Frequently Asked Questions

Juvenile programs adoption

Can biological parents keep the court file updated with information which may include current address, telephone number, medical history, or correspondence to the adopted adult for future use should the adopted adult contact the court?

Yes

I hear there is a way to get adoption records but my adoptive parents are deceased, where do I start?

The best place to start is the county where your adoptive parents were residing during your adoption. Contact the juvenile court or the family court in that county. Also, contact the county located on your birth certificate.

I'm under 18 years of age. Can my adoptive parents or legal guardian submit a written request for non-identifying social history on my behalf?

Yes

Since I've been told that I was adopted, where do I get non-identifying information?

You apply to the court that finalized the adoption. There are 45 circuits in Missouri. Generally, the circuit is where the birth occurred or where the adoptive parents were residing at the time of adoption.

Since my biological parents are deceased and I have a health problem, can I get the identity of any biological siblings?

Only upon written consent of the adult sibling can a court order such disclosure.

When a person is adopted, can they receive a copy of their amended birth certificate from the adoption file?

No, copies of amended birth certificates are held at the Missouri Department of Vital Records.