Section 441.200.3. Application.

Persons wishing to apply to adopt a child through the department shall complete an Application for Adoption form. An application for adoption shall only be accepted for children who are under the guardianship of the department.

         200.3(1) Limitations. The department and its recruitment and retention contractor shall accept only applications for adoption of a special needs child. Applications for adoption of a child without special needs shall be referred to private child-placing agencies. Exceptions to this rule may be made for:

            a.               Relatives of a child under the guardianship of the department; or

            b.               Foster parents with whom the child has a significant relationship.

         200.3(2) Procedures. An application for adoption of a special needs child shall be accepted by any department office or by the department’s recruitment and retention contractor. Before a home study is completed, applicants shall:

            a.               Complete the Application for Adoption form, and

            b.               Ensure that the Physician’s Report for Foster and Adoptive Parents form is completed by the applicant’s family physician.

[ARC 8010B, IAB 7/29/09, effective 10/1/09; ARC 1754C, IAB 12/10/14, effective 2/1/15]