SB0107: ADOPTION-VARIOUS

Legislative Summary

Amends the Adoption Act. Provides that a spouse or civil union partner is not required to join in a petition for the adoption of an adult if a petitioner is a former stepparent of that adult. Provides that the residence requirement for adoption shall not apply to: an adoption of a child placed by a State-licensed child welfare agency performing adoption services (rather than an adoption of a child placed by an agency); an adoption of an adult by a former stepparent; and an adoption of a child born in the State who has resided in the State continuously since birth, or a child who has continuously resided in the State for at least 6 months immediately preceding the commencement of the adoption proceeding. Includes additional information for the affidavit of identification to be given by the biological mother in an adoption proceeding. Provides that, in specified proceedings, in the case of a related adoption where the child sought to be adopted is not a youth in care, the court shall have the discretion to waive the appointment of a guardian ad litem. Provides that the ability for the petitioners to apply for judgment of adoption 6 months after the date of any interim order vesting temporary care, custody, and control of a child in the petitioners does not apply to a judgment for adoption of a related child, an adult, or a child as to whose adoption a State-licensed child welfare agency, or person authorized by law, has the right of authority to consent. Deletes language providing that a judgment for adoption of an adult or a child as to whose adoption an agency or person authorized by law has the right of authority to consent may be entered at any time after service of process and after the return day designated therein. Provides instead that a judgment for adoption of: an adult may be entered at any time after the adult has consented to his or her adoption; or a child as to whose adoption a State-licensed child welfare agency, or person authorized by law, has the right of authority to consent may be entered at any time after placement and completion of investigation. Makes other changes.