Dauphin County Court Response to Adoption Search Inquiry


2001 response

Register of Wills And Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division Of Dauphin County
Front and Market Streets
P.O. Box 1295
Harrisburg, PA 17101

May 8, 2001

In Re: Adoption Search

Your inquiry of April 7, 2001, has been received by this office on April 9, 2001: Pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. 2905, you may file a petition requesting disclosure of non-identifying information, that is information that will not endanger the anonymity of the natural parents. I have enclosed such a petition for completion. If you file the Petition, and it is approved by the Court, the file will be reviewed and such information will be forwarded to you.

Cost of this service is $ 50.00, which must be paid in TWO CERTIFIED checks or MONEY ORDERS ($ 25.00 each.) The first check is the fee for conducting the file search. The second check is the fee for conducting the file review. If no file is found, the second check will be returned to you. PLEASE MAKE EACH CHECK PAYABLE TO THE CLERK OF THE ORPHANS’ COURT DIVISION.

To initiate this process, please fill out the enclosed petition and mail to the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division, Dauphin County Court House, Front and Market Streets, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Sincerely

Jane D. Marfizo
Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division

[NOTE: There was no copy of the petition enclosed with the letter.]


1999 response

6-5-99 response from Barbara Lundgren, Deputy Court Administrator

Dauphin County does not currently conduct searches for birth parents. We do however, provide non-identifying information upon petition of the adoptee, or if the adoptee is a minor, upon petition of the adoptive parents. The Orphans' Court Office requires a letter requesting non- identifying information, and upon receipt, will forward a copy of the petition for completion and a letter of explanation.

After all termination hearings, the Court advises the birth parents in writing of their continuing right to place and update personal and medical history information in the court files and/or with the Department of Public Welfare.

If the Court file contains a waiver of confidentiality from both the adoptee and the birth parents, I would contact each to let them know what has transpired. The decision for type of contact is up to the individual. I have each submit a notarized statement agreeing to contact and have each include a photocopy of their drivers' license

____________________

The letter which is sent to the Adoptee states:

Dear Adoptee's Name

Re: ADOPTION SEARCH

You inquiry of (date of letter) has been received by this Office on (Date Received) Pursuant to 23 PA. C.S. Sec. 2905, you may file a petition requesting disclosure of non-identifying information, that is information that will not endanger the anonymity of the natural parents. I have encloses such petition for completion. If you file the Petition, and it is approved by the Court, the fill will be reviewed and such information will be forwarded to you.

Cost for this service is $50.00, which must be paid in TWO CERTIFIED checks of Money Orders ($25.00 each.) The first check is the fee for conducting the file search. The second check is the fee for conducting the file review. If no file is found, the second check will be returned to you. PLEASE MAKE EACH CHECK PAYABLE TO THE CLERK OF THE ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION.

To initiate this process, please fill our the enclosed petition and mail to the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division, Dauphin County Court House, Front & Market Streets, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Sincerely,

Jane D. Marfizo,
Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division




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