Finding Adoption Info In VA

[mama2myangels07]

Is it difficult to find out information from an open adoption done in Virginia? My SIL gave up her daughter in VA for adoption & lost contact with the adoptive parents, any information she had was lost in a move. Would she be able to contact social services in VA and find out any information? I figure identifying information maybe kept confidential until the child is 18.

[Polliwog]

Does VA have formal open adoption agreements? NC doesn't so DSS here probably wouldn't be able to directly give out any information. However, they might be able to contact the adoptive parents and see if they are open to sharing their contact information.

[mama2myangels07]

Originally Posted by Polliwog

Does VA have formal open adoption agreements? NC doesn't so DSS here probably wouldn't be able to directly give out any information. However, they might be able to contact the adoptive parents and see if they are open to sharing their contact information.

I'm not sure if they do, but looking on the social services website it says that in an open adoption the birth parent(s) do have a right to view the entire adoption record. It also says something about an intermediary being involved if it's necessary.

Trying to find out whether or not SIL could view the info now even though my niece is 10yo or if it would have to wait till she is 18. I know my DH is allowed to write letters and they can be sent to social services to be included in the adoption records.

Edit: Ok looks like they do have a 'formal' agreement that can be signed.

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/di...658-00-eng.pdf