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.
The Missouri Adoption Package for Prospective Parents is a comprehensive resource that assists individuals or couples who are considering adoption in the state of Missouri. This package contains valuable information, forms, and resources necessary to navigate the adoption process smoothly and efficiently. Within the Missouri Adoption Package for Prospective Parents, there are various types tailored to suit specific adoption scenarios: 1. Domestic Infant Adoption Package: This package is designed for prospective parents interested in adopting a newborn baby within the United States. It includes detailed guidelines on the legal requirements, home study process, necessary documentation, and other crucial steps involved in adopting an infant domestically. 2. Foster Care Adoption Package: Foster care adoption involves the adoption of children who are already within the state's foster care system. This package provides comprehensive information on becoming a foster parent and adopting a child from foster care. It includes resources for attending training sessions, obtaining a home study, understanding the rights of birth parents, and navigating the adoption finalization process. 3. International Adoption Package: For prospective parents interested in adopting a child from another country, the international adoption package offers specialized guidance. It outlines the specific legal procedures, documentation requirements, and intercountry adoption regulations set forth by both the sending country and the United States. It also provides resources on cultural sensitivity and post-adoption support. 4. Special Needs Adoption Package: This package caters to individuals or couples who are inclined to adopt children with special needs. It provides information on the unique aspects of the adoption process for children with disabilities or medical conditions, including available resources, support networks, and financial assistance programs. The Missouri Adoption Package for Prospective Parents ensures that individuals or couples considering adoption in Missouri can access all the necessary information and resources to make an informed decision and successfully navigate the adoption process. It strives to support prospective parents throughout every stage, from initial inquiries to finalizing the adoption, enabling them to build a loving and permanent home for a child in need.
