10A NCAC 70H .0407      SERVICES TO ADOPTIVE APPLICANTS AND FAMILIES

(a)  The agency shall provide to adoptive applicants a written statement of the adoption services it provides and of its procedure for selecting a prospective adoptive parent for a child, including the role of the child's parent or guardian and any criteria requested by the child's parent or guardian in the selection process. This statement shall include a schedule of any fees or expenses charged by the agency and a summary of the provisions of Chapter 48 of the General Statutes that pertain to the requirements and consequences of a relinquishment and to the selection of a prospective adoptive parent. An agency which prepares preplacement assessments shall state whether it is available to provide post-placement services, including the report to the court pursuant to G.S. 48-2-501, and whether it can provide adoption services to the adoptee and adoptive parents after the decree of adoption has been entered.

(b)  The agency shall discuss the children available for adoption with the adoptive applicants. The selection of a prospective adoptive parent for a minor shall be made by the agency.

(c)  Following completion of a preplacement assessment, the agency shall prepare the adoptive applicants for the placement of a particular child. Preparation shall include:

(1)           information about the needs and expectations of the child and of the adoptive family;

(2)           information to the extent allowed by law as specified in G.S. 48-3-205 about the child's background and the health history of the child's birth parents and other relatives; and

(3)           visits with the child prior to placement.

(d)  An agency social worker shall visit in the home of the adoptive family after the placement of a child and prior to the decree of adoption. The first visit shall occur within two weeks after placement. Frequency of visits thereafter shall be determined by the child's and family's needs. Observations made during the visits shall be used in making recommendations to the court in regard to the decree of adoption.

(e)  When applicable, the agency shall take steps necessary to assure that the adoptive placement is in compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, G.S. 7B-3800.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 48-2-502; 48-3-203; 48-3-204; 48-3-205; 131D-10.5; 143B-153;

Eff. October 1, 2008;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2009;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. October 3, 2017.