Adoption Records Search Program

Wisconsin's Adoption Record Search law is set forth in State Statutes Sections 48.432 and 48.433. The law specifies conditions and protections under which a search may be conducted. The law:

• Gives birth parents the right to refuse to allow the release of identifying information

• Allows the release of deceased birth parent identity if it does not breach the confidentiality of another  legally identified birth parent

• Establishes procedures for adoption searches

• Places responsibility for administration of the law with the State Department of Children and Families (DCF)

• Requires circuit courts to report medical and genetic information on both birth parents and relatives to DCF at the time parental rights are terminated in Wisconsin

• Requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to establish a permanent centralized birth record file on all adoptions completed in Wisconsin

• Allows adoptive parents to request existing or updated records on non-identifying medical, genetic, and social history information on birth parents

• Allows persons to petition a circuit court for an order requiring release of information not available under provisions of the search program

When an adoptee is 18 years old, he or she can request:

• Medical and genetic information about his/her birth relatives

• Non-identifying social history information about his/her birth relatives

• A search for birth parent(s) identity and location and a copy of his/her impounded birth certificate

A notarized affidavit of consent from the birth parent(s) is required to release information

Birth parents(s) requirements and rights:

Birth parent(s) are required to provide medical and genetic information to the court at the time parental rights are terminated.

• This information is provided on the Court Report for Centralized Birth Record

Birth parent(s) may file updated medical or genetic information with the Department of Children and Families at any time.

Each birth parent(s) may file an affidavit with the Department of Children and Families:

• This affidavit consents to the release of his or her identity and location and the impounded birth certificate. The information can be released upon request to the adoptee when he/she reaches age 18

• The affidavit must be notarized

• The affidavit may be filed at the time parental rights are terminated, or any time afterwards

• Birth parents have the right to revoke the affidavit (withdraw their approval) at any time

• If a birth parent is known to be deceased their identity may be released if it does not breach the confidentiality of another legally identified birth parent

Birth parents(s) may request the Adoption Search Program to provide important medical and genetic information to their birth children. A written statement from a licensed medical provider must be with each request.

The Adoption Search Program may attempt to contact the birth parent(s) to:

Request an affidavit of consent and, or request updated family health history information.

• An affidavit is required to release their identity

• Updated family health history is required upon request and is provided to the requestor

Notify the birth parents(s) that an adoptee has developed a genetically transferable disease or condition

• This is done when the Department of Children and Families receives written notification from a licensed medical provider.

The Adoption Search Program may attempt to contact the adoptive parent(s) of a minor adoptee to:

• Notify the adoptive parents(s) that the adoptee's birth parent(s) or birth sibling(s) developed a genetically transferable disease or condition.

• This notification is done when the Department of Children and Families receives written notification from a licensed medical provider.

Adoptive parents may request medical, genetic, and non-identifying social history information about their adoptee's birth relatives.

The current law does not provide for siblings to request searches for each other

Other persons who may also receive medical and genetic information include:

• The guardian or legal custodian of an adopted person

• The offspring of an adopted person if he or she is at least 18 years old

• An agency or social worker assigned to provide services to the adopted person

Adults who were not legally adopted as children and whose birth parent(s) terminated parental rights may request:

• Medical and genetic information

• Non-identifying social history information

• Birth parent(s) identity and location

A notarized affidavit of consent from the birth parent(s) is required to release information

• Email:  dcfadoptionsearch@wisconsin.gov
• Call (608) 422-6928
• Download an application and mail it or fax it to:
  • Mail: Adoption Records Search Program

    P.O. Box 8916
    Madison, WI 53708-8916

  • Fax: (608) 422-7170

Brochures with information about the Adoption Records Search Program are available:

• Wisconsin Adoption Records Search Program in English
• Wisconsin Adoption Records Search Program (Hmong) in Hmong
• Wisconsin Adoption Records Search Program (Spanish) in Spanish