At the time of the adoption, birth parents are asked whether they consent
to the release of identifying information to their sons and daughters when
they are adults. If that written consent is in the file, identifying information
will be released to the adult adoptee at age 21.
The birth parent may change this at any time by revoking or filing a consent.
If there is no consent on file, an adoptee may ask the Court to search for
his or her birth parents. The Court MUST do so. If that contact results in
consent the adoptee may see the records. Otherwise, adoption records may
only be opened by court order.
Adoptees 18 years of age or older have the option of registering with the
Cabinet for Human Resources their desire to have contact with pre-adoptive
siblings. If the siblings register, and are eighteen years of age or older,
identifying information will be released. For sibling registry information
contact:
Cabinet for Human Resources, Department for Social Services,
275
East Main Street, 6th Floor West, Frankfort, Kentucky 40621, 502-564-2136.
Kentucky does have a state run Confidential Intermediary (CI) Service.
For information on Kentucky's program contact,
Kentucky Adoption Search Services 502-564-2147