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The Utah Administrative Code is the body of all effective administrative rules as compiled and organized by the Division of Administrative Rules (Subsection 63G-3-102(5); see also Sections 63G-3-701 and 702).

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Rule R512-40. Adoptive Home Studies, Recruitment, Approval.

As in effect on August 1, 2009

Table of Contents

R512-40-1. Purpose and Authority.

(1) The purpose of this rule is to establish standards for conducting adoptive home studies, recruitment of adoptive homes, and approval of adoptive homes.

(2) This rule is authorized by Section 62A-4a-102.

R512-40-2. Guidelines for Persons Applying for Adoptive Placement of a Child With Special Needs.

(1) Adoptive homes will be approved following the provisions of R501-7. In addition, the following factors will be considered:

(a) Adoptive applicants shall apply in the region where they reside.

(b) Both couples and single individuals may be approved as prospective adoptive parents based upon their ability to provide for children with special needs.

(c) Applicants shall show commitment and stability in existing family relationships which would provide a base for an adoptive child.

(d) The evaluation of the family shall include their strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations shall be made as to the age and type of child who can best fit into the home to ensure the healthy development of the child.

(e) Potential adoptive parents must arrange supervision for the child at times when they are not able to be in the home with the child. Supervision is to be in accordance to the child's age and developmental ability.

(f) A prospective adoptive parent may not be approved for the adoptive placement of a child in state custody unless the prospective adoptive parent and any adults living in the home have completed criminal background checks required by Section 78A-6-308 and P.L. 109-248.

(g) The following factors are critical in the success of adoptive placements and should be factors in approving adoptive applicants:

(i) Commitment to adoption,

(ii) Ability to sustain long-term relationship,

(iii) Proper motivation and realistic expectations,

(iv) Emotional openness and flexibility,

(v) Empathy,

(vi) Strong social support system and knowledge of resources, and

(vii) Stable marital relationship.

(h) The following factors may significantly contribute to adoption disruption and should be considered in approving adoptive applicants:

(i) History of emotional or psychological problem or substance abuse,

(ii) Impulse control disorders,

(iii) Disruptive crisis filled lifestyles,

(iv) Criminal activity,

(v) Serious problems in child rearing,

(vi) Unrealistic expectations of self and child, and

(vii) Marital difficulties and incompatibilities which seriously compromise the ability to meet the needs of the child.

R512-40-3. Follow-Up Services.

(1) A record of the approved home study shall be maintained in the Division of Child and Family Services (Child and Family Services) Management Information System.

(2) Any significant changes in the family's situation shall be documented by revisions or additions on an annual basis in the adoptive study, including revised medical reports, if needed.

(3) At the end of a family's third year as an approved prospective adoptive home, Child and Family Services shall notify the family that their home study will be closed unless the family reapplies for a new home study to be completed.

R512-40-4. Application by Staff of Child and Family Services.

(1) Staff members of Child and Family Services may apply to adopt and may adopt children in State custody in the following manner:

(a) The person applies in the region of residence.

(b) The home study will be completed by staff of another region on a cooperative basis upon the request of the regional director.

(c) Approval of placement of a child in a staff member's home will be by the region having custody of the child. If the prospective adoptive parent is from the same region as the child, the placing committee will consist of the child's caseworker, outside child welfare specialists, and the State Adoption Program Administrator. Supervision will be by the placing region, unless the child and prospective parent are from the same region, in which case, another region will provide supervision.

KEY

adoption

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment

May 27, 2009

Notice of Continuation

August 7, 2007

Authorizing, Implemented, or Interpreted Law

62A-4a-102; 62A-4a-106; 78A-6-308; Pub. L. 109-248

Rule converted into HTML by the Division of Administrative Rules.

For questions regarding the content or application of rules under Title R512, please contact the promulgating agency (Human Services, Child and Family Services). A list of agencies with links to their homepages is available at http://www.utah.gov/government/agencylist.html or from http://www.rules.utah.gov/contact/agencycontacts.htm.

For questions about the rulemaking process, please contact the Division of Administrative Rules (801-538-3764). Please Note: The Division of Administrative Rules is not able to answer questions about the content or application of these rules.

The HTML version of this rule is a convenience copy made available on the Internet as a public service. Please see the State of Utah Terms of Use.