[or-roots] adoption research

[SAWYER Layne G]

Dear rooters,

I believe somebody may have already posted this link for the previous inquiry
about access to adoption records but just in case here it is again.


http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/adoption.html 

If you read through the entire page you will see there are two different types
of records that adoption researchers maybe looking for.  The actual adoption
records which document the "legal" portion of the adoption process.  These
records are not open and are available only by court order. They may include
actual court records and records created by a private adoption agency or a
state agency.

In 1998 a ballot measure was passed which did allow adoptees over the age 21
access to their original birth records. These records had previously been
sealed.  These original birth records are accessed through the Center for
Health Statistics (vital records).   When a child is adopted the original
birth record created at the time of birth is sealed and a new birth record
with the adoptive parents listed as the parents replaces the "original".  

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,

Layne Sawyer
"List Mom"
Oregon State Archives