Neb. Admin. Code 6-002.13

NEBRASKA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM

TITLE 390: CHILD WELFARE

CHAPTER 6 - PERMANENCY FOR CHILDREN

6-002.13 FINALIZATION OF ADOPTION

Nebraska statute states a child must reside with a family at least six continuous months before finalization. Once this occurs and the family is nearing completion of post-placement services, the worker will prepare for finalization.

Note: If foster parents are adopting, finalization may occur at any time after the child is free, as long as the child has resided with the family for six months.

The prospective adoptive parents will retain an attorney to finalize the adoption.

The Department staff assigned to the case will prepare an adoption packet. A list of the information to be contained in the adoption packet is found in the Adoption Guidebook. For subsidized adoption, the necessary forms will be completed and approval obtained. See Adoption Guidebook for information on program and forms.

The adoption packet will be reviewed by the designated adoption staff or supervisory staff in the District.

The completed adoption packet will be promptly sent to the family's attorney by certified mail.

For a Native American child, Department staff will advise the court of the court's responsibility to notify the Secretary of the Interior of the adoption.

After finalization, adoptive parents have full rights and responsibilities for their child. Post services that may be provided are:

- Processing requests for information after the decree,

- Subsidized adoption assistance,

- Consultation and referral, and

- Mediation of adoption with openness.

(For release of information after adoption - refer to 390 NAC 1-007, Release of Information.)