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Maine Adoption Law
All adoption records are confidential and may be examined only upon court
order.
Prior to a final order of adoption, the Department of Human Services shall
disclose to the prospective
adoptive parents available information regarding the child's medical and
genetic background and any history that pertains
to serious sexual, emotional, or physical abuse of the child. Any medical or
genetic information in the court records
relating to an adoption can also be made available to the adoptee at the age
of 18, the adoptee's children,
adoptive parents, or adoptee's legal guardian, on petition to the court. The
State registrar will maintain files of the names
and addresses of adoptees, and adoptive and biological parents who have
registered. When the adoptee reaches age 18,
if both the adoptee and the biological parents have consented, the registrar
may release identifying information.
If the birthparent is deceased and the adoptee is 18 years of age or older,
the State registrar may disclose the fact
that the birth parent has died. Maine has a mutual consent registry maintained
by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics
to facilitate contact between adoptees (age 18), adoptive parents of adoptees
under age 18, and birth parents.
For registry information, contact: Maine State Adoption Reunion Registry
Division of Vital Records
221 State Street Augusta, Maine 04333.
Telephone: 207-289-3181
Post Legal Adoption Services
Many people who were adopted through our agency, or who placed children in
adoptive homes,
contact St. Andre Home each year for updated social histories, medical
information, or for mutually agreed-upon reunions.
Our post-legal-adoption program serves adoptive families, birthmothers, and
adult adoptees seeking those particular services.
Typically each year about 80 - 100 individuals contact the agency seeking
medical information, updated information on an adopted child,
counseling, birthmother correspondence, or adoption reunion services. These
services are available on a fee for service basis.
St. Andre Home, Inc. Central Office In Biddeford:
283 Elm Street, Biddeford, Maine, 04005-3093
Phone: 207-282-3351
Fax: 207-282-8733
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