Generally, adoption records and information in them are confidential data on individuals. This means that data about an adoptee may not be reviewed by the adoptee or the adoptee's legal parents. This is a frequently-changing area of social services and therefore it is important to consult the statutes directly. Materials generated in conducting adoptive applicant home studies are confidential and are the property of the local social service agency or licensed child placing agency. When the applicant submits written information to the agency, that information becomes a part of the confidential agency record.
Letters of reference submitted on behalf of the applicants are also confidential data.
If they wish, applicants may make a copy of the written material before submitting it to the agency. In 1987, the Legislature amended the adoption statute to allow prospective adoptive parents to receive a summary of the adoption agency's findings on their suitability as adoptive parents. These findings are commonly called the adoption study report. 259.53, subdivision 3. If the prospective parents request an additional copy of the summary report, they must come to an agreement with the agency regarding the specific purposes for which they require it.