parents and siblings

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 20-7-1780

The adoption agency may furnish to the persons listed above nonidentifying information at the time of placement or at a subsequent time. Nonidentifying information includes but is not limited to the following:

• The health and medical histories of the birth parents
• The health and medical history of the adopted person
• The adopted person’s general family background without name references or geographical designations
• The length of time the adopted person has been in the care and custody of the adoptive parent

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 20-7-1780

The public adoption agencies responsible for the placement shall furnish to an adopted person the identity of the adopted person's birth parents and siblings, and to the birth parents and siblings the identity of the adopted person under the following conditions:

• The adopted person must be age 21 or older, and the applicants shall apply in writing to the adoption agency for the information.
• The adoption agency must have a current file containing affidavits from the adopted person and the birth parents and siblings that they are willing to have their identities revealed to each other.
• The adoption agency shall establish and maintain a confidential register containing the names and addresses of the adopted persons and birth parents and siblings who have filed affidavits.

The adopted person and the birth parents and siblings shall undergo counseling by the adoption agency concerning the effects of the disclosure. The adoption agency may charge a fee for the services, but services must not be denied because of inability to pay.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 44-63-140

• The original birth certificate is placed in a special sealed file by the State registrar.
• The statute does not specify a procedure for access to the original certificate.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Adoption Reunion Registry, South Carolina Department of Social Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 25-6-15.2; 25-6-15.3

Nonidentifying information may be released to:

• The adoptive parent
• The adopted person who is age 18 or older

Identifying information may be released to:

• The adopted person
• The birth parents

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 25-6-15.2

Nonidentifying information, if known, shall be made available to the adoptive parent or to the adopted person who is age 18 or older, upon written request and proper proof of identification. Information may be withheld only if it is of such a nature that would tend to identify a birth relative. Nonidentifying information includes:

• The age of the birth parents at the time of the child’s birth
• The heritage of the birth parents, including nationality, ethnic background, and race
• The number of years of school completed by the birth parents at the time of the child’s birth
• The general physical appearance of the birth parents at the time of the child’s birth in terms of height, weight, color of hair, eyes, skin, and other information of a similar nature
• The talents, hobbies, and special interests of the birth parents
• The existence of any other children born to either birth parent before the child’s birth
• Whether the termination of parental rights was voluntary or involuntary
• The religion of the birth parents
• The occupation of the birth parents in general terms
• The health history of the birth parents and blood relatives
• The relationship between the birth parents

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 25-6-15.3

The department of social services shall maintain a voluntary registry of adopted person and birth parents who have presented a consent regarding the release of identifying information about themselves. Any consent shall indicate to whom the information may be released and whether the adopted person desires release of this identifying information after his death. A person who uses this voluntary register may revoke his consent at any time.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 34-25-16.4

The original birth certificate is available upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

South Dakota Voluntary Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 36-1-127; 36-1-128; 36-1-133

Nonidentifying information may be released to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The adoptive parents or guardian if the adopted person is under age 18
• The birth parent or legal relatives
• The lineal descendants of an adopted person
• The legal representative of any of the above persons

Identifying information is accessible to the following persons:

• An adopted person who is age 21 or older
• A parent, sibling, spouse, lineal ancestor, or lineal descendant of an adopted person
• The legal representative of any person listed above

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 36-1-133

Upon written request of a person listed above, the department shall release nonidentifying information about the adopted person and such person's birth or legal relatives that may include:

• The date and time of the child’s birth
• The child’s weight and other physical characteristics at birth
• The age of the adopted person's birth relatives at the time of the child’s birth
• The nationality, ethnic background, race, and religious preference of the birth or legal relatives
• The educational level, general occupation, and any talents or hobbies of the birth or legal relatives
• A general physical description of the birth or legal relatives, including height, weight, color of hair, color of eyes, complexion, and other similar information
• Whether the birth or legal parent had any other children, and if so, any available nonidentifying information about such children
• Available health history of the adopted person, and the person's birth or legal relatives, including specifically, any psychological or psychiatric information that would be expected to have any substantial effect on the adopted person's mental or physical health

The department shall provide the same information described above to prospective adoptive parents with respect to any child or children the prospective adoptive parents are seeking to adopt.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 36-1-128; 36-1-129

The department shall maintain a contact veto registry for permitting registration of the willingness or unwillingness of the persons listed above for contact with persons eligible to have access to records. The registry shall contain the following information:

• The name of each person who has filed a contact veto or who has given consent for contact
• The address and telephone number of the person
• The date and place of birth of the person, if known
• Any persons whom the person who files a contact veto wishes to exclude from the application of the contact veto
• The name, address, and telephone number of the person requesting contact
• The method of contact, if any, to which the person consents, including contact through one or more third parties
• Any other information that eligible parties wish to release to the other eligible parties

A person eligible to file a contact veto or give consent for contact may notify the department in writing that such person does or does not object to contact being made with such person by any person or group of persons who are eligible to establish contact.

