Providing Adoptive Parents With Information About Adoptees and Their Birth Families - Arkansas

Date: August 2020

Agency or Person Preparing the Report

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-212

The report is compiled by the licensed adoption agency or, when an agency is not involved, the person, entity, or organization handling the adoption.

Contents of Report About the Adopted Person

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-212

The report shall consist of a detailed, written health history and genetic and social history of the child.

Contents of Report About the Birth Family

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-212

The report shall exclude information that would identify birth parents or members of a birth parent's family and shall be set forth in a document that is separate from any document containing such identifying information.

When the Report Is Made

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-212

The report is compiled and provided to the prospective adoptive parents prior to placement for adoption. The report also must be filed with the clerk of the court before entry of the adoption decree.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

Citation: Ann. Code § 9-9-212

Unless directed by the court, a detailed, written health history and genetic and social history of the child is not required if any of the following apply:

  • The person to be adopted is an adult.
  • The petitioner is a stepparent.
  • The petitioner and the child to be adopted are related within the second degree of consanguinity.

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