What information exists concerning a child’s adoption in Connecticut?

Probate Court files. Probate Courts in Connecticut have jurisdiction over adoption. The Probate Court files contain the identity of the biological parents but also the file has a study performed by DCF which has very detailed information surrounding the circumstances of the parents and the reasons why their parental rights were terminated. These files are confidential and not open to the adopted child.

Birth certificates. All children have a birth certificate. But if a child is adopted in Connecticut the child will have two birth certificates- the original birth certificate and a second issued by the Office of Vital Records stating the name(s) of the adoptive parents and in some instances changing the child’s legal name. An adopted child is permitted to see the second birth certificate but not the original birth certificate which would include the names of the biological parents.

Back in 2006, legislation was approved allowing a child to obtain their original birth certificate but it was eventually vetoed by Governor Rell. There has been discussion that this legislation may be revived in the near future.

There is no proposed legislation which would allow an adopted child access to the Probate Court file. A minority of states do allow an adopted child the opportunity to view the court file.

According to a recent article in the Connecticut Law Tribune, there are two chief sources of opposition to allowing an adopted child access to the original birth certificate. First, the Office of Vital Records claims such a law would place high demands on their staff. Second, the Catholic Church takes the position that a biological parent was promised anonymity during the adoption process.

Should adopted children be allowed to obtain their original birth certificates?

Should adopted children be privy to the Probate Court file or DCF records concerning their adoption?

The debate continues.

 

CategoryProbate

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