Pennsylvania Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 18 or older or adoptive parents of an adoptee under 18 may obtain non-identifying information by petitioning the court.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 18 or older or adoptive parents of an adopted adult under 18 may petition the court to receive information. The court will then contact the birth parents for the consent. In addition to petitioning the court, an adopted adult may request the agency to contact the birth parents.

Using the Adoption Registry:

The following persons may use the registry, which is for medical histories only:

• birth parents,
  
• adopted adults and
  
• adoptive parents of an adoptee under 21.

Contact:

Debbie Mondillo
Diakon/FDR
P.O. Box 4560
471 JPL Wick Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
717-231-6426
dmondillo@diakon-swan.org

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

Adopted adults can receive the information on the certificate if the birth parents file consent.

Providing Information:

At any time after finalization, birth parents may consent to the release of the adopted adult's records and identifying information.

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