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Adopting in Alaska
Adoption in Alaska
Alaska may be known as the last frontier, but not when it comes to supporting expectant mothers. Both single parents and married couples can adopt in this state. For Adopting Families and Expectant Moms in Alaska, it's important to know that expenses for the expectant mom such as living (rent, food, utilities, grocery bills, transportation) and medical expenses can be covered. Did you know Alaska is home to the largest national park, highest peak, longest coastline, longest day and longest night.
Home Study Providers in Alaska
PairTree Home Study
The Modern Way to Home Study
Traveling For Your Adoption in Alaska
Length of ICPC
in Alaska
1-30 days
Alaska adheres to the Interstate Compact On The Placement of Children (ICPC) – a uniform law in all 50 States that establishes procedures for the interstate placement of children. The ICPC also places specific responsibilities on those involved in placing the children. The three principle goals of the ICPC are to:
Protect the children being placed.
Ensure that they receive the services they need.
Facilitate permanent placements for those children who are in state custody
Adoption Law FAQ in Alaska
Advertising Law Info
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Can adoptive parents advertise for birth parents?
Not addressed in state statutes.
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State Advertising Code of Law
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.
Adoption Law Info
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Who Can Adopt?
A child may be adopted by single individuals or jointly by married couples.
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Can out-of-state residents finalize an adoption?
Yes.
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Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary?
Not addressed in state statutes.
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What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period?
Living, medical, and other services related to the adoption.
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When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birth parent automatic?
10 days after consent, or birth of the child, whichever is later, unless court finds revoking consent is in childâs best interest. Return automatic.
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Qualifications for Adoptive Parents for adoption
Citation: Alaska Stat. § 25.23.020; Admin. Code Tit. 7, § 56.650
Any husband and wife together or unmarried adult may adopt a child.
In regulation: The application for adoption must include evidence that the applicant has completed any orientation or training required by the agency.
Home Study Info
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Elements of a Home Study for Adoption
Citation: Admin. Code Tit. 7, § 56.660
The home study must include at least the following:
• One face-to-face interview with all individuals living in the home
• One onsite home visit
• An assessment of the capabilities, willingness, and readiness of the prospective adoptive parent to properly parent a child not born to the parent
• A State and Federal criminal history record check for each adult member of the household
• At least three positive written references on the applicant, at least two of which are from persons unrelated to the applicant
The agency shall obtain all available information about each adoptive applicant regarding the following:
• Motivation and level of preparedness for adoption
• Current residence and the suitability of the family to provide a safe and healthy living environment for a child
• Physical, mental, and emotional health status of all persons living in the home
• The quality of marital and family relationships
• The attitude of the extended family and friends regarding adoption
• The applicantâs feelings about his or her childhood and parents, including any history of abuse or neglect
• Values, feelings, and practices in regard to parenting, child discipline, and care
• Sensitivity to different socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic groups in relation to the familyâs ability to properly parent an adoptive child and to maintain the cultural or ethnic identity of the child
• Behavior, background, special needs status, or other characteristics of a potential adoptive child that the family can and cannot accept and why, and a discussion of the prospective adoptive parent(s)â preparation, willingness, and ability to provide proper care for such a child
• Financial status and ability to support a child, including income, financial resources, debts, expenses, employment history, insurance coverage, and the familyâs ability to address possible ongoing needs of the child -
Grounds for Withholding Approval for Adoption
Citation: Admin. Code Tit. 7, §§ 56.660; 56.210
Except when placing a child under emergency conditions, an adoption home may not be approved if a person in the home has a disqualification described below. In an emergency placement, an agency shall complete required clearances on persons in the home as soon as possible following the placement. However, the agency shall review the Alaska Sexual
Offender Registry before placement of a child and a check of local court records before placement or on the first day that the court is open following the placement of a child.
A person may not be approved as an adoptive parent if:
• The person has record of having committed a barrier crime.
• The personâs name appears on the central registry.
• The person has a physical or behavioral health problem that poses a significant risk to the health, safety, or wellbeing of children.
• The person was the subject of prior adverse licensing action. -
When Home Studies Must Be Completed for Adoption
Citation: Alaska Stat. § 25.23.100; Admin. Code Tit. 7, § 56.660
A written report of the investigation shall be filed with the court by the investigator before the petition is heard as long as the report is filed within 30 days of the designation by the court of the department, agency, or person to make the investigation.
In regulation: If a child has not been placed with the adoptive applicants within 1 year of the time the home study is completed, the home study must be made up-to-date within the 30-day period before a child is placed in the home. The written update must include:
• A review and any required updating of each category of information in the adoptive home study
• Documentation of at least one additional visit within the past 6 months to the home when all individuals living in the home were present -
Postplacement Study Requirements for Adoption
Citation: Admin. Code Tit. 7, § 56.620
During the postplacement period, the agency shall document any changes in the adoptive family in health, financial condition, or composition that may affect the child.