The Case File

When the state has chosen you to adopt a child, one of the things you should be receiving is a case file on them. Though state or county laws vary, typically you should receive any information pertaining to the child that your state’s children’s services has. Some things that might be included in this are: • Copy of the birth certificate (often a photo copy) • Social Security card • Social services case narrative • Case summaries to the judge • Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) document • Proof of reasonable efforts to provide birth parents with services • Court … Continue reading →

Is My State An Open Or Closed Record State?

Often we run into problems while searching. Especially if the state in question is a closed record state. What is the difference between an open record and a closed record state? Easy really. An open record state means that anyone involved in the triad may request the information in the file. A closed record state means that the state closed its adoption records to public inspection. Here is a quick list of who’s open and who’s closed: Alabama – OPEN Alaska – OPEN Arizona – CLOSED, Year – Unknown Arkansas – CLOSED, Year – 1935 California – CLOSED, Year – … Continue reading →