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

Date: August 2020

Agency or Person Preparing the Report

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 912

Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the court shall order a social study report that shall be completed by the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, or licensed or authorized agency, unless the report was filed with the petition.

Contents of Report About the Adopted Person

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 912

The report shall include the following information:

  • The child's family background and eligibility for adoption
  • The child's physical and mental conditions

Contents of Report About the Birth Family

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 912

The report shall include nonidentifying information regarding the child's family background.

When the Report Is Made

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 912

If the placement is made by the department or licensed agency, the report shall be submitted within 60 days from the receipt of the order for the report unless the report is filed with the petition for adoption.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 13, § 912

In the case of adoption by a stepparent or blood relative, the report is to be submitted within 60 days following the completion of the social study and shall include a statement of the cost of the study.

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