HCS/SB 674 - This act changes Missouri adoption law in order to meet certain federal mandates. It also expands the rights of parents, grandparents, and foster parents.

DIVISION OF FAMILY SERVICES - The Division of Family Services is given greater freedom to take the necessary steps to find permanent placement of children. Children of abusive, dangerous, and negligent parents may be subject to a permanency hearing within 30 days of a court's determination. The Division shall complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child within that 30 day period. This provision was also truly agreed to in HB 1822.

FOSTER PARENTS, LEGAL GUARDIANS, AND PRE-ADOPTIVE PARENTS - Current foster parents or other legal custodians are given the right to testify at all hearings regarding the child. Currently, no such right is available.

BIRTH PARENTS - Requires the consent of the father before an adoption can be approved. If the father's paternity is in question, he must file with the putative father registry no later than 15 days after the birth of the child in order to retain these rights. Both parents shall have the right to legal representation and payment of any reasonable legal fees incurred throughout the adoption process.

GRANDPARENTS - Visitation rights for grandparents are expanded to include times when the child is adopted by a stepparent, another grandparent, or other blood relative.

ATTORNEYS AND THE COURTS - Attorneys representing a party in the adoption process cannot act as witnesses in the proceedings. Written consent required for an adoption must be reviewed and approved by the court within 3 business days. Currently, the courts are required to review the consent "as soon as practicable".
JOHN MESSMER