Bill > S0498

This bill requires courts to inform petitioners about available post-adoption services, which are support systems for adoptive parents who may encounter difficulties caring for a child, and to warn them that making an informal change of custody to someone other than a relative without proper court approval could be a criminal offense under Florida law. It also removes the requirement that a violation of certain adoption-related laws must be willful and with criminal intent to result in criminal penalties, meaning less intent may be needed for a conviction. Furthermore, the bill mandates that any entity conducting intercountry adoptions, which is the process of adopting a child from another country, must meet specific federal requirements, including accreditation by a U.S. Department of State designated entity and compliance with all federal statutes and regulations, and must maintain detailed records such as birth family history, translated legal documents, and post-adoption supervisory reports.