New procedures for voluntary open adoption agreements where the prospective adoptive parent can enter into a voluntary agreement with the birth relative of a child to permit continued contact were established this week when Governor Ed Rendell signed SB 1360 into law.
The measure also streamlines the procedure for accessing adoption records and directs DPW to establish a statewide confidential registry of medical and social history for all Pennsylvania adoptions.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference supported this revision to the Adoption Act. It significantly improves services for those involved in the adoption process. The new law has two key components. First, it recognizes and establishes procedures for voluntary open adoption agreements, whereby a prospective adoptive parent can enter into a voluntary agreement with a birth relative of a child to permit continuing contact between the child and a birth relative.
Many Catholic Charities and Social Services agencies in Pennsylvania offer adoption services.
