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Vermont Adoption Registry


The registry is the clearinghouse for information about all adoptions that have taken place in Vermont since 1940.

NEW ADOPTION LAW!  Vermont Bill H.629 (Act 100) is now effective as of July 1, 2023.


    THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE

    NON-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
    A summary of information of the adoption record — about the adoption; the adoptive parents, biological/former parents, and birth siblings; and the adopted person's health, genetic and social background.
    WHO CAN REQUEST IT
    • Adult or emancipated adopted people and their direct descendants
    • Parents by adoption, direct descendants of deceased or adopted people, and custodians/guardians of minors
    • Biological/former parents, grandparents, and siblings
    WHERE TO
    GET IT

    The agency that handled the adoption will provide this information. If you don't know the name of the agency, the registry can refer you to the appropriate one. The registry can provide the non-identifying information if there was no agency involved, the agency is no longer active, or it was a state adoption. Private agencies may charge a fee for the services of compiling this information.


    IDENTIFYING INFORMATION (Effective July 1, 2023)
    Facts that will help establish the identity and whereabouts of the adopted person, biological/former parents, or a birth sibling (e.g., a full name, date of birth, and last known address).
    WHO CAN REQUEST IT
    • Adult or emancipated adopted persons and their direct descendants
    • Biological/former parents and siblings (18+)
    WHAT IS REQUIRED

    For adults or emancipated adopted persons, and their descendants, whose adoption was finalized in Vermont:

    • Unless a biological/former parent has filed a Request for Non-Disclosure, identifying in formation about that biological/former parent shall be disclosed upon request

    For biological/former parents and biological siblings:

    • Identifying information about the adopted persons shall be disclosed only if there is consent to the disclosure.
    WHERE TO
    GET IT

    The Vermont Adoption Registry. Please see the Adoption Registry Forms sections below.


      ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE (Effective July 1, 2023)
      Adult/Emancipated Adopted people and their descendants will receive a certified copy and biological/former parents will receive an informational copy of the adopted person's original (pre-adoption) birth certificate.
      WHO CAN REQUEST IT
      • Biological/former parents
      • Adult or emancipated adopted persons and their direct descendants
      WHERE TO
      GET IT
      • Biological/former parents: send a copy of identification such as a driver's license, along with your request, to Vermont Vital Records, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT, 05402-0070.
         
      • Adopted persons: please visit the Vermont Department of Health website for the form to submit.

      FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ADOPTED PERSONS


      What if I'm denied information?

      Non-Identifying Information: if you're denied information you are entitled to by law, you may petition the probate court to get it.


      How do I petition the court?

      Contact the registry. We can refer you to the appropriate court and answer any questions you have about the process.


      FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS FOR BIOLOGICAL/FORMER PARENTS


      What if I want to be contacted?

      File a Contact Preference Form indicating your preference for contact with the adopted person.


      What if I don't want my identity to be disclosed?

      After July 1, 2023, you can no longer file a Statement About The Release Of Identifying Information stating that you do not consent to the release of identifying information about you. You may file a Contact Preference Form indicating your preference for contact with the adopted person.


      FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ADOPTION CONSTELLATION MEMBERS


      What about newly available health information?

      Adoptive parents, adopted persons, or biological/former family members who become aware of health information that could seriously affect the health or reproductive decisions of another party should contact the registry. We will attempt to notify the affected party; however, a certified statement from a physician is required.


      Is there a cost?

      Courts, agencies, and the registry may charge a reasonable fee for costs associated with compiling and releasing information. Any fees will be disclosed to you in advance.


      ADOPTION REGISTRY FORMS

      CONTACT PREFERENCE FORM
      Contact Preference For Biological/Former Parents Of Adopted Persons
      STATEMENT ABOUT THE RELEASE OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
      Adopted Person
      Adult Descendant of Adopted Person Who Is Now Deceased
      Biological/Former Sibling
      REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
      Request For Non-Identifying Information
      INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY HISTORY/BACKGROUND
      Biological/Former Father
      Biological/Former Mother

      Vermont Adoption Registry
      280 State Drive
      Waterbury, VT 05671-1030
      (802) 241-0906
      Christina.Shuma@partner.vermont.gov