Pennsylvania law 23 Pa.C.S. 2915 and 2916 govern the maintenance, access, and transfer of court and agency records related to adoptions. Records are kept permanently and only certain authorized parties can access them, with procedures in place for agency closures and record transfers. Attorneys involved in adoption proceedings may also handle relevant records and information.
Access is limited to the court that finalized the adoption, the agency that coordinated it, and successor agencies authorized by the court.
The agency must notify the department at least 30 days prior, submit a closure and transfer plan, and label records to identify the relevant court for transfer.
Yes, attorneys representing parties or acting as guardians ad litem may forward records and information related to the child and birth family.
Yes, all court and agency records are maintained as permanent records, with access restricted to authorized parties.