California Civil Code Section 1798.24 (q),

Free Web Hosting Provider - Web Hosting - E-commerce - High Speed Internet - Free Web Page

This is in response to your letter in which you requested information regarding post adoption services provided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS)

Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1798.24 (q), CDSS or a licensed adoption agency may provide to an adult adopted person (18 years of age or older), general background information pertaining to the adopted person's natural parents, provided that the information does not include or reveal the identity of the natural parents. The adoptee must write a letter to this Department requesting his/her non-identifying background information. The letter must include their adoptive parent's names, adoptee's date of birth, and adoptee's notarized signature.

CDSS or an adoption agency may disclose to a child or grandchild of an adopted person only medically necessary information pertaining to an adoptee's birth parents. The information shall not include or reveal the identity of the natural parents.

CDSS or an adoption agency may provide to a birth parent, general background information pertaining to the adoptive parents, provided that the information does not include or reveal the identity of the adoptive parents.

Pursuant to California Family Code Section 9206, CDSS or a licensed adoption agency may release any letters, photographs, or other items of personal property in its possession to an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive parent upon written request.

Pursuant to California Family code Sections 9204 and 9205 CDSS or an adoption agency may arrange contact between an adult adoptee and his/her birth parent(s) only if each has signed a Consent for Contact form. If siblings separated by adoption are over 21 years of age and each sends in a Waiver of Rights To Confidentiality of Adoption Records for Siblings form, names and addresses of each may be exchanged. Consent and waiver forms are provided only upon request as soliciting consents or waivers is prohibitied. CDSS does not provide search services.

An adult adoptee may be able to obtain the original birth certifiate by petitioning, under Health and Safety Code Section 102705, the superior court in their county of residence or the county of adoption for a court order to have it unsealed. It will be at the discretion of the judge as to whether the birth certificate will be released.

The county clerk in the county where the adoption was granted maintains a closed adoption record. Under Family Code Section 9200, it can be opened only by an order of the superior court. Again, it will be at the discretion of the judge as to whether any documents will be released.

I hope this information is helful to you. If you have any questions, you may contact the Adoptions Systems Unit at the above address or telephone number.