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The Pennsylvannia Package
Pennsylvania's adoption law provides procedure through which birth parents may file consent permitting the release of identifying information. The consent can be filed with the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS or the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHS DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS BIRTH PARENT REGISTRY, The consent grants permission for the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS or the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHS DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS to DISCLOSE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE ADOPTEES ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR ANY OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION as specified by the BIRTH PARENTS.
This information can be released upon request from an adoptee, at any time after the adoptee reaches age 18 or if under 18 the adoptive parent or legal guardian. Birthparents may update the information or withdraw their consent at any time.
In Pennsylvania adoption records are sealed following the issuance of a DECREE OF ADOPTION.
THE ADOPTION RECORDS ARE MAINTAINED BY THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS in the COUNTY in which the ADOPTION WAS FINALIZED No central depository of adoption records is maintained by the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE. AN ADOPTEE OR BIRTH PARENT MAY CONTACT THE DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS TO VERIFY IN WHICH COURT THE ADOPTION TOOK PLACE.
If the individual is a BIRTH PARENT, they may also file a consent with the AGENCY. AN AGENCY THAT ARRANGED AN ADOPTION MAY ALSO PROVIDE SEARCH SERVICES.
PENNSLYVANIA ALSO HAS AN ADOPTION MEDICAL HISTORY REGISTRY THAT PROVIDES A WAY FOR BIRTH PARENTS TO SHARE FAMILY MEDICAL INFORMATION WITH THE CHILD THEY HAVE PLACED FOR ADOPTION!!!!!!!!!!
REGISTRY SERVICES ARE AVIALABLE FOR NEW ADOPTIONS AS WELL AS ADOPTIONS THAT WERE FINALIZED IN THE PAST. THE REGISTRY IS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE.
THE MEDICAL HISTORY REGISTRY SERVES BIRHT PARENTS OF ADOPTEES. A BIRTH MOTHER OR BIRTH FATHER MAY VOLUNTARILY FILE MEDICAL INFORMATION WITH THE REGISTRY. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION MAY COME FROM PENNSLVANIA BORN ADULT ADOPTEES OR ADOPTIVE PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA BORN MINOR ADOPTEES.
MEDICAL HISTORY INFORMATION RELEASED TO THE ADOPTEE IS LIMITED TO NON- IDENTIFYING INFORMATION. IF MEDICAL INFORMATION FROM A BIRTH PARENT IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME A REQUEST IS MADE, THE REQUEST IS KEPT ON FILE. IF INFORMATION IS RECEIVED AT A LATER DATE, IT WILL BE SENT TO THE REQUESTOR. THERE IS NO FEE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SERVICE. IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT
JEWELL A MC CLIMENT AT 1-800-227-0225.
ADDRESS FOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE HILCREST SECOND FLOOR
P.O. BOX 2675 HARRISBURG PA 17105-2675
TELEPHONE (717)772-7015 1-800-227-0225
FAX (717) 772-6857 SHE IS THE DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DIVISION OF ADOPTION.
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