FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS JUVENILE CLERKS OFFICE

1.  When is my court date and where do I go for my hearing?

A.  The Juvenile Clerk's office at Family Court will assist you with questions concerning the date, time and location of your court hearing. Our telephone number is (401) 458-3290.

2.  Are Juvenile records confidential?

A.  Juvenile records are confidential with limited exceptions.

3.  Where are adoptions filed? Is there a filing fee for adoptions?

A.  The Juvenile Clerk's office at Family Court in Providence and Family Court locations in Kent, Washington and Newport counties have the needed forms. The petitioner must provide required documents.

There is no fee for adoptions.

4.  May I obtain information in an adoption file after the adoption has been granted?

A.  Adoption records are sealed.

An eligible person may register pursuant to chapter 157.2 of the general laws of Rhode Island Passive Voluntary Adoption Mutual Consent Act and request non identifying genetic, social and health history. In the event of a matching registration, identifying information may be released.

The registration fee is $25.00.

5.  Do I file for guardianship at Family Court?

A.  The probate court in the city or town where you reside has jurisdiction regarding guardianships.