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Tina's Massachusetts Adoption Page
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| Massachusetts Adoption Law |
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| In Massachusetts, identifying information may be released to an adult adoptee (age 21) and to birth parents if a placement agency has received written permission from both the adoptee and birth parent. An adoptee under the age of 18 may receive identifying information if he or she has the written permission of the adoptive parents. |
| Non-identifying information concerning medical, ethnic, socio-economic, and educational circumstances is available upon the request of adoptees (age 18), birth parent(s), and adoptive parents if the adoptee is younger than 18. The placement agency may also, at its discretion, release non-identifying information concerning the circumstances under which the adoptee was placed for adoption. |
| Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 210 5D. |
| Massachusetts State Vital Records Office Massachusetts Department of Public Health Registry of Vital Records and Statistics 470 Atlantic Avenue, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02210-2224 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| State office has had birth, death and marriage records since 1905. Fee is $11.00 for request by mail, $6.00 for request in person. |
| Decorative heirloom birth certificates are available for $30.00 through the mail. Make check or money order payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Fee is $11.00 for a 10-year search including one medical research copy OR a certified copy OR an official statement that the desired record is not on file. |
| Divorce Index only since 1952. Inquiries will be forwarded to appropriate office. Certified copies are not available from State office. Copies are available from the Registrar of Probate Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Fee is $3.00. |
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For records from 1841 to 1905, write to the Massachusetts Archives. The Massachusetts Archives at Columbia Point 220 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125 (617) 727-2816 The Archives holds the registration books of births, marriages and deaths for all Massachusetts cities and towns, 1841 through 1905. While there is some variation in this information, generally the books provide names, dates, residences, occupations, and parental information. Some death records also include the place of burial. Certified copies are $3.00 each, microfilm prints are $0.50 each. |
| For records prior to 1841 check with the county office. |
| Additional Adoption Search Information |
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If you know which agency you were adopted through, here is a list w/addresses of MA Adoption Agencies You must send either a Birth Parent Waiver or an Adoptee Waiver with your request for non-id. |
| If you do not know which agency you were adopted through, contact: |
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Department of Social Services 24 Farnsworth St. Boston, MA 02210 617-727-0900 or 617-727-3171 ext 558 (Sheila Frankel) |
| The following are some search and support groups in Massachhusetts | ||
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Today Reunites Yesterday P.O. Box 989-214 State St. Northhampton, MA 01961 413-584-6599 |
The Adoption Connection Susan Darke O'Shea Building #6 11 Peabody Square Peabody, MA 01960 502-532-1261 area code may be 978 now |
The Family Center/PACT 385 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02144 |
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CUB Libby Campbell P.O.Box 381 Cambridge, MA 02238 617-328-3005 |
CUB
Janice Chalifoux 63 Mile Hill Road Boylston, MA 01505 508-486-3444 |
Safe Harbor RR 1, E. Commercial St Wellfleet, MA 02667 |
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Center for Family Connections
Joyce Maguire Pavao, Ed. D. PO Box 383246 Cambridge, MA 02238-3246 617-547-0909 |
Cape Cod Adoption Connection P.O. Box 336 Brewster, MA 02631 |
Adoption Resource Center P.O. Box 383246 Cambridge, MA 02238-3246 |
Or call National Adoption Information Clearinghouse toll free at: 888-251-0075 and request a list of adoption support groups in your area.