Obtaining Non-Identifying Information: Adopted adults, birth parents, birth siblings, adoptive parents of a deceased adopted adult, and parents and adult siblings of a deceased birth parent may obtain non-identifying information.
Obtaining Identifying Information: Identifying information is provided through a registry.
Adoption Registry: The following persons may use the adoption registry: adopted adults, birth parents, birth siblings, adoptive parents of a deceased adopted adult, and parents or adult siblings of a deceased birth parent. One hour of counseling is required.
Contact:
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Family Court, Juvenile Division
1 Dorrance Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 277-3352
Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate: An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized.
Statutes
Citation: General Laws of Rhode Island (1999), Sections 15-7-2 to 15-7-26; 15-7.1-1 to 15-7.1-4; 15-7.2-1 to 15-7.2-15
Web Site: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us
Contact: Public Information Center Library
(401) 222-2473
Consent Laws
WHO MUST CONSENT: § 15-7-5
• The parents or surviving parent.
• The guardian or next of kin.
• A suitable person appointed by the court as next friend of the child.
§ 15-7-10
• A minor parent must have the consent of one of the child's grandparents, a guardian or guardian ad litem.
CONSENT OF ADOPTEE: § 15-7-5
• A child 14 years or older must consent to the adoption.
WHEN PARENTAL CONSENT NOT NEEDED: § 15-7-7
• Parental rights have been terminated.
• The parent has neglected or abused the child or subjected the child to aggravated circumstances.
• The parent is deemed unfit due to emotional or mental illness; excessive drug or alcohol abuse.
• Parent has voluntarily or involuntarily placed the child in the care of a licensed agency.
WHEN CONSENT CAN BE EXECUTED: § 15-7-6
• Termination of rights of consent to adoption may not be executed sooner than 15 days after the child's birth.
HOW CONSENT MUST BE EXECUTED: § 15-7-5
• Consent must be in writing.
REVOCATION OF CONSENT: § 15-7-21.1
• A decree of adoption or consent cannot be challenged except by a petition filed within 180 days and a finding by the court that the decree is not in the child's best interest.
Parties to Adoption
WHO MAY ADOPT: § 15-7-4
• Any resident
• A husband and wife must petition jointly
• A non-resident may adopt a child in the custody a child placing agency.
WHO MAY BE ADOPTED: § 15-7-4
• Any person younger than the adopter and under age 18
• Adoptions of persons over age 18 may be granted by the probate court.
WHO MAY PLACE A CHILD: § 15-7-2
• A parent may place a child, but must notify the Department
• The Department or child placing agency.
Putative Fathers
REGISTRY: No
REGISTRY/PATERNITY REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE NOTICE: §15-7-26
• Putative father must appear at adoption proceedings and claim rights to the child.
• Putative father is given notice of the adoption proceedings if he is identified to the satisfaction of the court.
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN REGISTRY/CLAIM: Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
REVOCATION OF INFORMATION: Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION: Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
Regulation of Adoption Expenses
BIRTH PARENT EXPENSES ALLOWED: There are no specific statutory provisions regarding payment of adoption expenses.
EXPENSES NOT ALLOWED: None are specified.
PAYMENTS FOR ARRANGING ADOPTION: This issue is not addressed.
PAYMENTS FOR RELINQUISHING CHILD: This issue is not addressed.
FEES CHARGED BY DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY: None are specified.
ACCOUNTING OF EXPENSES REQUIRED BY COURT: The statutes do not require an accounting, but the court may request one.
This material may be reproduced and distributed without permission; however, appropriate citation must be given to the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
