Adoption records are considered confidential and can only be released under what condition?

Adoption records are indeed considered confidential as they contain sensitive information pertaining to both the adoptive and biological families involved. The correct response highlights that these records can only be released pursuant to legal procedures established by the state where the records are maintained. Each state has specific laws and protocols governing the access to such confidential information, which often involves court processes or specific eligibility criteria that must be met.

This legal framework is designed to protect the privacy of individuals involved in the adoption process, ensuring that the release of information is managed appropriately and only under sanctioned conditions. States may have provisions that allow certain individuals, like the adopted person or sometimes the birth parents, to access their records under specified circumstances, but these procedures must be adhered to strictly to maintain confidentiality and protect all parties' rights.

In contrast, other options reflect broader or less structured conditions for releasing adoption records that do not align with the legal requirements mandated by individual states. For instance, allowing release solely based on a child's request, a parental request, or any legal examination would disregard the necessary legal processes outlined by state law, which serve as the governing framework for accessing such confidential records.