DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OFFICE OF FOSTER & ADOPTION SERVICES

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

An adoptee age 18 or older can request non-identifying background and medical infromation through the agency which handled the adoption. This information, obtained from the closed records, can be mailed upon receipt of a notarized letter or may be received in person with proper identification.

An adoptee age 18 or older can request identifying information regarding his/her birth family. The adoptee may be required to have a personal interview prior to the search (per CGS 45a-753). The adoption agency is required to search for the birth family to obtain written consent for releasing the identifying information. The agency will devote up to ten hours of staff time to locate the birth family.

Each adoption agency maintains an adoption reunion registry where an adoptee age 18 or older can register. Upon request an adoptee can obtain from the agency a regsitration form which must be completed, notarized, and returned. If the adoptee's birth Parent(s) registers, the registered adoptee will be notified. A reunion can occur only if borth parents agree that it should happen. If necessary, the agency will search for the second parent to obtain consent.

If the adoption was done by the Department of Children and Families, there are no fees. Private adoption agencies may have a fee schedule.

Since 1977, adoptive parents have received written, non-identifying background and medical information prior to the finalization of an adoption.
Adoptive families who did not recieve such information an request it prior to their adopted child's 18th birthday. After the adoptee's 18th birthday, a request by adoptive parents must be approved by the adoptee. Information is obtained from the closed record.

Agencies cannot release identifying information to the adoptive parents regarding their child's birth family.

Each agency maintains an adoption medical registry for receipt of updated medical information. Adoptive parents of a minor child can register. The registration must be notarized.

Birth Parents can update their records, including medical information. Information remains in the records and is given only if the adult adoptee or the adoptive parents of a child under 18 years of age request it.

The genetic parent can initiate a search for the adult adoptee (18). Both genetic parents who were party to the termination need to consent. The agency is required to search for the adoptee to receive their written consent. (The genetic parent may be required to have a personal interview prior to the search (per CGS 45a-753))

Each agency maintains an adoption reunion registry where birth parents can register. The registration must be notarized. If the adoptee registers, the reigistered birth parent will be notified. A reunion can occur only if both parents agree that it should happen. Putative fathers (A supposed Father who never had legal standing or paternity rights establised) may also register, but contact can only be made if the birth mother consents.

If you do not know the name of the agency which did the adoption, you may call the Office of Foster & Adoption Services
(806) 550-6453
For that information
You will then need to contact the agency directly.

Availability and Confidentiality of Records Concerning Adoption and Termination of Parental Rights.

The adoptive parent or parents or adult adopted person shall be notified by the adoption agency in writing if non-identifying information is not available within sixty days.

The Adoption agency shall attempt to locate the birth family or adult adoptee. If located they need to give their consent prior to any identifying information being released. If the agency determines at any time that the release of such information would be seriously disruptive to or endanger the physical or emotional health of the adult adotped person or the person whose identity is being requested, the information will not be released. The same applies to when a genetic parent initiates a search for the adult (18) adoptee.

Such registries shall contain the registration of voluntary consents, refusals of consent and revocations of consent to the release of information which would identify the registrant.

MEDICAL REGISTRY.
Birth parents and relatives may share updated medical information with the adoptees. The agency will attempt to pass this information by contacting the adoptee at the last known address. No search will be done. No identifying information can be shared.
Adoptive parents for children under 18 may also register to receive updated medical information.