Rhode Island Adoption Laws, Page 3

Statute: §§ 15-7-5; 15-7-10

The parents or surviving parent
The guardian or next of kin
A suitable person appointed by the court as next friend of the child
When the parent is a minor, one of the child's grandparents, a guardian, or guardian ad litem

Statute: § 15-7-5

Statute: § 15-7-7

Parental rights have been terminated.
The parent has neglected or abused the child or subjected the child to aggravated circumstances.
The parent is deemed unfit due to emotional or mental illness, excessive drug or alcohol abuse.
The parent has voluntarily or involuntarily placed the child in the care of a licensed agency.

When Consent Can Be Executed
Statute: § 15-7-6

Termination of rights or consent to adoption may not be executed sooner than 15 days after the child's birth.

How Consent Must Be Executed
Statute: § 15-7-5

Revocation of Consent
Statute: § 15-7-21.1

A decree of adoption or consent cannot be challenged except by a petition filed within 180 days, and a finding by the court that the adoption is not in the child's best interest.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)