As part of the surrender for adoption, a birth parent or guardian shall indicate whether or not he or she wishes to file a contact veto or give consent for further contact. By filing a contact veto, a person is entitled to notification of any inquiry requesting contact with the filing person.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 36-1-130

The original birth certificate is available to parties who have established their eligibility to have access to adoption records.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Advanced Notice Registry, Department of Children's Services

Who May Access Information
Citation: Fam. Code §§ 162.018; 162.406

Nonidentifying information may be provided to:

• The adoptive parents
• The adopted person who is age 18 or older

Identifying information may be accessed by:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• A birth parent
• An alleged father who acknowledges paternity
• A birth sibling who is age 18 or older

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Fam. Code § 162.018

Eligible parties are entitled to receive copies of records that have been edited to protect the identity of the birth parents and other information relating to the history of the adopted person.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Fam. Code §§ 162.407; 162.413; 162.414; 162.416

The persons listed above may register with a mutual consent voluntary adoption registry. A registration remains in effect until the 99th anniversary of the date the registration is accepted unless a shorter period is specified by the applicant or the registration is withdrawn. A registrant may withdraw his or her registration in writing at any time.

The applicant must participate in counseling for not less than one hour with a social worker or mental health professional with expertise in postadoption counseling before the release of confidential information.

The administrator shall process each registration in an attempt to match the adopted person, the birth parents, and the birth siblings. The administrator shall determine that there is a match if the adult adopted person and the birth mother, father, or sibling have registered.

When a match has been made, the administrator shall mail to each registrant a written notice:

• Informing the registrant that a match has been made
• Reminding the registrant that he or she may withdraw the registration before disclosures are made, if desired
• Notifying the registrant that before any identifying disclosures are made, he or she must sign a written consent and participate in counseling

Identifying information about a registrant shall be released without the registrant's having consented to disclosure after the match if the registrant is dead, his or her registration was valid at the time of death, and he or she had in writing specifically authorized the postdeath disclosure. Identifying information about a deceased birth parent may not be released until each surviving child is an adult or until each child's surviving parent or guardian consents in writing to the disclosure.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Health & Safety Code § 192.008

Only the court that granted the adoption may grant access to the original birth certificate.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Central Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 78-30-17; 78-30-18

Nonidentifying information is available to:

• The adoptive parents or legal guardian
• The adopted person
• The adopted person's spouse, or guardian of the adopted person's child, if the adopted person is deceased
• The adopted person's child or descendant
• The birth parent or adult birth sibling

Identifying information is accessible to:

• The adult adopted person
• Birth parents
• An adult birth sibling

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 78-30-17

A detailed health history and a genetic and social history of the adopted person shall be available upon request to the persons listed above.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 78-30-18

The adult adopted person and birth parents, upon presentation of positive identification, may request identifying information from the adoption registry maintained by the bureau. The bureau may only release identifying information when it receives requests from both the adopted person and the birth parent. After matching the request of an adult adopted person with that of at least one birth parent, the bureau shall notify both the adopted person and the birth parent that the requests have been matched, and disclose the identifying information to those parties. However, if the adopted adult has a sibling of the same birth parent who is under age 21, and who was raised in the same family setting as the adult adopted person, the bureau shall not disclose the requested identifying information to that adult adopted person or the birth parent.

The adult adopted person and adult siblings, upon presentation of positive identification, may request identifying information from the registry, following the same procedure outlined above.

Information registered with the bureau is available only to a registered adult adopted person, and his or her registered birth parent or registered adult sibling. Information regarding a birth parent who has not registered a request with the bureau may not be disclosed.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 78-30-15

All documents connected with the adoption are sealed except upon order of the court granting inspection.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 15A, §§ 6-104; 6-105

Nonidentifying information is available to:

• The adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adopted person
• The adopted person who is age 18 or older or has been emancipated
• A deceased adopted person's direct descendant who is age 18 or older, or a parent or guardian of a descendant who is under age 18
• The adopted person's birth parent, grandparent, or sibling

Identifying information may be disclosed to:

