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Family Services / Virginia's Adoption Program / Adoption Disclosure
Adoption Disclosure is the official release of information from a sealed adoption file related to the legal adoption of a child.
Adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents and adult birth siblings may request identifying or non-identifying information under Virginia law (§ 63.2-1246 and § 63.2-1247).
A search must be completed before releasing identifying information. This process helps locate the adoptee or birth family and gain permission to share their current information.
Non-identifying records may include legal documents and placement details from the adoption file. Names and other trace information are removed before release.
If you qualify to request information or want to begin a search, start your Adoption Disclosure request with the one of forms provided.
Adoption Disclosure Forms
For help with adoption disclosure, contact a VDSS Adoption Disclosure Specialist:
Email: adoptionsearch@dss.virginia.gov
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