Access to Adoption Records

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 1-22-116; 1-22-203

Nonidentifying medical information may be provided to:

• The adoptive parent
• The adult adoptee

Identifying information may be accessed by:

• The adult adoptee
• The adoptive parent
• The birth parent, sibling, or grandparent

All parties must be age 18 or older.

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 1-22-116

To the extent available, the medical history of the adoptive child and his or her birth parents, with information identifying the birth parents eliminated, shall be provided to the child's adoptive parent any time after the adoption decree or to the child after he or she attains the age of majority. The history shall include but not be limited to all available information regarding conditions or diseases believed to be hereditary, any drugs or medication taken during pregnancy by the birth mother, and any other information that may be a factor influencing the child's present or future health.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 1-22-203

Any person listed above may petition the court to appoint one or more confidential intermediaries for the purpose of determining the whereabouts of an unknown birth relative, except that no one shall seek a relative who is a minor. Any information obtained by the intermediary shall be kept strictly confidential and shall be utilized only for the purpose of arranging a contact between the individual who initiated the search and the sought-after birth relative.

When a sought-after relative is located:

• Contact shall be made between the parties only when written consent for such contact has been obtained from both parties and filed with the court.
• If consent for personal communication is not obtained from both parties, all relinquishment and adoption records and any information obtained by any confidential intermediary during the course of his or her investigation shall be returned to the court and shall remain confidential.

Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 35-1-417

The original birth certificate is not subject to inspection except by court order.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Wyoming Department of Family Services

Contact:

Wyoming Confidential Adoption Intermediary Services
Hathaway Building, Room 336
2300 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0710
(307) 777-3570
(307) 777-3693 fax

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