• An adopted person who is age 18 or older or has been emancipated
• A deceased adopted person's direct descendant who is age 18 or older or the parent or guardian of a direct descendant who is less than 18 years old
• The birth parent
• A birth sibling who is age18 or older

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 15A, §§ 6-104; 2-105

Any person listed above may request a detailed summary of any relevant report about the adopted person, the birth parents, and the adopted person's genetic history, including the information required by § 2-105 of this title. This report shall exclude identifying information concerning an individual who has not signed a waiver of confidentiality. The report shall include all of the following nonidentifying information that is reasonably available about the child:

• A social and health history of the child
• Any physical, sexual, or emotional abuse known to have been suffered by the child
• Enrollment and performance in school, results of educational testing, and any special educational needs
• An account of the child's past and existing relationship with any relative, foster parent, or other person
• A social and health history of the minor's parents and extended family, including:
  • Health and genetic history, including any known hereditary condition or disease
  • Racial, ethnic, and religious background, and general physical description
  • Educational, vocational, athletic, artistic, or scientific achievement or interests
  • The existence of any other child of the parents

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 15A, §§ 6-105; 6-106

For adoptions finalized prior to 7-1-1986, the registry shall disclose identifying information if the birth parent has filed any kind of document that clearly indicates that he or she consents to such disclosure.

For adoptions finalized on or after 7-1-1986, the registry shall disclose identifying information without requiring the consent of the birth parent unless the birth parent has filed a request for nondisclosure in accordance with the provisions of § 6-106 of this title and has not withdrawn the request.

Identifying information about the adopted person shall be disclosed to the birth parent if the adoptive parent of the adopted person who is less than 18 years old consents to the disclosure. Identifying information about a deceased adopted person shall be disclosed to the birth parent or sibling upon request if the deceased adopted person's direct descendant is age 18 or older and consents to the disclosure; or the parent or guardian of a direct descendant who is less than 18 years old consents to the disclosure. Identifying information about a birth sibling shall be disclosed to the adopted person upon request if both the sibling and the adopted person are age 18 or older and the sibling consents to disclosure.

A birth parent may prevent disclosure of identifying information by filing a request for nondisclosure with the registry. A request for nondisclosure may be withdrawn by a birth parent at any time.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 15A, § 6-107

The original birth certificate may be released upon request to an adopted person who is age 18 or older and who has access to identifying information.

The original birth certificate is unsealed and becomes public record 99 years after the date of the adopted person's birth.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Vermont Adoption Registry

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 63.2-1246; 63.2-1247

Nonidentifying information may be disclosed to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The licensed or authorized child-placing agencies providing services to the child
• The adoptive parents

Identifying information may be released to:

• The adopted person who is age 21 or older
• The birth parents
• An adult birth sibling

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 63.2-1246

Nonidentifying information shall not be open to inspection, or be copied, by anyone other than those listed above, except upon the order of a circuit court upon good cause shown.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 63.2-1247

For adoptions finalized on or after 7-1-1994, the following requests for disclosure of identifying information are permitted:

• The adopted person who is age 21 or older may apply for information about the birth family.
• The birth parents and adult birth siblings may apply information about the adopted person.
• When the adopted person is under age 18, the adoptive parents or other legal custodian of the child may apply for information about the birth family.

The Commissioner shall designate the person or agency that made the investigation to attempt to locate and advise the person whose information is sought of the application. The designated person or agency shall report the results of the attempt to locate and advise the adopted person to the Commissioner, including the relative effects that disclosure of the identifying information may have on the adopted person, the adoptive parents, and the birth family. The adopted person and the birth family may submit to the Commissioner, and the Commissioner shall consider, written comments stating the anticipated effect that the disclosure of identifying information may have upon any party. Upon a showing of good cause, the Commissioner shall disclose the identifying information. When consent of the person being sought is not obtainable, due to the death or mental incapacity, the circuit court may release identifying information to the person making the request. In making this decision, the circuit court shall consider the needs and concerns of all persons involved.

In parental placement adoptions, where the consent to the adoption was executed on or after 7-1-1994, the entire adoption record shall be open to the adoptive parents, the adopted person who is age 18 or older, and a birth parent who executed a written consent.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 32.1-261

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Department of Social Services, Permanency Unit

Who May Access Information
Citation: Rev. Code §§ 26.33.340; 26.33.343

Nonidentifying information is available to:

• An adoptive parent
• An adopted person
• A birth parent

Identifying information may be accessed by:

• An adopted person who is age 21 or older, or under 21 with the permission of the adoptive parent
• A birth parent or member of the birth parent's family after the adopted person has reached age 21

These family members shall be limited to the birth grandparents, a brother or sister of a birth parent, or the child of a birth parent. The court, for good cause shown, may allow a relative more distant in degree to petition for disclosure.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Rev. Code §§ 26.33.340; 26.33.380

Reasonably available nonidentifying information may be disclosed upon a written request to the persons listed above. If the adoption facilitator refuses to disclose such information, the individual may petition the superior court.

