Advertisements
I just joined this forum today and feel compelled to share info I just discovered about the Vermont Adoption Registry. [url="http://www.path.state.vt.us/cwyj/adoption/registry.shtml"]http://www.path.state.vt.us/cwyj/adoption/registry.shtml[/url] I have known about the registry for years, but as far as I knew, you could only request non-identifying information if there was no consent on file by your birthparent. What I just found out a few months ago is that if they check and don't find a consent form on file from your birth-parent, this is not a dead end. You can then write a letter to the judge at the probate court that handled your adoption. Basically you are requesting that the judge release your identifying information. The folks at the adoption registry will give you guidance on how to write this. Once the judge receives your letter, and before there is any decision by the court, he most likely will authorize the staff of the VT Adoption Registry to conduct a search for your birthmother. The registry then searches for your birthparent (they have the name) and when they contact them, will ask if they are willing to consent to release of information. If they consent, then contact can be established. BTW....there is a fee involved. I just wanted to share this info with all VT Adoptees. Good luck to all of you. I have gone through this process and was told 1 1/2 weeks ago that they think they have found my birthmother, but they haven't yet been able to establish contact. (they keep getting her machine - but they do not leave messages). So,,,,,, I'm playing the waiting game right now.
Like
1 Liked
Jan Worn likes this.
Share
:cheer:
Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 15A, ǧ 6-105; 6-106
For adoptions finalized prior to 7-1-1986, the registry shall disclose identifying information if the birth parent has filed any kind of document that clearly indicates that he or she consents to such disclosure.
For adoptions finalized on or after 7-1-1986, the registry shall disclose identifying information without requiring the consent of the birth parent unless the birth parent has filed a request for nondisclosure in accordance with the provisions of 6-106 of this title and has not withdrawn the request.
Identifying information about the adoptee shall be disclosed to the birth parent if the adoptive parent of the adoptee who is younger than age 18 consents to the disclosure. Identifying information about a deceased adoptee shall be disclosed to the birth parent or sibling upon request if the deceased adoptee's direct descendant is age 18 or older and consents to the disclosure; or the parent or guardian of a direct descendant who is less than 18 years old consents to the disclosure. Identifying information about a birth sibling shall be disclosed to the adoptee upon request if both the sibling and the adoptee are age 18 or older and the sibling consents to disclosure.
A birth parent may prevent disclosure of identifying information by filing a request for nondisclosure with the registry. A request for nondisclosure may be withdrawn by a birth parent at any time.
Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 15A, ǧ 6-107
The original birth certificate may be released upon request to an adoptee who is age 18 or older and who has access to identifying information.
The original birth certificate is unsealed and becomes public record 99 years after the date of the adoptee's birth.
Contact:
Vermont Adoption Registry
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-2401
(802) 241-2122
[url=http://www.state.vt.us/srs/adoption/registry.html]The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) | Department for Children and Families[/url]
:cheer:
Advertisements
I just joined this forum today and feel compelled to share info I just discovered about the Vermont Adoption Registry. [url="http://www.path.state.vt.us/cwyj/adoption/registry.shtml"]http://www.path.state.vt.us/cwyj/adoption/registry.shtml[/url] I have known about the registry for years, but as far as I knew, you could only request non-identifying information if there was no consent on file by your birthparent. What I just found out a few months ago is that if they check and don't find a consent form on file from your birth-parent, this is not a dead end. You can then write a letter to the judge at the probate court that handled your adoption. Basically you are requesting that the judge release your identifying information. The folks at the adoption registry will give you guidance on how to write this. Once the judge receives your letter, and before there is any decision by the court, he most likely will authorize the staff of the VT Adoption Registry to conduct a search for your birthmother. The registry then searches for your birthparent (they have the name) and when they contact them, will ask if they are willing to consent to release of information. If they consent, then contact can be established. BTW....there is a fee involved. I just wanted to share this info with all VT Adoptees. Good luck to all of you. I have gone through this process and was told 1 1/2 weeks ago that they think they have found my birthmother, but they haven't yet been able to establish contact. (they keep getting her machine - but they do not leave messages). So,,,,,, I'm playing the waiting game right now.