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

Agency or Person Preparing the Report

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 31-19-17-2; 31-19-17-3

A person, licensed child-placing agency, or local office shall prepare all required reports.

Contents of Report About the Adopted Person

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 31-19-17-3; 31-19-17-4; 31-19-2-7

All available social, medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the child shall be released to the prospective adoptive parent.

A medical report of the health status and medical histories of the child sought to be adopted and of the child's birth parents must include neonatal, psychological, physiological, and medical care history. The report shall be sent to the prospective adoptive parents.

Contents of Report About the Birth Family

Citation: Ann Code § 31-19-17-2

A report shall be prepared that summarizes the available medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the birth parents. The report shall exclude information that would identify the birth parents unless the prospective adoptive parents know the identity of the birth parents.

When the Report Is Made

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 31-19-2-7; 31-19-17-2

The report concerning birth parents shall be given to the prospective adoptive parents, as follows:

• At the time the home study or evaluation concerning the suitability of the proposed home for the child is commenced
• As soon as is practical after the prospective adoptive parents are matched with the birth mother
• With the consent of the prospective adoptive parents, no later than 30 days after the child is placed with the adoptive parents

The medical report of the health status and medical history of the child and the child's birth parents must accompany a petition for adoption or be filed no later than 60 days after the filing of a petition for adoption.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.