AFAR is a grassroots organization, consisting of all parts of the adoption triad-the adoptee & their family, members of the birth family, members of the adoptive family plus all other friends & supporters. AFAR~Arkansans for Adoption Reform began in January 2001, with the purpose of working together to change the adoption laws of Arkansas to conform to the principle of equal treatment under the law for everyone, as mandated by the United States Constitution & the Arkansas State Constitution.

     Representative Sandra Rodgers, of Hope, sponsored HB1057, which would have given all ADULT adoptees unconditional access to their original birth certificate. Representative Rodgers submitted this bill in January, 2001 & again in March. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass this year, but we did gain a lot of support in a short time. We intend to continue working to increase public awareness on the unconstitutionality of the current adoption laws by supporting our sister group, Arkansas Open 2003.

     As the 2001 legislative session came to an end, AFAR sort of expanded into a support group for all parts of the adoption triad. As the months have gone by, AFAR has continued to evolve in the Search & Support area. Effective March 1, 2002, Arkansans for Adoption Reform, is officially Arkansans for Adoption Reunion. We still completely believe in open records for all adult adoptees & will continue to support the Adoption Reform Movement, but our focus in AFAR will be helping & supporting all parts of the triad. Searching, even the decision to search, is a very difficult & emotional issue. Unfortunately, a lot of adoptees and birthparents, do not have anyone in their family (adoptive family, spouses, etc.) who is supportive of their search. Even the happiest, most successful reunions can be very difficult emotionally and no matter how supportive someone is, they can't know what you are feeling if they have not experienced it themselves. We do not allow any paid searchers, but we do have a few members who are Search Angels, people who will help you with your search & only ask to be reimbursed for their expenses. So, regardless of whether you are searching, reunited or not even searching, there is always someone here who shares your feelings, can offer some advice or just listen.