LAC 67:V.5103. When the Petitioner Is the Stepparent of the Adoptee

A. DCFS/CW shall no longer provide a full investigation and court report in stepparent adoptions unless so ordered by the court. Henceforth, adoption petition workers shall investigate stepparent adoptions only to the extent necessary. The investigation shall: 1. determine the availability of the child for adoption; and 2. where the child is age 13 or over, determine the circumstances of the child and his/her attitude toward the adoption. B. The investigation and court report shall cover the following areas depending on the circumstances of the case. 1. Availability of the child for adoption: a. name, birthdate and birthplace of child as verified by birth certificate when available; b. relationship of child to petitioner(s); c. legal status of petitioner(s) i.e., verification of current marriage and previous deaths/divorces effecting status; d. name of legal/biological parents and information concerning their attitude about the adoption and awareness of the implications. 2. Information on the child: a. child under 13: i. age of the child(ren); ii. length of time child has resided with the petitioner(s); iii. how the child came into the home of the petitioner(s); b. child 13 or over: i. age of the child(ren); ii. length of time child has resided with the petitioner(s); iii. how the child came into the home of the petitioner(s); iv. description of child including physical characteristics, personality, general health (no physical exam required), grade placement, and activities; v. child's adjustment; vi. child's relationship with petitioners and others in the home.