Registry Available for Adoptees, Birth Parents in Pennsylvania

By Sheryl Rentz on September 14, 2012

The 2010 law passed in Pennsylvania, formally called Pennsylvania Act 101, makes it easier to for Pennsylvania residents involved in adoptions to request information about the adoptee or birth parents. As reported by Montgomery News, this law allowed the state Department of Public Welfare to create the Pennsylvania Adoption Information Registry (PAIR), which keeps confidential information related to the social and medical history of children adopted in the state. Birth parents, adoptive parents, or adoptees can make updates to the registry at any time.

A Pennsylvanian can reach PAIR by calling (800) 227-0225, but the information is shared only if both parties agree to it. This can eliminate the uncomfortable situation that may occur when an adoptee calls a biological parent that does not wish to be contacted. At the request of the adoptee, an authorized representative is appointed to search for birth parents or relatives, and the birth parents must provide written consent. Under PA law, a “birth relative” can refer to a parent, sibling, grandparent, stepparent, uncle, or aunt of the child’s birth family.

The registry, which has been discussed in the General Assembly over the course of 20 years, also recognizes and honors the continuing contact agreements made upon adoption between members of the adopted child’s birth and adoptive family. State Senator Stewart Greenleaf, who introduced the bill, hopes that the law will “encourage more adoptions in Pennsylvania in situations where they are vitally needed for a child’s well-being.”

Adopting a child can be a truly wonderful thing for a family and the ultimate gift for loving parents, but the process of adoption, as well as understanding the laws surrounding it, can be difficult without the help of a Pennsylvania adoption attorney. Family law attorney Sheryl R. Rentz has extensive experience helping families with every step of the adoption process to ensure the new child is welcomed into the family smoothly. To discuss your adoption, call (610) 645-0100 to schedule a complimentary consultation.