CFS PPM2
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5371 Dissolving an Adoption

 

When a dissolution appears likely the Child Welfare Case Management provider shall take the lead in coordinating staffing and planning for the child. All efforts shall be made to maintain the adoption, however, if it is determined that it is in the best interest of the child to dissolve the adoption, DCF shall be involved in the decisions made.

 

  1.  Before deciding to dissolve an adoption the team shall consider:
    1. what services might salvage the adoption;
    2. what services the child needs after removal;
    3. how best to prepare the child for the adoption dissolution;
    4. what support services the adoptive family may need;
    5. if relinquishment of the child directly to DCF would be appropriate.
  2. If there are abuse or neglect issues, a child protective service report shall be made.
  3. To dissolve a finalized adoption, DCF may accept a voluntary relinquishment from the adoptive parents after a CINC petition has been filed and the Secretary has been given custody.  If the staffing team determines that it is in the best interest of the child, DCF shall request that the county or district attorney file a petition with the court to terminate parental rights. Reasonable efforts to maintain the child at home must be documented.
  4. If it is within the life of the contract, the Child Welfare Case Management remains responsible for the case and no new referrals are required.  The team shall work closely together to plan for terminating the placement in the least damaging way for the child and family.

 

The Child Welfare Case Management Provider shall:

    1. plan for another placement for the child
    2. hold a new case plan and provide services to the child
    3. document all efforts to maintain the placement;
    4. provide a full account of the services provided to the family and child;
    5. provide documentation as to why parental rights should be terminated;
    6. seek a new adoptive resource and notify the Adoption Exchange Provider of the need to place the child on the adoption exchange to recruit an adoptive resource, if there is no identified resource
  1. Relinquishment of parental rights to DCF by an adoptive family shall require approval by the Regional Director or designee.