Home Study Requirements for Prospective Parents in Domestic Adoption - Puerto Rico

Who Must Be Studied

Citation: Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 1086d

A study shall be made of the adoption petitioner.

Agency or Person Conducting the Study

Citation: Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 1086d

The Department of the Family or any licensed private adoption agency shall file a report on the home study with the court for the adjudication of any petition for the adoption of a minor.

Qualifications for Adoptive Parents

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Elements of a Home Study

Citation: Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 1086d

The home study or report shall include the family background of the petitioners, the adoptee, and his parent or parents, as well as any other material circumstances of the case, such as the following:

• Interviews with the parents, the adoptive parties, and the adoptee, as well as the matters discussed
• Home visits with the parents and adoptive parents
• A physical description of the residence and the child safety measures inside and outside of the residence
• A health certificate of the adoptive party
• The health condition of the adoptee
• A certification of income and the management thereof
• The criminal history and history of child abuse
• A family history, including a description of the adoptive parties, their interpersonal and family relations, and significant events in their lives
• The past and present education and employment
• A description of the family dynamic in terms of the decision-making process, social life, life changes resulting from having an adoptee in their home, and dealing with this situation
• A description of the family's daily routine, child care, hobbies, and interests
• The experience raising and caring for children
• A description of the neighborhood where the adoptive parties lives and references from neighbors
• The system of values to be instilled in the minor
• The motivations for choosing adoption
• The support system, whether from the extended family or external
• Any other aspect or criteria to be adopted by the department for the preparation of home studies in accordance with its regulations and the guidelines adopted by the Federal Government

Grounds for Withholding Approval

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

When Studies Must Be Completed

Citation: Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 1086d

The home study shall be filed within a maximum term of 30 days from the date of notice of the petition. If the home study is intended for use in the adoption hearing, the study shall not be older than 1 year.

Postplacement Study Requirements

Citation: Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 1086d

The home study shall include the recommendations of the agency on whether it is in the best interests of the minor to remain in custody of the petitioners and under the supervision of the agency or whether the adoption should proceed.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Requirements for Interjurisdictional Placements

Citation: Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 549

Any out-of-home placement of a child outside the State is subject to the provisions of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

The child shall not be sent into the receiving State until the appropriate public authorities in the receiving State notify the sending agency, in writing, that the proposed placement does not appear to be contrary to the interests of the child.

Foster to Adopt Placements

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Links to Resources

None are available online.