Kentucky Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Non-identifying information is available to adopted adults and adoptive parents of a minor.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 21 or older can petition the court to initiate a search for the birth parents. If the Department is unable to locate the birth parents, the court may or may not open the records. Pre-adoptive birth siblings may search for each other through the Department if they are over the age of 18. Birth parents can file consent for the release of identifying information.

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized.

Providing Information:

Birth parents or birth siblings can request that information be given to an adopted adult or adoptive parents of a minor about medical or genetic conditions that may affect the physical or mental health of the adopted adult.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)