Birth Certificates at HD

[Editor]

The Henry County Health Department wishes to remind area parents that
certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County
since 1971 can be obtained through the Health Department office, Rt. 78
South, Kewanee.

According to Jeanne Carlson, Deputy Registrar, "The complimentary record
of a child's birth certificate that is provided by the hospital is not a
legal document." Parents are required to show proof of the child's birth
date upon applying for security benefits or for a social security number
which is necessary to open a savings account."

"Proof of birth date is also required for school entrance," adds
Carlson, "and a certified copy of the original birth certificate is
necessary." In some areas of the United State non-custodial parents may
attempt to register children in school without legal birth certificates.
School officials have been warned to be suspicious of this practice, noting
that each year, many children are reported taken from their custodial
parents and illegally transported to other areas of the country.

Parents or legal guardians may request a certified copy of their child's
birth certificate by contacting the Henry County Health Department at 4424
US Hwy 34, Kewanee or [phone].

The charge for obtaining certified copies is $7 for the first copy and
$4 for each additional copy; fees should be enclosed with the request.

For more information on obtaining certified birth (or death)
certificates, call the Health Department at [phone].
#######