Guardian adoption.

Existing law establishes procedures to petition for an independent adoption of a child by various individuals, including a legal guardian who had been the child's legal guardian for more than one year. Existing law establishes a separate process for a stepparent desiring to adopt a child of the stepparent's spouse to file a petition in the county in which the petitioner resides. Under existing law, a stepparent adoption is not subject to certain requirements applicable to an independent adoption, such as the requirement for a home study, unless ordered by the court, as prescribed, or the payment of a nonrefundable fee to the State Department of Social Services or to the delegated county adoption agency at the time of filing for the cost of investigating the adoption petition. This bill would establish procedures for a legal guardian who has been the child's legal guardian for more than one year, similar to the procedures for a stepparent adoption, instead of requiring the guardian to file a petition for an independent adoption. Among other provisions, the bill would require the court to consider and review an investigative report conducted by a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed professional clinical counselor, or a private licensed adoption agency selected by the petitioner, or by a probation officer, a qualified court investigator, or the county welfare department, as appointed by the court. By expanding the duties of county welfare departments and probation officers, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.