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Adoption Disclosure

What is Adoption Disclosure?

Adoption Disclosure is the official release of information from a sealed adoption file related to the legal adoption of a child. An adult adoptee, adoptive parent, birth parent, and adult birth sibling may request identifying and non-identifying information from the adoption file under the conditions outlined in the Code of Virginia § 63.2-1246 and § 63.2-1247. Learn More

The Virginia Department of Social Services maintains a permanent record of all adoptions finalized in Virginia since July 1, 1942. Virginia is a "closed" or "sealed" adoption state. At the time of finalization, adoption files are sealed by a court order and are not public record. This means that there are restrictions on who can request information relating to an adoption and the type of information that can be released. Submitting an Application for Disclosure is the first step for adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, and adult birth siblings to explore access to information. This process will not grant full access to the adoption file. An Adoption Disclosure Specialist can provide further guidance at the conclusion of an adoption search or request for a file.

Adoption Search

Identifying information is information that will lead to the discovery of a person's identity, which may include names and contact information. A search for the adoptee or birth family must first be completed to obtain their consent to release their current identifying information.

Adoption Records

Non-identifying information includes information from the adoption file that may include legal documents and placement information, but does not identify the birth family. Information provided will have birth family names and trace information removed.

I AM AN

Adoptee

Adult adoptees (eighteen and older) can receive non-identifying information from the adoption record and apply to receive identifying information on their birth family.

I AM AN

Adoptive Parent

Adoptive parents can receive non-identifying information from the adoption record. For adoptions finalized on or after July 1, 1994, the adoptive parent of a minor child may apply to receive identifying information on the birth family.

I AM A

Birth Parent

For adoptions finalized on or after July 1, 1994, when the adoptee is 21 years of age or older, the birth parent(s) may apply to receive identifying information on the adoptee. Birth parents can send letters to VDSS to be included in the adoption file.

I AM AN

Adult Birth Sibling

For adoptions finalized on or after July 1, 1994, when the adoptee is 21 years of age or older, the adult birth sibling may apply to receive identifying information on the adoptee. Birth siblings can send letters to VDSS to be included in the adoption file.

I AM A

Relative

Any member of the birth family can send letters to VDSS to be included in the adoption file. If the adoptee requests a search, a copy of the letter will be given to the adoptee at that time. Family members, such as a spouse or descendants of the adoptee, cannot have access to the adoptee's file.

I AM SEEKING

Resources & FAQs

Explore additional adoption information for Virginia and nationwide.
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