Bill > H101

This bill aims to improve the processes and protections surrounding child adoption and temporary care. It mandates that placement agencies provide prospective adoptive parents with comprehensive information about a child's physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral health to ensure informed decisions. The bill also requires these agencies to offer post-adoption services, such as counseling and support groups, to help prevent adoptions from failing or being legally dissolved. If an adoption breaks down before it's finalized, adoptive parents must notify the placement agency. Furthermore, the Department of Early Education and Care will develop a standardized orientation curriculum for all prospective foster and adoptive parents, covering general topics and specific considerations for adopting international children. The bill also introduces provisions allowing parents or guardians to appoint a temporary agent to care for a minor for up to 60 days, with specific requirements for written consent, witnesses, and court approval for extensions beyond 60 days, emphasizing the child's best interests. Finally, it strengthens penalties for illegal advertising or facilitating adoptions outside of established channels, including significant fines and potential imprisonment for individuals and agencies involved in such activities.