1. (1) If a county department receives a report that a person has transferred or intends to transfer custody of a child in violation of section 19-5.5-203 (1), the county department may conduct an assessment, and, as provided by other laws of this state, take appropriate action to protect the welfare of the child.

2. (2) If a county conducts an assessment for a child adopted or placed through an intercountry adoption, and determines that a person has transferred or intends to transfer custody of a child in violation of section 19-5.5-203, the county department shall forward the assessment to the state department. Upon receiving the assessment, the state department shall:

   1. (a) Prepare a report on the welfare and plan for permanent placement of the child; and
   2. (b) Provide a copy of the report to the United States department of state, bureau of consular affairs, office of children's issues.
3. (3) This article 5.5 does not prevent a county department from taking appropriate action under other law of this state.

Source: L. 2023: Entire article added, (HB 23-1157), ch. 86, p. 302, § 1, effective April 17.