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Delaware Code Title 13. Domestic Relations § 912. Social study and report

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the Judge of the Family Court in which the petition has been filed, after determining that the petition has been properly filed and that the petitioner or petitioners are eligible to adopt under this chapter, shall order a social study report by the Department or licensed agency or authorized agency unless the report was filed with the petition.

(b) The report shall include:

(1) Information regarding the child, its background, its eligibility for adoption;

(2) Information regarding the adoptive parent or parents, and the proposed adoptive home;

(3) Information regarding the physical and mental condition of the child;

(4) Information regarding the suitability of the placement;

(5) A statement as to whether all requirements of this chapter have been complied with;

(6) In stepparent/relative cases, a statement that the birth parent whose parental rights are being terminated has been advised of the right to file an affidavit as provided by subchapter III of this chapter;

(7) A recommendation.

(c) If the placement is made by the Department or licensed agency, the report shall be rendered within 60 days from the receipt of the order for the report unless the report is filed with the petition for adoption.  In the case of adoption by a stepparent or blood relative, the report is to be rendered within 60 days following the completion of the social study, and shall include a statement of the cost of the study.

(d) If the Court orders any further social investigation or any supplement of the social report, any such investigation shall be conducted and a supplement shall be prepared by the Department or the licensed or authorized agency party to the proceedings.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Delaware Code Title 13. Domestic Relations § 912. Social study and report - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/de/title-13-domestic-relations/de-code-sect-13-912/

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