1. 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. 1. determine the availability of the child for adoption; and
   2. 2. where the child is age 13 or over, determine the circumstances of the child and his/her attitude toward the adoption.

2. B. The investigation and court report shall cover the following areas depending on the circumstances of the case.

   1. 1. Availability of the child for adoption:

      1. a. name, birthdate and birthplace of child as verified by birth certificate when available;
      2. b. relationship of child to petitioner(s);
      3. c. legal status of petitioner(s) i.e., verification of current marriage and previous deaths/divorces effecting status;
      4. d. name of legal/biological parents and information concerning their attitude about the adoption and awareness of the implications.

   2. 2. Information on the child:

      1. a. child under 13:

         1. i. age of the child(ren);
         2. ii. length of time child has resided with the petitioner(s);
         3. iii. how the child came into the home of the petitioner(s);

      2. b. child 13 or over:

         1. i. age of the child(ren);
         2. ii. length of time child has resided with the petitioner(s);
         3. iii. how the child came into the home of the petitioner(s);
         4. iv. description of child including physical characteristics, personality, general health (no physical exam required), grade placement, and activities;
         5. v. child's adjustment;
         6. vi. child's relationship with petitioners and others in the home.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 9:427.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Human Development, Division of Evaluation and Services, LR 10:342 (April 1984), amended by the Department of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Welfare, LR 46:13 (January 2020), effective February 1, 2020.