§ 48-3-235. Guidance and instruction.

225 words·~1 min read·/nc/chapter-48/48-3-235

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)An agency placing a minor for adoption shall provide or cause to be provided to the prospective adoptive parent guidance and instruction specific to the minor to help prepare the parent to respond effectively to needs of the minor that are known to or reasonably ascertainable by the agency.

(b)The guidance and instruction under subsection

(a)of this section shall address, if applicable, all of the following:

(1)The potential effect on the minor of all of the following:

a. A previous adoption or out-of-home placement.

b. Multiple previous adoptions or out-of-home placements.

c. Trauma, insecure attachment, fetal alcohol exposure, or malnutrition.

d. Neglect, abuse, drug exposure, or similar adversity.

e. Separation from a sibling or significant caregiver.

f. A difference in ethnicity, race, or cultural identity between the minor and the prospective adoptive parent or other minor of the parent.

(2)Information available from the federal government on the process for the minor to acquire United States citizenship.

(3)Any other matter the agency considers material to the adoption.

(c)The guidance and instruction under subsection

(a)of this section shall be provided as follows:

(1)For adoption of a minor residing in the United States, a reasonable time before the adoption is finalized.

(2)For an intercountry adoption, in accordance with federal law. (2025-25, s. 46(a).)