Providing Adoptive Parents With Information About Adoptees and Their Birth Families - Pennsylvania

Agency or Person Preparing the Report

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23 §§ 2533; 2535

The investigation may be made by a local public child care agency, a voluntary child care agency, or an appropriate person designated by the court. In lieu of the investigation, the court may accept an investigation made by the agency that placed the child or the report made by the intermediary who arranged the placement of the child.

Contents of Report About the Adopted Person

Citation: Cons. Stat. Tit. 23 §§ 2533; 2535

The report of the intermediary shall include the following:

• The name, sex, racial background, age, date and place of birth, and religious affiliation of the child
• A full description and statement of the value of all property owned or possessed by the child
• A statement that medical history information was obtained, or if not obtained, a statement of why it was not obtained

The investigation shall cover all pertinent information regarding the child's eligibility for adoption and the suitability of the placement, including the physical, mental, and emotional needs and welfare of the child.

Contents of Report About the Birth Family

Citation: Cons. Stat. Ch. 23, §§ 2533; 2535

The report of the intermediary shall include the following:

• The name, age, and marital status at the time of the birth of the child and during 1 year prior
• The racial backgrounds and religious affiliations of the birth parents
• The parents' residence if their parental rights have not been terminated
• A statement that medical history information was obtained, or if not obtained, a statement of why it was not obtained

When the Report Is Made

Citation: Cons. Stat. Ch. 23, §§ 2533; 2535

When a report of intention to adopt has been filed, the court shall cause an investigation to be made and a report filed by a local public child care agency, a voluntary child care agency with its consent, or an appropriate person designated by the court. In lieu of the investigation, the court may accept an investigation made by the agency that placed the child, and the report of investigation in such cases may be incorporated into the report of the intermediary required by § 2533.

Within 6 months after filing the report of intention to adopt, the intermediary who arranged the adoption placement shall make a written report under oath to the court in which the petition for adoption will be filed and shall thereupon forthwith notify in writing the adopting parent or parents of the fact that the report has been filed and the date thereof.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.