0313 Request for Adoption Records and Searches
KSA 59-2135 requires the district court to send certain information to the DCF. DCF is required to maintain copies of this information and cannot release this information unless allowed by KSA 59-2122. These records are preserved in the PPS Adoption Records Archive Imaging system.
A. Adoption Records Request
1. Parties authorized, without a court order, by KSA 59-2122 to receive adoption records:
a. The party filing for adoption or termination and their attorney.
b. An adoptee who has reached the age of majority.
c. Representatives of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF)
d. Kansas Office of the Disciplinary Administrator who oversees attorney discipline.
e. The Commission on Judicial Qualifications.
2. Fee for Records: DCF may charge fees for copies of case record materials as specified in Kansas Administrative Regulation (K.A.R. 30-2-12).
3. Process for requesting records.
a. Required Documents and forms
i. PPS 0330 Adult Adoptee Requesting Copy of Adoption Record
ii. PPS 0350 Authorization to Release information.
iii. Photocopy of birth certificate, current driver's license or Government issued ID.
b. Return Completed Forms to DCF through one of the following methods:
i. Email
a. DCF.KSADPSearch@ks.gov
ii. Mail to Prevention and Protection Services (PPS)
a. 555 S. Kansas Ave., 4th floor, Topeka, KS 66603
4. Upon receiving a request, DCF shall:
a. Search the PPS Adoption Record Archive Imaging system and provide copies of the following documents, if available:
i. Original Birth certificate, citizenship documents, or both
ii. Social Security Card or verification of social security number
iii. Social history
iv. PPS 5340 Medical and Genetic Information for Child
v. Permanency plans
vi. School records
vii. Miscellaneous: Newspaper articles, letters or correspondence addressed to the adoptee, awards, or pictures
viii. Decree of adoption
b. Redact the following information:
i. Names, addresses, and contact details:
a. Extended family members or close associates of the resource parents.
b. The primary resource parents but also other adults and children living in the home.
c. Other children or youth in the resource home, including foster children, adoptive children, and biological children.
d. Babysitters, respite care providers, or any other individuals who provide care or services to the children.
e. Other individuals with an expectation of privacy.
c. DCF shall not release the following information:
i. Adoptive names and addresses of birth siblings, if 18 years of age or older, without their written permission.
ii. Adoptive names and addresses of birth siblings, if under 18 years of age.
iii. Copies or third-party information or reports without written permission from the author. DCF will provide:
a. Information from individuals and agencies with whom DCF has an award for services.
b. The name of the agency or person providing services and any available information regarding how an adult adoptee may obtain third party information.
5. Request for official copy original Birth Certificate (pre-adoption): Contact the Office of Vital Statistics
B. Requesting Contact with Birth Parent, Birth Sibling, or Adult Adoptee
1. KSA 59-2122 authorizes DCF to coordinate contact between adoptive parents of a minor adoptee, birth or genetic parents, adult adoptees, and legal guardians. DCF is not authorized to share identity or contact information without written permission from the person whose information is being shared.
a. DCF may contact the adoptive parents of a minor adoptee at the request of the birth or genetic parents in the event of a health or medical need.
b. DCF may contact the birth or genetic parents of a minor adoptee at the request of the adoptive parents in the event of a health or medical need.
c. DCF may contact the birth or genetic parents of an adult adoptee at the request of the adult adoptee for any reason.
d. DCF may contact an adult adoptee at the request of the birth or genetic parents for any reason.
e. The legal guardian of an adopted adult may be substituted for the adopted adult in any of the above.
2. Requirements for adult adoptee searching for siblings.
a. DCF cannot provide contact information for siblings if the sibling is under 18 years of age.
3. Requesting Contact and Search Process
a) Required documents and forms:
i. One of the following:
a. PPS 0335 Birth Parent Requesting Search or Contact with Adult Adoptee, or
b. PPS 0340 Adult Adoptee Requesting Search/Contact
ii. PPS 0350 Authorization to Release information.
iii. Photocopy of birth certificate or current driver's license/government issued ID
b) Return completed forms to DCF through one of the following methods:
i. Email
a. DCF.KSADPSearch@ks.gov
ii. Mail to Prevention and Protection Services (PPS)
a. 555 S. Kansas Ave., 4th floor, Topeka, KS 66603
c) Upon receiving a request, DCF shall:
i. Initial search efforts will occur for one year from receipt of request. Subsequent search efforts will occur every 5 years from the date of request.
ii. If the requested individuals are located. DCF will request a release of information from the located individuals. Without a release no information will be released. If a release is received, authorized information is sent to the requestor.
iii. DCF will save a copy of the request for contact in the adoption record.