Placement Of The Child

The adoptive placement of a child in the custody or legal guardianship of the department will be selected using a committee process of no less than three (3) individuals and be approved by a regional program manager. (7-1-25) 01. Factors Considered in Determining Adoptive Placements. (7-1-25) a. For an Indian child, Indian Child Welfare Act (1978) placement preferences must be followed: (7-1-25) i. A member of the child’s extended family; (7-1-25) ii. Other members of the Indian child’s tribe; (7-1-25) iii. Other Indian families. (7-1-25) b. The primary factor in determining adoptive placement is the prospective family’s ability to protect and promote the best interests of the child to be placed in their home. (7-1-25) c. The ability to meet the cultural and racial needs of the child does not necessitate the family have the same culture or race of the child. (7-1-25) 02. Disclosure. Full background information and the child’s history must be discussed with the prospective adoptive parent(s) prior to pre-adoptive placement. The disclosure of background information is confirmed at the time of placement by a written acknowledgment signed by the family services worker and prospective adoptive family. A copy of this statement must be provided to the adoptive family and one (1) copy is kept in the child’s permanent record. (7-1-25)