This information package contains summaries of state laws and links to resources to assist a prospective parent with an adoption. Purchase of this package is a savings of more than 50% over purchase of the informational documents individually!
This package contains the following information:
Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption? - This briefing reviews state laws regarding parties to an adoption. General information dealing with who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption is identified. In order for an adoption to take place, a person available to be adopted must be placed in the home of a person or persons eligible to adopt. All states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands have laws that specify which persons are eligible as adopting parents and which persons can be adopted.
Standby Guardianship - This fact sheet defines the provisions of most standby guardian laws. Additionally, it broadly defines: how to establish a standby guardian, who can nominate a standby guardian, how the guardian s authority is activated, the involvement of the non-custodial parent, the relationship between authority of the parent and the standby, and withdrawing guardianship.
Placement of Children With Relatives - This publication summarizes state laws and statutes regarding placement of children with relatives when they are removed from their home and enter foster care. In order for states to receive federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance, federal law requires that they "consider giving preference to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver when determining placement for a child, provided that the relative caregiver meets all relevant state child protection standards." Most states give preference or priority to relative placements in their statutes. This publication discusses definitions of "relative," financial support for relative placement, and adoption by relatives.
Court Jurisdiction and Venue for Adoption Petitions - This informational guide provides the laws that specify the appropriate state courts, by type and location, for handling adoption petitions.
Consent to Adoption - This informational guide reviews state laws that specify the persons who must consent to a child's adoption, time frames for consent, and guidelines for revocation of consent.
The Rights of Presumed (Putative) Fathers - This publication discusses the rights of the alleged fathers of children born out-of-wedlock and whether states have registries for such fathers.
Online Resources for State Child Welfare Law and Policy - This guide provides links to websites where state statutes and regulations can be accessed and lists the parts of each state and territory's code that contain laws addressing child protection, child welfare, and adoption.
International adoption lawyer with disabilities refers to a legal professional who specializes in assisting individuals with disabilities in the process of international adoption. These lawyers possess expertise in international adoption laws, policies, and procedures, and focus specifically on advocating for potential adoptive parents with disabilities. International adoption lawyers with disabilities play a crucial role in ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities who wish to adopt internationally. They are well-versed in disability rights and have an in-depth understanding of the specific challenges and considerations that individuals with disabilities may face during the international adoption process. There are several types of international adoption lawyers with disabilities, including: 1. Special Needs Adoption Lawyers: These lawyers specialize in assisting individuals with disabilities who are interested in adopting children with special needs from other countries. They have extensive knowledge of the legal requirements, paperwork, and resources related to special needs adoptions. 2. Hague Convention Adoption Lawyers: The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption is an international treaty that establishes consistent procedures for intercountry adoptions. Lawyers specializing in Hague Convention adoptions for individuals with disabilities help navigate the complex regulations and ensure compliance with both the Convention and disability rights laws. 3. Guardianship Adoption Lawyers: Some individuals with disabilities may opt for guardianship rather than traditional adoption. Guardianship adoption lawyers cater to those individuals by providing legal guidance on the process of establishing guardianship and ensuring the best interests of both the child and the potential guardian(s) are protected. 4. Post-Adoption Services Lawyers: These lawyers assist with post-adoption matters, such as finalizing the necessary legal documentation, addressing potential challenges or disputes, and ensuring the legal rights of individuals with disabilities who have adopted internationally are preserved. When seeking the assistance of an international adoption lawyer with disabilities, it is crucial to consider their specialization and expertise to ensure they possess the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complexities of international adoption while addressing the unique needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities.
