Courts could free some children for adoption after parents die

Courts could free eligible children for adoption and give social services custody and guardianship to approve an adoption. This option concerns Family Court cases involving children legally classed as destitute who cannot be properly cared for at home. Both parents must have died, or one must have died and the other must lack rights to approve the adoption or receive notice. This option requires that no other guardian or custodian has been appointed. This option would take effect on the 90th day after the bill becomes law.

Courts would include care requirements in orders freeing children for adoption under this option. The order would identify needed independent-living help for children who will be at least 14 by the hearing. Siblings would live together or at least visit and communicate regularly, unless against the child’s or siblings’ best interests. These requirements would take effect on the 90th day after the bill becomes law.

Courts would direct social services officials to provide or arrange help with the child’s plan for a permanent home. This direction would apply to children freed for adoption under this court option. The help must be authorized or required by the annual services plan in effect. This requirement would take effect on the 90th day after the bill becomes law.