(a) The department shall create a section on its internet website dedicated to educating the public on unlicensed adoption agencies. The section shall include both of the following:

(1) A statement informing the public that, as of January 1, 2024, operating as an “adoption facilitator” in the state is prohibited. The statement shall include common practices and services undertaken by adoption facilitators. The statement shall also inform the public that only the authorized persons or organizations specified in Section 8609 may engage in the practices described in that section.

Terms Used In California Family Code 8625

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • State: means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a commonwealth, territory, or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. See California Family Code 145

(2) A listing of all persons or organizations on the department’s adoption facilitator registry as of December 31, 2023.

(b) The department shall individually notify each adoption facilitator on the registry as July 1, 2023, that operations must cease pursuant to Section 8623. The notice shall also require each adoption facilitator to comply with both of the following:

(1) Publish the statement described in subdivision (a) on any internet website operated by the adoption facilitator.

(2) Provide written notice to any individuals under contract indicating that the adoption facilitator must cease operation on or before December 31, 2023. This written notice must also include information on licensed entities that can provide adoption services and any additional information the department deems necessary.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 11. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023.)