Intercountry adoption finalized in a foreign country.
If enacted, AB 677 would revise the Family Code concerning intercountry adoptions, reducing ambiguity and establishing stricter protocols for both adoptive parents and agencies. Adoption agencies will be required to report the arrival of children adopted from abroad within a specific timeframe and may face disciplinary actions for non-compliance. The changes aim to ensure that adoptive families can obtain California birth certificates more efficiently and that the state can maintain proper records of foreign adoptions, thereby enhancing the integrity of the adoption process.
Assembly Bill No. 677, introduced by Assemblymember Choi, focuses on the procedures surrounding intercountry adoption finalized in foreign countries. The bill amends existing statutes related to intercountry adoption to establish clearer guidelines for adoptive parents and agencies. Specifically, it repeals previous provisions regarding readoption and introduces new requirements for adoptive parents to file a petition to readopt their children in California within 60 days of their entry into the U.S. or before the child's 16th birthday. This petition must include various documentation, including a report of a postplacement home visit and other relevant records to prove the legality of the foreign adoption.
The sentiment surrounding AB 677 appears generally supportive, particularly among those advocating for clearer and more structured adoption processes. By establishing definite timelines for the completion of readoption petitions, the bill intends to facilitate smoother transitions for families welcoming adopted children. However, there may be concerns among some stakeholders regarding the additional responsibilities placed on adoption agencies and the ramifications for families if they fail to comply with the new requirements.
Notable points of contention could arise from the imposition of fines or penalties on adoption agencies for non-compliance with reporting requirements. Additionally, the mandated timeline for filing readoption petitions may be perceived as burdensome for some adoptive parents, who might argue that personal circumstances should be taken into account. The bill’s focus on legal and procedural changes reflects broader discussions about ensuring the safety and welfare of children in adoption frameworks, notably in regard to preventing human trafficking by enforcing strict reporting guidelines.