Access to Adoption Information

Researchers use several historical records to find adoption information about their ancestors. Because of the sensitive nature of the information, Oregon statutes restrict access to only authorized people. Published reports covering adoptions before 1919 are available without restrictions.

​Researching Published Reports

​​From 1864 to 1919, Oregon adoptions were published in the Oregon Laws. The state passed an adoption law in 1864 titled "An act to provide for the adoption of children" (Deady General Laws of Oregon 1843-1872, p. 562). The law required that county judges report change of names made in the court to the Oregon Secretary of State, for publishing with the statutes the following year. 

The report includes the date, present name, former name, by whom adopted and county of adoption. These reports appear in the biennial Oregon Laws through 1919, reflecting changes of names and adoptions through 1918. The law was repealed in 1921. The biennial Oregon Laws are available in the Reference Room of the Oregon State Archives or other libraries in the state.​​​​