§ 26-7-104. General Information for Prospective Adoptive Families

1. At the time that the family is matched for adoption of a child or youth who is potentially eligible for benefits pursuant to this article 7, the state department, a county department, or a nonprofit child placement agency, as appropriate, shall provide the prospective adoptive family, in writing, with information concerning the following:
   1. The availability of benefits, with an explanation of the differences between these benefits and foster care maintenance payments;
   2. The availability of reimbursement for any nonrecurring expenses incurred in the adoption of an eligible child or youth;
   3. The availability of mental health services through the state medical assistance program pursuant to articles 4, 5, and 6 of title 25.5 or other programs;
   4. The federal adoption tax credit for an individual who is adopting or is considering adopting a child or youth in foster care or through a nonprofit child placement agency, in accordance with section 403 of the federal “Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008”, Pub.L. 110-351;
   5. Notice of the general right to bring to the adoption assistance negotiation process:
      1. Parties who possess relevant information about a child’s or youth’s history and needs, including the child’s guardian ad litem or the family’s advocate; and
      2. Legal representation for a child or youth or prospective adoptive family;
   6. Notice of the right to appeal and be represented by legal counsel, at the prospective adoptive parents’ expense, in accordance with the “State Administrative Procedure Act”, article 4 of title 24, and pursuant to section 26-7-109; and
   7. Notice of the general right to request a negotiation meeting.
2. The state department shall also make the information described in this section available on its website.

Source: L. 2019: Entire article R&RE, (SB 19-178), ch. 180, p. 2044, § 1, effective August 2.