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

Date: August 2020

Agency or Person Preparing the Report

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 32A-5-14

The preplacement study shall be performed as prescribed by Children, Youth and Families Department regulation.

Contents of Report About the Adopted Person

Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 32A-5-3; 32A-5-14

The preplacement study shall include at a minimum the following:

  • A report of a medical examination performed on the adopted person within 1 year prior to the proposed adoptive placement
  • Full disclosure to the petitioner

Full disclosure means mandatory and continuous disclosure by the investigator, agency, department, or petitioner throughout the adoption proceeding and after finalization of the adoption of all known, nonidentifying information regarding the adopted person, including the following:

  • Health history
  • Psychological history
  • Mental history
  • Hospital history
  • Medication history
  • Genetic history
  • Physical descriptions
  • Social history
  • Placement history
  • Education

Contents of Report About the Birth Family

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 32A-5-3

The preplacement study shall include a written evaluation of the adopted person's birth family.

When the Report Is Made

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 32A-5-12

In all adoptions, prior to any placement being made, the person making the placement shall provide full disclosure.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 32A-5-14

Unless directed by the court, a preplacement study is not required in cases in which the child is being adopted by a stepparent, a relative, or a person named in the child's deceased parent's will pursuant to § 32A-5-12.

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