Genealogy Forum NEWS
October, 1997
TN ADOPTION ACCESS UPHELD
Dear READERS,
The following posting appeared this morning (10/7/97) on soc.genealogy.methods newsgroup by Billie R. McNamara (one of the driving forces behind Tennessee's USGenWeb.) It concerns the access to post-1951 adoption records in the state of Tennessee. If this holds true, it will really help those of you seeking information about your birth parents in that state.
Good luck!
Myrt :)
Subj: TN Adoption Records Legislation Upheld!
Date: 97-10-07 06:14:26 EDT
From: mcnamara@usit.net (Billie R. McNamara)
To: GENMTD-L@rootsweb.com
Great news! Tell everyone who might be interested! Post it to all the appropriate lists!
In 1996, the Tennessee Legislature enacted measures that opened adoption records for adoptions attempted on or after March 16, 1951, to any adopted individual once he or she turned 21. From the State's website:
"These adoption records include access to adoption records, sealed adoption records, sealed records, post adoption records, or records from any other
information source."
That legislation has been contested since it was passed.
Today, the U. S. Supreme Court upheld it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you, or anyone you know, was adopted in Tennessee on or after March 16, 1951, and is now over 21, have him or her contact the Department of Children's Services (or whatever it's called these days) in the county where the adoption took place for full details. You may e-mail the DCS' main office in Nashville at: gperry@mail.state.tn.us.
Also from the State's website (dated March, 1997):
"The Department is in the process of reestablishing the proper procedures for those interested in accessing adoption records.
"The Department will begin processing requests in the order in which they were received. The appointments previously scheduled by the requesting person, for review of the information, have been notified of new dates and times."
Please note that biological parents have the right, under this legislation, to request that their identities be withheld.
Information about adoptions both pre- and post-March 16, 1951, and information about obtaining medical and background information, is available at the State's website:
http://www.state.tn.us/youth/adoption/accessto.htm (LINK UPDATED 8/2/04)
Other Tennessee adoption-related information can be found by searching the State's website:
http://www.state.tn.us/search/
Billie R. McNamara, POB 6764, Knoxville, TN 37914-0764 USA
TNGenWeb http://www.tngenweb.org/ (LINK UPDATED 8/2/04)
Acuff Archives http://www.acuff.org/ (LINK UPDATED 8/2/04)
Personal Homepage http://www.tnhillbillie.net/ (LINK UPDATED 8/2/04)
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