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Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, placement of a minor may occur only if a written preplacement assessment:
(1) Has been completed or updated within the 18 months immediately preceding the placement; and
(2) Contains a finding that the individual who is the subject of the assessment is suitable to be an adoptive parent, either in general or for a specific minor.
(b) A preplacement assessment is not required in an independent adoption when a prospective adoptive parent is a grandparent, full or half sibling, first cousin, aunt, uncle, great-aunt, great-uncle, or great-grandparent of the minor.
(c) If a direct placement is made in violation of this section:
(1) The prospective adoptive parent shall request any preplacement assessment already commenced to be expedited, and if none has been commenced, shall obtain a preplacement assessment from an agency as authorized by G.S. 48-1-109; in either case, the assessment shall include the fact and date of placement;
(2) The court may not enter a decree of adoption until both a favorable preplacement assessment and a report to the court have been completed and filed, and the court may not order a report to the court for at least 30 days after the preplacement assessment has been completed; and
(3) If the person who placed the minor executes a consent before receiving a copy of the preplacement assessment, G.S. 48-3-608 shall determine the time within which that person may revoke.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 48. Adoptions § 48-3-301. Preplacement assessment required - last updated January 01, 2023 | https://codes.findlaw.com/nc/chapter-48-adoptions/nc-gen-st-sect-48-3-301/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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