Rhode Island Adoption Laws, Page 3

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Consent Laws

Who Must Consent to an Adoption

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

Age When Consent of Adoptee is Considered or Required

Statute: § 15-7-5

• A child 14 years of age or older must consent to the adoption.

When Parental Consent is not Needed

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.

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

• Consent must be in writing.

• 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)

Adoption Connection

Making Sure Babies are Happy. Find a loving family for your baby.

www.AdoptionConnection.org

Dove Adoptions Int'l

Dedicated to seeking the best wel- fare for the children of the world.

www.adoptions.net

Adoption Disruption Help

Transitions Group Home Out-of-home placement and counseling

www.transitionsgrouphome.com