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 |
|
| 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 The registry can provide the non-identifying information if there was no agency involved, the agency is no longer active, or it was a state adoption.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 |
|
| WHAT IS REQUIRED |
For adults or emancipated adopted persons, and their descendants, whose adoption was finalized in Vermont:
For biological/former parents and biological siblings:
|
| 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 |
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| WHERE TO GET IT |
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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 |