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

Agency or Person Preparing the Report

Citation: Ann. Laws §§ 63-9-520; 63-9-1340

The agency or person who places the child for adoption shall complete the investigations and reports.

The public adoption agency within the Department of Social Services shall monitor and evaluate all public placements to ensure that placements are suitable and in the best interests of the child.

Contents of Report About the Adopted Person

Citation: Ann. Laws § 63-9-520

A background information investigation shall provide a medical and developmental history of the adopted child.

A postplacement investigation and report of this investigation must answer all the following:

• The race, sex, and age of the adopted child
• Whether the child is suitable for adoption by the prospective adoptive parent
• The reason for the child's placement away from the birth parents
• Whether the child, if of appropriate age and mental capacity, desires to be adopted

Contents of Report About the Birth Family

Citation: Ann. Laws § 63-9-520

A background information investigation and a report of this investigation may not disclose the identities of the birth parents of the adopted child and shall provide medical histories of the child's birth family, including parents, siblings, and other family members related to the child, including ages, sexes, races, and any known genetic, psychological, metabolic, or familial disorders.

When the Report Is Made

Citation: Ann. Laws § 63-9-520

Before the final hearing for adoption of a child, investigations and reports must be completed as follows:

• Before the placement of any child by any agency or by any person with a prospective adoptive parent, a background investigation must be completed.
• A postplacement investigation and report of this investigation must be completed after the filing of the adoption petition.

Exceptions for Stepparent or Relative Adoptions

Citation: Ann. Laws § 63-9-1110

When a person adopts the child of his or her spouse or a child to whom he or she is related by blood or marriage, no investigation or report, required under the provisions of § 63-9-520, is required unless otherwise directed by the court.