Opinion ID: 1304855
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Clerk of Court's Adoption Files

Text: Both the family court and the Court of Appeals relied upon our ruling in Bradey v. Children's Bureau of South Carolina, 275 S.C. 622, 274 S.E.2d 418 (1981), to deny the Does an opportunity to review the adoption record filed with the Clerk of Court. In Bradey, Bradey sought to compel release of identifying information about his biological parents. As in the present case, the statute at issue prevented the dissemination of adoption information absent good cause shown. [2] We began our analysis in Bradey by discussing the privacy interests of the parties to the adoption. We held a party could not show the required good cause absent a compelling need for identifying information about the biological parents. Absent a compelling need, the veil of privacy surrounding the biological parents could not be lifted. Although the Bradey decision did not specifically define `compelling need', we noted Bradey did not fall into the relatively small group of adoptees whose psychological needs are compelling[ ] sufficiently to warrant violating the biological parents' privacy. Id. at 628, 274 S.E.2d at 422 (quoting Application of Maples, 563 S.W.2d 760, 763-64 (Mo.1978)). We further noted that Bradey's insecurities in not knowing the identity of his biological parents did not interfere with his ability to maintain steady employment and have a stable family life of his own. Bradey, 275 at 629, 274 S.E.2d at 422. Good cause, therefore, required an individual show a compelling need to remove the veil of privacy from the biological parents. The compelling need itself was demonstrated by a variety of factors including the medical or mental health of the adopted child and whether not having the information impaired the child's ability to lead a stable, productive life. Central to the analysis of both courts below is Bradey's reliance on confidentiality in the adoption process and the presumption that such confidentiality should be maintained absent an extraordinary, compelling need. While we do not disagree with such rationale nor do we overturn Bradey, it is important to note that, since the Bradey decision, the adoption code has undergone expansive revision. See 1986 Act No. 464; 1986 Act No. 525; see also 1981 Act No. 71 § 3 repealing S.C.Code Ann. § 15-45-140(c) (1976). South Carolina adoption law continues to provide that all papers and records pertaining to an adoption are confidential and must be sealed to prevent inspection absent a showing of good cause. [3] See S.C.Code Ann. § 20-7-1780 (Supp.2001) (No person may have access to the records except for good cause shown by order of the judge of the court in which the decree of adoption was entered.). However, we must now be mindful when balancing the privacy rights of each party with the interests of the child that the Legislature has determined the best interests of the child should prevail. See S.C.Code Ann. § 20-7-1647 (Supp.2001) The Legislature's stated purpose in enacting the changes contained in the Adoption Act: is to establish fair and reasonable procedures for the adoption of children and to provide for the well-being of the child, with full recognition of the interdependent needs and interests of the biological parents and the adoptive parents. However, when the interests of a child and an adult are in conflict, the conflict must be resolved in favor of the child. Id. (emphasis added). Accordingly, we are presented the task of determining whether the Does presented good cause why releasing such information would be in Child's best interests. The Does have done so. Apart from Child's physical difficulties with respiratory problems and a cyst on his brain, the Does have demonstrated the need to obtain the information for Child's mental health. Child's behavioral history shows him to be dangerous to himself and his immediate family. Having shown that it is in the best interests of their child to obtain these confidential records they are entitled to view all papers and records pertaining to the adoption and filed with the [Spartanburg County] clerk of court. S.C.Code Ann. § 20-7-1780(B).