VERMONT Law/Reform


Effective July 1, 1996

The search portion of this bill did not change drastically. Records are not open. Adoptees, Birthparents and some extended birth family members can request non-identifying information and also register on one main registry. If there is a match, parties will be put in touch with each other. Non-identifying information is a bit more informative than before. First names are given.

Effective January 1, 1998, parties can petition the courts to open records. It is then up to the Judge to determine just cause and locate the other party. This is a very gray area and it is not known at this time how it will work. Anyone affected by adoption in Vermont should contact:

Cheryl Edwards, SRS - Adoption Unit, 103 South Main St., Waterbury, Vt. 05676, 802-241-2131

Vermont Links

Vermont Adoption Law