Arkansas

Family Law

Section 9-9-104 – Adoption information collection

(a) The General Assembly finds that:

(1) There is a need for more information on adoptions that occur in Arkansas;

(2) No governmental agency has the responsibility for gathering information on Arkansas adoptions; and

(3) Without adequate data, the General Assembly cannot make informed decisions regarding changes that may need to be made to adoption laws.

(b) The Office of Chief Counsel of the Department of Human Services shall prepare an adoption information sheet and shall distribute the information sheet to each of the circuit clerks in the state for distribution to each petitioner seeking to file an adoption pleading in the state.

(c) Before the entry of an interlocutory or final decree of adoption, the petitioner shall complete the adoption information sheet and return it to the clerk.

(d) The clerk shall mail the completed form to the Office of Chief Counsel of the Department of Human Services.

(e) The adoption information sheet shall include without limitation:

(1) The age of the minor to be adopted;

(2) The state in which the minor was born;

(3) The state in which the minor resided before the adoption;

(4) The state of residence of the birth mother;

(5) The age of each adoptive parent;

(6) The state in which each adoptive parent resides;

(7) Whether the adoption placement was made by a licensed Arkansas adoption agency and, if so, the name of the agency;

(8) Whether the adoption placement was made by:

(A) A private physician;

(B) A private attorney; or

(C) An out-of-state entity or individual;

(9) Whether the adoptive parents are married or single;

(10) Whether the adoptive parent is a stepparent or second-parent adoptive parent;

(11) Whether the adoptive parent is a family member of the minor child; and

(12) An approximate amount for costs paid by the petitioner in the adoption.

(f) Personally identifiable information regarding the child to be adopted or regarding an adoptive parent shall not be requested or gathered on the adoption information sheet.

Ark. Code § 9-9-104

Acts 2009, No. 1399, § 1

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