Rhode Island General Laws 42-72-5.1. Adoption of children placed under foster care

(a) The foster parent(s) of a child, committed to the department of children, youth, and families by the family court, who has had the physical custody of the child for a period of two (2) years or more may petition the family court for the adoption of the child.

(b) The court shall give notice of the petition to the natural parent(s) and, after a hearing thereon, the court may grant the petition, if it finds:

(1) That the department of children, youth, and families has made every effort to involve the natural parent(s) in planning for the child;

(2) That the natural parent(s) did not exercise reasonable visitation rights with the child; and

(3) That termination of the rights of the natural parent(s) and adoption by the foster parent(s) is in the best interests of the child.

History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 113, § 1.

There is established within the executive branch of state government a children’s cabinet. The cabinet shall include, but not be limited to: the director of the department of administration; the secretary of the executive office of health and human services; the director of the department of children, youth and families; the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals; the director of the department of health; the commissioner of postsecondary education; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education; the director of the department of human services; the director of the department of labor and training; the child advocate; and the governor or his or her designee. The governor shall designate one of the members of the cabinet to be chairperson.

History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 339, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 238, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 238, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 219, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 314, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 23, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 5, § 21.

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Rhode Island General Laws 42-72-5.1. Adoption of children placed under foster care

Rhode Island General Laws 42-72.5-1. Establishment