Bill > S2029

This bill aims to improve the re-homing of children by defining "disruption" as an adoption that ends before it's legally finalized and "dissolution" as an adoption that is legally severed after finalization. It mandates that placement agencies provide prospective adoptive parents with comprehensive information about a child's health and birth family history to ensure informed decisions. The bill also requires agencies to offer post-adoption services, such as counseling and support groups, to prevent disruptions or dissolutions, and establishes a mandatory orientation curriculum for adoptive parent applicants, including specific modules for those adopting international children. Furthermore, it outlines procedures for parents who can no longer care for a child after an adoption disruption or dissolution, requiring them to contact the placement agency. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for individuals or entities who illegally advertise or facilitate child placements, including significant fines and potential imprisonment, and clarifies the process for appointing a temporary guardian for a child for up to 60 days, with provisions for court approval for longer periods, emphasizing the child's best interests. Finally, it proposes a task force to study the feasibility of a registry for temporary child guardianship appointments.