Section 25-6-13 – Examination of witnesses and investigations by court–Order of adoption–Contents.
25-6-13. Examination of witnesses and investigations by court–Order of adoption–Contents. The circuit judge must examine all persons appearing separately and if satisfied from such examination and the report of the investigation that the child is suitable for adoption and the petitioning foster parent or parents financially able and morally fit to have the care and […]
Section 25-6-15 – Restrictions on access to court records in adoption proceedings–Court order required for disclosure of information–Notice of hearing to department or adoption agency–Disclosure not contested nor supported.
25-6-15. Restrictions on access to court records in adoption proceedings–Court order required for disclosure of information–Notice of hearing to department or adoption agency–Disclosure not contested nor supported. The files and records of the court in adoption proceedings are not open to inspection or copy by persons other than the parents by adoption and their attorneys, […]
Section 25-6-15.1 – Confidentiality of records.
25-6-15.1. Confidentiality of records. All papers, records, and information pertaining to an adoption whether part of the permanent file in the Department of Social Services or in a child placement agency are confidential and may be disclosed only in accordance with §§25-6-15 to 25-6-15.3, inclusive. Source: SL 1985, ch 208, §1.
Section 25-6-15.2 – Nonidentifying information–Release to adoptive parent or adoptee.
25-6-15.2. Nonidentifying information–Release to adoptive parent or adoptee. Nonidentifying information, if known, shall be made available to the adoptive parent, or to the adoptee upon reaching the age of eighteen, upon written request and proper proof of identification. This information or any part thereof may be withheld only if it is of such a nature […]
Section 25-6-15.3 – Registry of consents to release of identifying information.
25-6-15.3. Registry of consents to release of identifying information. The Department of Social Services shall maintain a voluntary registry of those adoptees and natural parents who have presented a consent regarding the release of identifying information about themselves. Any consent shall indicate to whom the information may be released and whether the adoptee desires release […]
Section 25-6-5 – Consent of child over twelve required.
25-6-5. Consent of child over twelve required. The consent of the child, if over the age of twelve years, is necessary to its adoption. Source: SDC 1939, §14.0404.
Section 25-6-6 – Jurisdiction of circuit court–Appeal.
25-6-6. Jurisdiction of circuit court–Appeal. The circuit court is vested with the jurisdiction to hear, try, and determine all matters relative to the adoption of children, subject to the right of appeal in the same form and manner as appeals are taken from the circuit court. Source: SDC 1939, §14.0405; SL 1951, ch 42, §1.
Section 25-6-7 – Venue of adoption proceedings.
25-6-7. Venue of adoption proceedings. The circuit court for the county of the child’s legal residence or of the adopting parent’s legal residence according to where petition is first filed shall have the original jurisdiction. Source: SDC 1939, §14.0405; SL 1951, ch 42, §1.
Section 25-6-8 – Joinder of proceedings as to two or more children–Separate orders required.
25-6-8. Joinder of proceedings as to two or more children–Separate orders required. The adoption of two or more children by the same adopting parent or parents may be included in one proceeding, provided, that a separate order of adoption shall be made and filed by the court as to each child adopted. Source: SDC 1939, […]
Section 25-6-9 – Period of residence in home required before petition granted.
25-6-9. Period of residence in home required before petition granted. No petition for adoption shall be granted until the child shall have lived within the proposed foster home for a period of at least six months. Source: SDC 1939, §14.0406; SL 1945, ch 47, §1; SL 1947, ch 54.