- Perfected -

SCS/SB 597 - This act creates the "Adoption Awareness Law" to promote adoption as an alternative parenting option.

Section 191.975 outlines the adoption education and promotion duties of the Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health within the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Office of Women's Health. A variety of materials may be made available on the Internet and by all Department family planning and education programs, privately funded adoption agencies, abortion facilities, private physicians, and any other person or entity who requests the material (SA 4).

Section 210.950 allows a parent to relinquish custody of a child to a hospital. If this is done and pending court proceedings, all of the parent's rights are terminated, the child becomes a ward of the state and will be immediately available for adoption. The hospital shall request the child's medical information and birth date from the parent and, if provided, the parent will be immune from liability. If medical information is not provided, the Division of Family Services may attempt to identify the parents. The hospital will be immune from liability for accepting the child and the state shall reimburse the hospital for any expenses. The non-relinquishing parent of the child may file for custody within thirty days after the hospital takes the child. Parenthood must be proven. When a non-relinquishing parent inquires about a child, the hospital shall refer the parent to the Division (SA 3).

Section 453.030 currently outlines the procedure that birth parents must follow when consenting to an adoption. New language requires that the father be advised of the legal consequences of consent (SA 1). Current law allows the court to review and approve written consent within three business days. New language provides for the child to be placed in the pre-approved adoptive home immediately upon written consent and the court may then proceed with approval of the consent (SA 4).

Portions of this act are similar to HB 1982 (2000).

ERIN MOTLEY