(1) Legally married couples and single adults, including relatives of a child and employees of Child and Family Services, may apply to adopt a child in state's custody based on their ability to provide a permanent family for the child. Only relatives to the child may be cohabiting under Section 81-13-203. Adoptive applicants shall:
- (a) apply in the region where they live;
- (b) complete the adoption training program approved by Child and Family Services, which may be adapted for relatives based on the child's needs;
- (c) be assessed and approved as an adoptive parent by Child and Family Services following completion of a home study pursuant to Section R512-40-5;
- (d) obtain a foster care license issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Background Checks, or meet the same standards required to be licensed in Section R501-12, or receive a written waiver from Child and Family Services for a specific standard; and
- (e) receive a determination by Child and Family Services that no conflict of interest exists in the adoption process.
- (2) Relatives are not required to become licensed to be considered for adoption and will have an assessment completed by Child and Family Services.
KEY: adoption
Date of Last Change: February 2, 2026
Notice of Continuation: August 19, 2021
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 53-10-108; 80-2-302; 80-2-301; 80-2-802; 80-2-803; 81-13-403