The prospective adoptive parent shall be given a family background and child and family social history report about the child. The report shall include a chronological history of the circumstances surrounding the adoptive placement and any available psychiatric reports, psychological reports, court reports pertaining to dependency or custody, or school reports. Such reports or information shall not reveal the identity of the birth parents of the child but shall contain reasonably available nonidentifying information.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Rev. Code §§ 26.33.343; 26.33.347

Any person listed above may petition the court to appoint a confidential intermediary. The intermediary shall search for and discreetly contact the birth parent or adopted person, or if they are not alive or cannot be located within 1 year, the intermediary may attempt to locate members of the birth parent's or adopted person's family.

If the person is located, the intermediary will ask whether the person consents to a disclosure of identifying information. If the person refuses to consent, the intermediary shall report the refusal to the court and shall refrain from further inquiry without judicial approval. If the person being sought consents to disclosure of his or her identity, the court may then order that the identifying information be released. If the person being sought is deceased, the court may order disclosure of the identity of the deceased to the petitioner.

An adopted person over the age of 18 may file with the department of health a certified statement declaring any one or more of the following:

• The adopted person refuses to consent to the release of any identifying information to a birth parent, birth sibling, or other birth relative and does not wish to be contacted by a confidential intermediary except in the case of a medical need.
• The adopted person consents to the release of identifying information to a confidential intermediary, a birth parent, birth sibling, or other birth relative.
• The adopted person desires to be contacted by his or her birth parents, birth siblings, other birth relatives, or a confidential intermediary.

An adopted person who files a certified statement may subsequently file another statement requesting to rescind or amend the prior statement.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Rev. Code § 26.33.345

A noncertified copy of the original birth certificate is available to the birth parent upon request.

For adoptions finalized after 10-1-1993, a noncertified copy is available to the adopted person who is age 18 or older, unless the birth parent has filed an affidavit of nondisclosure.

Where the Information Can Be Located

State Adoption Department, Department of Social and Health Services, Adoption Archives

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 48-23-601; 48-23-402

Nonidentifying information may be provided to:

• The adoptive parents or, in the event of death of the adoptive parents, the child's guardian
• The adopted person who is age 18 or older
• If the adopted person is deceased:
  • The adopted person's spouse if he or she is the legal parent of the adopted person's child or the guardian of any child of the adopted person
  • Any progeny of the adopted person who is age 18 or older
• The birth parent

Identifying information may be obtained through the mutual consent voluntary adoption registry by:

• The birth parent when the child is age 18 or older
• The adult adopted person except when there is a sibling in his or her adoptive family who is under age 18

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code § 48-23-601

Prior to placement for adoption, the agency shall compile and provide to the prospective adoptive parents a detailed written health history and genetic and social history of the child. These histories must exclude information that would identify birth parents or members of a birth parent's family.

Records containing such nonidentifying information shall be retained by the clerk of the court for 99 years, and shall be available upon request, together with any additional nonidentifying information that may have been added on health or genetic and social history, to any person listed above.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Code §§ 48-23-501 through 48-23-504; 48-22-702

The adopted adult and each birth parent may register by submitting an affidavit to the registry. The failure of any person to file with the registry for any reason, including death or disability, precludes the disclosure of identifying information to those persons who do register.

Upon registering, the registrant must participate in not less than one hour of counseling with a social worker.

In any case where the identity of the birth father was unknown to the birth mother, or one or both of the birth parents are deceased, this information shall be shared with the adopted adult. In these cases, the adopted person will not be able to obtain identifying information through the registry.

The affidavit must include, if known:

• The current name and address and any previous name by which the person was known
• The child’s original and adopted names
• The place and date of the child’s birth
• The name and address of the agency placing the child

The administrator of the registry shall process each affidavit in an attempt to match the adopted person and the birth parents. There is a match when the adult adopted person and the birth parent have each registered and received the required counseling. When a match has taken place, the department shall directly notify all parties through a direct and confidential contact.

