What are the laws regarding adoption records?

In Texas, the law requires the Department of Public Safety to maintain the records of the adoption and provide an original or certified copy of the record to the adult adoptee or their direct descendants. Under the Texas Family Code, the adoptee, adoptive parents, and birth parents have the right to access the adoption records. However, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) can also provide records to other authorized parties. This includes certain agencies, such as child placing agencies, for the purpose of family reunification. The adoption agency must also keep the records of the adoption and provide an original or certified copy of it upon request. The agency is the custodian of records, and the DFPS will not release any records without the permission of the agency. Adoption records may include documents, medical and social histories, and other pertinent information related to the adoption. The records also include the adopted person’s name before and after they were adopted. Generally, the adoptee has the right to request to see their adoption records once they turn 18. While applying for records or information, the adoptee needs to fill out a state and federal form. In Texas, it is also possible for the adoptee to apply for an amended birth certificate to include their adoptive parents. Finally, the Texas legislature passed a law in 2019 that permits adopted persons to apply for a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate that includes sealed information on their biological parents.

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What are the laws regarding adoption records?

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