Adoption.

(1) Existing law, the Uniform Parentage Act, among other provisions, provides for the termination of parental rights in adoption proceedings. Existing law requires an inquiry of the mother and any other appropriate person in an effort to identify the natural father of a child, and requires notice of proceedings relating to adoption and the termination of parental rights to be given to an alleged father in accordance with specified provisions of law. This bill would revise and consolidate those provisions. The bill would authorize a court to issue an order of adoption and cause it to apply to an earlier date if it would serve public policy and the best interests of the adoptee, subject to certain requirements. (2) The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, which has been adopted in this state, authorizes and governs the interstate placement of children. This bill would delegate certain authority to a licensed private adoption agency that has provided adoption-related services to a birth parent or prospective adoptive parent, including the authority to determine whether the placement shall be made pursuant to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. (3) Existing law requires the written consent of the parent or parents of a child to be filed prior to the time the adoption request is filed, and requires the written consent to be witnessed by certain persons. This bill would allow the written consent to be filed simultaneously with the adoption request and would also authorize a representative of a licensed adoption agency to serve as a witness. (4) Existing law provides for the licensure and certification of family day care homes and foster family agencies that provide foster care services. This bill would provide that a foster care license or certification would not be required for placement, for up to 30 days, of a nondependent child who is relinquished for adoption to a licensed private adoption agency if the child is placed in the care of a prospective adoptive parent who meets specified criteria. (5) Existing law requires an action or proceeding to vacate, set aside, or otherwise nullify an order of adoption based on fraud to be commenced within 3 years after entry of the order. This bill would instead require that the action or proceeding be commenced within 3 years after entry of the order or within 90 days of discovery of the fraud, whichever is earlier, except under certain circumstances. (6) Existing law governs the procedure for adult adoption, and authorizes a prospective parent and the proposed adoptee to file a petition for approval of an adoption agreement with the court in specified counties. This bill would specify the counties in which residents and nonresidents of the state may file a petition for adult adoption with the court.