MS HB829

Licensed adoption agencies and attorneys who complete private adoptions must maintain adoption files containing medical and social history of birth parents, home study copies, adoptee medical records, and optional letters from birth parents to adoptees

Birth parents must sign a document acknowledging they received an address where they can send updated contact information for adoptees who wish to locate them after reaching age 21

Adoption agencies and attorneys must have a written plan for transferring custody of adoption records to another licensed agency or the Department of Human Services if they cease providing adoption services

Agencies or attorneys must notify the Division of Family and Children's Services in writing within 30 days if they stop providing adoption services, including details about the transfer of records

Effective date: July 1, 2011