|
|
Search Resources
Arizona remains a sealed records state. Birth records sealed to adoptees in 1967. You may wish to consider joining the legislative effort, Arizona Open, to restore rights to adoptees to directly access their records from the State of Arizona.
Still, Arizona Search and Support is here to assist with court petitions to open the adoption and vital records files and resources and support for your search efforts. Use well the many resources provided in this section of the web site. Take special heed to Shea's Search Series. It is THE definitive guide to self-empowered adoptee search! Make certain to join the Arizona Search and Support Mailing List, where you will receive on-going support during your search and reunion. God's Speed!
Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:
Birthparents, birth siblings, adopted adults - and their spouse and children if the adoptee is deceased, and adoptive parents or guardians of minor children have a right to obtain non-identifying information. [ARS 8-106(E)] [ARS 8-121(D)] [ARS 8-129] Non-ID can be obtained from the private licensed adoption agency, the private attorney, the state's Department of Economic Security Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), or the court.
NOTE: If your adoption was handled through a private attorney, there is a chance the attorney's adoption file has been destroyed after 7 years. [ARS 8-120(E)]. However, if the attorney or firm is still in practice, you should contact them and request it.
Obtaining Identifying Information:
Identifying information is provided through all of the following:
1) Mutual Consent to the Release.
Arizona law [ARS 8-121(E)] provides the right for an adopted adult, age 21 or older, and a birth parent to provide a notarized statement granting consent or withholding consent to the release of identifying information. If consent is given, then the information will be given to the requesting party. This consent is presented through a notarized letter to the court, the agency, the attorney, and/or the division. The proper court of jurisdiction is usually the Superior Court for the county in which the adoption was finalized - which is generally the county where the adoptive parents resided at the time of the adoption.
2) Petitioning the Court.
Arizona law [ARS 8-120(B)] [ARS 8-121(D)] allows the court file to be opened to inspection by persons and agencies having a legitimate interest in the case and their attorneys and by other persons and agencies having a legitimate interest in the protection, welfare or treatment of the child. The proper court of jurisdiction is usually the Superior Court for the county in which the adoption was finalized - which is generally the county where the adoptive parents resided at the time of the adoption.
3) State's Confidential Intermediary Program.
Arizona law [ARS 8-134] has established a confidential intermediary program. The Arizona Supreme Court administers the AZ CIP. This is a fee based service, up to $50 per hour. It is recommended that you file your Letter of Consent to Release Information BEFORE you decide whether or not to employ the paid services of a CI. If the party you seek has already filed their letter, the identifying information, and even current contact information, may already be waiting for you.
NOTE: It is recommended that you provide your consent letter to the court AND the adoption agency, the private attorney or the Division. Birthparents may not be able to ascertain in what court the adoption was finalized, so they will have difficulty filing there.
Department of Economic Security
Division of Children, Youth and Families
Private Licensed Adoption Agencies:
If you relinquished to or were adopted through a private licensed adoption agency in Arizona, this is where to write for Non-Identifying Information, to file updated medical information, and for birthparents to receive copies of your Relinquishment Form and any other documents you signed.
Special Note: If you relinquished to or were adopted through the state, you write to the Division (Department of Economic Security Division of Children, Youth and Families) to request your Non-ID.
WE SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL SOUNDEX REUNION REGISTRY!
Don't Forget to Register with ISRR!!!
The International Soundex Reunion Registry is the world's largest and most successful mutual consent reunion registry and is a free service. Get your free registration form online by visiting the ISRR website, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
ISRR
P.O. Box 3212
Carson City, NV 89702-2312
You can reach them by phone at (775) 882-7755
|
Additional Search Pages and Resources
Arizona Specific Resources Directories Databases Miscellaneous
|
