Parties to An Adoption
Virginia
Who May Adopt
Statute: § 63.2-1201
• Any resident
• A husband
and wife jointly
• A stepparent
Who May Be Adopted
Statute: §§ 63.2-1200; 63.2-1243
• A minor
child
• An adult if:
o A stepchild
o A niece or
nephew
o Has resided
in the home for 3 months prior to majority
o For good
cause shown, provided that the petitioner is at least 15 years older
Who May Place a Child for Adoption
Statute: § 63.2-1200
• A licensed
child-placing agency
• A local
board of social services
• The child's
parent or legal guardian
• An
out-of-state agency that is licensed by that State, but any entrustment
agreement must comply with Virginia law to be
valid
Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children
Schedule of Hearings
Citation: §§ 40-11-12.1; 40-11-12.2
A permanency hearing shall be held:
- Within 12 months of the child's placement in care; at least every 12
months thereafter
- Within 30 days after a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify are not
required
Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings
Citation: § 40-11.12.1
- All parties
- The foster parents
- Any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child
Determinations Made at Hearings
Citation: § 40-11.12.1
- The appropriateness of the service plan
- What services have been offered
- Any further efforts that will promote the best interests of the child
Permanency Options
Citation: § 40-11.12.2
- Return to the parent
- Adoption
- Legal guardianship
- Placement with a fit and willing relative
- Another planned permanent living arrangement
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