The Minnesota Department of Human Services intends to sponsor a limited number of community events in June 2024 to promote a change in Minnesota law, effective July 1, regarding adoptees’ access to original birth records. Sponsorships between $1,000 and $5,000 per agency are available for at least 20 agencies.

Organizations that engage the following communities are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized for sponsorships:

• Adoptees
• Parents who have placed a child for adoption 
• Black, Indigenous and communities of color
• Other underserved communities.

Who may apply to host an event?

Community-based organizations, media organizations, child-placing agencies and Tribal Nations are eligible to apply for sponsorships. The funds can  be used for various activities and materials to increase awareness of the of the upcoming changes in Minnesota law that allows adoptees access to their original birth records. Minnesota Department of Human Services will  provide educational materials about the law change. Events must be in person and may include, but are not limited to, family fun nights, resource fairs, community conversations, film screenings and recruitment efforts. Sponsored events must take place June 2024. 

How to apply

To be considered for sponsorship, submit an event flyer and a short description of the organization, event and planned activities. Include the amount requested and contact information. Please limit the submission to two pages. All sponsorship decisions are final. 

Sponsorship requests are due by May 5, 2024, please submit your request using our Sponsorship Form and email the event flier to Betsy.Hodek@state.mn.us. Please contact the team with questions or accessibility accommodation requests.

What does the new law do?

Original birth records of children placed for adoption have been sealed and confidential. All of these birth-related affidavits on file at the Minnesota Department of Health will expire on June 30, 2024. Under the new law,  any adopted person born in Minnesota who is 18 or older can get  access to their original birth record.  Access to these records will no longer be determined by the disclosure preferences of the birth parent(s). As part of this change, irth parents past and future  are being encouraged to submit a Birth Parent Contact Preference form (PDF)  to indicate whether they would like to be contacted by the adopted person. Regardless of the contact preference expressed by birth parents, adopted people will still be able to receive a noncertified copy of their original birth records and initiate contact with birth parents. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health Birth Records and Adoption.