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.
Legal adoption age in the US refers to the minimum age required for an individual to become an adoptive parent or adopt a child through a legal process. The adoption age requirements may vary depending on the state and the type of adoption. Here is a detailed description outlining the legal adoption age in the US along with relevant keywords: 1. Legal Adoption Age: The legal adoption age in the US generally ranges from 18 to 21 years, depending on the state and particular circumstances. Prospective adoptive parents must meet the minimum age requirement to be considered for adoption. 2. Adult Adoption: Adult adoption refers to the process where an individual over the age of 18 is legally adopted by another adult. While there are no specific legal age requirements for adult adoption, the consenting parties must be of legal age and meet other adoption criteria set forth by individual states. 3. Infant Adoption: Infant adoption involves adopting a newborn or an infant. The legal adoption age to adopt an infant varies by state, with most states requiring adoptive parents to be at least 18 years old. However, some states may have additional requirements such as being married or having a minimum age of 21 years. 4. Foster Care Adoption: Foster care adoption involves adopting a child who was previously placed in foster care. The legal adoption age for foster care adoption also varies by state, but most states require adoptive parents to be at least 18 years old. Some states may have additional requirements, such as completion of a foster care training program. 5. International Adoption: International adoption refers to adopting a child from another country. Each country has its own specific age requirements for adoptive parents, which may vary widely. In the US, prospective adoptive parents must comply with both the laws of the foreign country and the adoption laws of their home state. 6. Stepparent Adoption: Stepparent adoption occurs when a stepparent legally adopts their spouse's child. The legal adoption age for stepparent adoption may differ from state to state, but generally, it ranges between 18 and 21 years. Some states may also require the child's consent, depending on their age. 7. Relative Adoption: Relative adoption involves adopting a child who is related by blood or marriage. The legal adoption age for relative adoption varies depending on state laws, typically ranging between 18 and 21 years. Some states may have specific age requirements for different types of relatives, considering factors such as closeness of relationship and potential risks. In conclusion, the legal adoption age in the US is subject to variation depending on the state and the specific type of adoption. Prospective adoptive parents must meet these age requirements in order to form a legal and binding adoptive relationship. It is essential to consult with an adoption attorney or adoption agency to fully understand the adoption laws and regulations pertaining to the specific state and type of adoption desired.
