Bill > A02425

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to expand the time frame during which adoptive parents can pay certain expenses related to adoption. Specifically, the bill increases the allowable period for covering a birth mother's expenses from 60 to 180 days prior to the child's birth and from 30 to 45 days after the birth (or 45 days after parental consent to adoption). The legislation aims to provide more flexibility and support for adoptive parents by allowing them to cover reasonable and actual expenses such as housing, maternity clothing, child clothing, and transportation during this extended period. The bill maintains existing prohibitions against compensation for adoption placements and ensures that payments are made directly to service providers or the birth mother. It also reinforces ethical guidelines, such as preventing attorneys from representing both birth parents and adoptive parents in the same adoption proceeding. The changes are intended to provide clearer guidelines and potentially reduce financial barriers in the adoption process while maintaining safeguards against improper financial transactions related to child placement.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2425