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Obtaining Identifying & Non-Identifying Adoption Information (CALIFORNIA)

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 18 or older and adoptive parents of adoptees younger than 18 may request non-identifying information from the adoption agency or from the government department that joined in the adoption petition. If the request is denied, the party seeking information may petition the court in which the adoption was finalized. Birth parents can receive information on the status of the adoption and the adoptive parents at time of placement.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

If the adoption was finalized on or after January 1, 1984, the adopted adult age 18 or older can receive information on the birth parents if the birth parents have given written consent to the disclosure. Birth parents can receive information on an adopted adult age 21 or older if the adopted adult has given written consent to the disclosure. Disclosures are filed with the adoption agency or the government agency that joined in the adoption petition. Adoptive parents of a person younger than 21 can receive information on the birth parents if there is medical necessity or other extraordinary circumstances that justify the disclosure according to the State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency. If the adoption was finalized before January 1, 1984, with consent of both requesting parties, the agency shall arrange contact between the birth parents and adopted adult. The agency shall release the names and addresses of birth siblings, age 21 or older, to one another if the birth siblings have filed consent.

Using the Adoption Registry:

Adopted adults age 18 or older and birth parents of an adopted adult may register. Siblings, age 21 or older, may register to meet a sibling 21 or older who was adopted.

Contact:

California Department of Social Services
Adoption Branch
744 P Street, MS 19-31
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-3778
http://www.childsworld.ca.gov/AdoptionFA_359.htm

Providing Information:

The Department or licensed agency shall release any letters, photographs, or other items of personal property in its possession of an adopted adult age 18 or older, birth parents, or adoptive parents of an adopted under 18 upon written request. Identifying information will be deleted.

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized.

(Information provided from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse Website)