If an adopted person or parent of a minor adopted person cannot obtain identifying information by use of the registry, identifying information may be sought by petitioning the court. If the court is unable to obtain consent from either of the birth parents, the court may release identifying information to the adopted person if at a hearing the court finds there is evidence of compelling medical or other good cause for release of such identifying information.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Code § 16-5-18

The original birth certificate is sealed from inspection, except upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

West Virginia Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry, Department of Health and Human Resources

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 48.432; 48.433

Nonidentifying information may be provided to:

• The adopted person who is age 18 years or older
• The adoptive parent
• The guardian or legal custodian of an adopted person
• The offspring of an adopted person if the requester is age 18 years or older
• An agency or social worker assigned to provide services to the adopted person or place the child for adoption

Identifying information may be accessed by the adopted person who is age 21 or older.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 48.432; 48.433

Whenever any person listed above wishes to obtain medical and genetic information about a birth parent who consented to his or her child’s adoption before 2-1-1982, and the information is not on file with the department or agency, the person may request that the department or agency conduct a search for the birth parents to obtain the information. The request shall be accompanied by a statement from a physician certifying either that the individual has or may have acquired a genetically-transferable disease or that the individual’s medical condition requires access to the information.

If a birth parent is located but refuses to provide the information requested, the department or agency shall notify the requester, without disclosing the birth parents identity or location, and the requester may petition the circuit court to order the birth parent to disclose the information. If the department or another agency that maintains records relating to the adoption receives a report from a physician stating that a birth parent or another offspring of the birth parent has acquired or may have a genetically transferable disease, the department or agency shall notify the adopted person of the existence of the disease, if he or she is age 18 years or older, or notify the adopted person’s guardian or adoptive parent if he or she is under age 18.

If the department or agency may not disclose the identifying information requested per § 48.433, it shall provide the requester with any nonidentifying social history information about either of the birth parents that it has on file.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.433

The birth parent may file an affidavit authorizing the release of any available information about the birth parent’s identity and location. An affidavit may be revoked at any time by notifying the department or agency in writing.

An adopted person who is age 21 or older may request any available information regarding the identity and location of his or her birth parents. The requested information may be disclosed if the department or agency has on file unrevoked affidavits from both birth parents or, if one of the birth parents was unknown and the known birth parent has filed an unrevoked affidavit.

If the department or agency does not have on file an affidavit from each known birth parent, it shall, within 3 months after the date of the original request, search for each birth parent who has not filed an affidavit. If the birth parent is contacted and files an affidavit, the department shall disclose the requested information. If the birth parent does not file the affidavit, the department may not disclose the information. If, after a search, a known birth parent cannot be located, the department may disclose the requested information if the other birth parent has filed an unrevoked affidavit.

If a birth parent is known to be dead and has not filed an unrevoked affidavit, the department shall so inform the requester. The department may not release the identity of that parent, but shall release any available information regarding the identity and location of the other birth parent if the other birth parent has filed an unrevoked affidavit and 1year has elapsed since the death of the deceased birth parent.

The requester may petition the court to order the release of any information that may not be disclosed under this section.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.433

The original birth certificate is available upon request to the adopted person who is age 21 or older if the birth parents have filed affidavits authorizing disclosure.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Adoption Records Search Program

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 1-22-116; 1-22-203

Nonidentifying medical information may be provided to:

• The adoptive parent
• The adult adopted person

Identifying information may be accessed by:

• The adult adopted person
• The adoptive parent
• The birth parent, sibling, or grandparent

All parties must be age 18 or older.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 1-22-116

To the extent available, the medical history of the adoptive child and his or her birth parents, with information identifying the birth parents eliminated, shall be provided to the child's adoptive parent any time after the adoption decree or to the child after he or she attains the age of majority. The history shall include but not be limited to all available information regarding conditions or diseases believed to be hereditary, any drugs or medication taken during pregnancy by the birth mother, and any other information that may be a factor influencing the child's present or future health.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 1-22-203

Any person listed above may petition the court to appoint one or more confidential intermediaries for the purpose of determining the whereabouts of an unknown birth relative, except that no one shall seek a relative who is a minor. Any information obtained by the intermediary shall be kept strictly confidential and shall be utilized only for the purpose of arranging a contact between the individual who initiated the search and the sought-after birth relative.

When a sought-after relative is located:

• Contact shall be made between the parties only when written consent for such contact has been obtained from both parties and filed with the court.
• If consent for personal communication is not obtained from both parties, all relinquishment and adoption records and any information obtained by any confidential intermediary during the course of his or her investigation shall be returned to the court and shall remain confidential.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 35-1-417

The original birth certificate is not subject to inspection except by court order.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Wyoming Confidential Adoption Intermediary Services