Idaho Adoption Records

In 1955 Idaho became a closed records state in regard to adoption proceedings and records. To make things worse, the law was applied retroactively. Inclusion of hereditary medical information is mandatory and routine in all new adoptions.

The State has no provisions for confidential intermediaries, and while there is no explicit legal provision allowing disclosure of non-identifying information, there is no prohibition of such disclosure.

Idaho does allow for direct court petitioning for adoption records, with no requirement to show "good cause." You should petition the court in the county where the adoption took place.

Below, you will find links and resources that you may find help in your search. Good luck!

Guide to public vital statistics records in Idaho

Boise City, Idaho Directory, 1891

Boise City and Ada County, Idaho Directory, 1927

Caribou County Sun (Soda Springs, Idaho)

Gem Valley Chronicle (Grace, Idaho)

Idaho Tri Weekly Statesman a fully searchable text version of the newspaper for the following years: 1864-66, 1872, 1875-78, and 1881-82.

Idaho County Free Press, Vital Records, 1886-1903

Idaho Daily Statesman a fully searchable text version of the newspaper for the years 1888-91 and 1897-1902.

Idaho Falls City Directory, 1969

Soda Springs Chieftain (Soda Springs, Idaho) for 1904-07, 1911-14, 1916-21, 1924, and 1928-31.

Soda Springs Sun (Soda Springs, Idaho) a fully searchable text version of the newspaper for the years 1915-16, 1932-35, and 1938-54.

Idaho does maintain a Mutual Consent Registry, however results have been rather minimal since there has been no great effort to advertise its existence.

Idaho Mutual Consent Registry

In Idaho, a Mutual Consent Registry is operated by State Registrar of Vital Statistics. There is a $10.00 registration fee. The following individuals may register:

• Adult adoptee
• Birth parent
• Biological sibling of an adult adoptee
• Biological relatives of a deceased adoptee or a deceased birth parent may also register.

Unless there is only one birth parent listed on the original birth certificate, identifying information regarding birth parents will not be released to an adult adoptee without the consent of the both birth parents. Exceptions are made where the other birth parent is deceased or the other birth parent is unable to be located. No governmental employee is permitted to solicit a consent for release of information or registration with the registry. There is no provision for the release of non-identifying information.

To register, download the form at:
Idaho Voluntary Adoption Registry Registration and Consent for Release of Information

Mail the completed registration form and fee to:

Adoption Unit, Vital Statistics Bureau
Department of Health and Welfare
450 West State Street
Boise, ID 83720
Phone: (208) 338-7000

While Search Finders has certified consultants, members should expect to take an active role in their search.

For additional information and an application in Acrobat format or call:
(208) 375-9803
(208) 368-9885 fax
or for more information, e-mail
Jan Cottrell or
Lois Wight

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How to Obtain Information from Booth Memorial Records

Booth - Salvation Army PO Box 1216 Boise ID 83701

Booth - Salvation Army Records PO Box 22646 Long Beach CA 90801 (562) 491-8320

Limited information from the records of the former maternity homes and hospitals can be made available to birthmothers and children born at Booth with documentation of their identity. It should be understood that The Salvation Army never served as an adoption agency. Mothers were referred to an adoption agency of their choice and worked with these agencies independently of Booth Maternity Home. Hence, the only information in our records that may be useful in tracing the whereabouts of a child placed for adoption is the name of the agency that made the placement. With regard to these records, the following services are now available:

	Reunion Registry
	Medical Records (released only to a licensed medical doctor)
	Non-identifying information
	Counseling and Referral
	Confidential search to locate birthmothers

If you are interested in obtaining information regarding the Salvation Army Maternity Home and Hospital Records, please email your full name, address including ZIP Code; phone number including area code; and which Booth you are requesting information from, to Leslie_Peacock@usw.salvationarmy.org or call our toll free number 1-800-698-7728, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time and ask for Booth records. A form will be sent to you for notarization. This form must be on file before any acknowledgement of records is given. A processing fee may be charged.

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The Children's Home Society of Idaho
740 Warm Springs Avenue, Boise, ID 83712
(208) 343-7813

• The Children's Home Society of Idaho currently operate the Warm Springs Counseling Center, but from 1910 to about 1968, they processed most of the adoptions in the area.
• They will provide non-identifying information for a $65.00 fee. Checks are not cashed unless they are able to locate pertinent information.
• Contact them for a request form and complete it to verify the identity of the requesting party.
• Since the Society is a private organization, it is their policy not to release any identifying information without a court order; but all non-identifying information is provided. Information will vary case to case, depending upon availability.
   

BYU - Idaho maintains the Western States Historical Marriage Records Index; Idaho State Death Index 1911-195; Eastern Idaho Death Records; Japanese Immigrants to the U.S. 1887-1924; Idaho Genealogical Records Reference Services; CES Digital Collections; and Upper Snake River Valley Idaho Histories.

Idaho Registry for Adoptees and Birth Families - Register or search this private registry