63.2-1225 - Determination of appropriate home. - Virginia Statutes

§ 63.2-1225. Determination of appropriate home.

A. In determining the appropriate home in which to place a child foradoption, a married couple or an unmarried individual shall be eligible toreceive placement of a child for purposes of adoption. Prior to or after theacceptance of custody of a child placed for adoption, a licensedchild-placing agency or a local board shall consider the recommendations ofthe birth parent(s), a physician or attorney licensed in the Commonwealth, ora clergyman who is familiar with the situation of the prospective adoptiveparent(s) or the child. No birth parent, physician, attorney or clergymanshall advertise that he is available to make recommendations, nor shall hecharge any fee for such recommendations to a board or agency, except that anattorney may charge for legal fees and services rendered in connection withsuch placement.

B. The agency or local board may give consideration to placement of the childwith the recommended adoptive parent(s) if the agency or local board findsthat such placement is in the best interest of the child. When the birthparent(s) has recommended such placement, the agency or local board shallprovide the birth parent(s) the opportunity to be represented by independentlegal counsel as well as the opportunity for counseling with a social worker.The agency or board also shall advise the prospective adoptive parent(s) ofthe right to be represented by independent legal counsel. The parties may,but are not required to, exchange identifying information as provided for insubdivision A 3 of § 63.2-1232.

(1989, c. 647, § 63.1-220.2; 1990, c. 202; 1991, c. 364; 1995, cc. 772, 826;1999, c. 1028; 2000, c. 830, § 63.1-219.32; 2002, c. 747; 2003, c. 779; 2006,cc. 654, 825; 2009, c. 805.)