Home Study Requirements for Prospective Parents in Domestic Adoption - Northern Mariana Islands

Date: August 2020

Who Must Be Studied

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1410

The petitioner(s) may be the subject of an investigation.

Agency or Person Conducting the Study

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1410

The investigation shall be made by the Division of Youth Services, its designee, or another qualified person or agency designated by the court.

Qualifications for Adoptive Parents

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1403

An adult person who is a resident of the Commonwealth may petition to adopt. The person may be single, married to the legal mother or father of the child, or married and petitioning jointly with his or her spouse. The petitioner must be at least 10 years older than the child to be adopted.

Elements of a Home Study

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1410

If so ordered by the court, an investigation ('home study') shall be of the petitioner for the purpose of determining whether the adoptive home is suitable for the child and whether the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the child.

Grounds for Withholding Approval

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

When Studies Must Be Completed

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 8, § 1410

A written report of the home study must be filed with the court before the petition for adoption can be heard.

Postplacement Study Requirements

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Requirements for Interjurisdictional Placements

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Foster to Adopt Placements

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Links to Resources

None are available online.