SSB 5548, the Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act, states that a parent/guardian or individual with whom a child has been placed for adoption may not transfer custody of the child to someone beyond family members and other specified categories of individuals. A parent/guardian/individual with whom a child has been placed for adoption may only do this through adoption or guardianship, judicial award of custody, placement through a child placement agency, etc. Violation of this is a gross misdemeanor. The bill also outlines that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families must investigate instances where they believe that a person has transferred or will transfer a child. The bill prohibits unauthorized solicitation and advertising for the purpose of adopting or transferring or for the purposes of finding a child to adopt or transfer.
Amendment:
SSB 5548: Applies the Uniform Act only to adoptions or placement for adoptions of children who reside in foreign countries at the time of adoption or placement. Retains existing laws regarding domestic unregulated child custody transfers. Prohibits unauthorized solicitation and advertising for the purpose of adopting or transferring or for the purpose of finding a child to adopt or transfer.
