Each local social service agency shall establish a written intake policy, including social service fees when applicable, which provides for:
Local social service agencies shall consider at a minimum the basic standards in items A, B, and C when determining the suitability of prospective adoptive parents.
The local social service agency is responsible for determining the suitability of adoptive parents whom it has accepted for service.
Prospective adoptive parents which the local social service agency certifies as suitable for placement of a child shall be registered on the state adoption exchange. This requirement is optional for Hennepin, Ramsey, and St. Louis social service agencies.
Prospective adoptive parents deemed unsuitable by the local agency shall be informed in writing of that decision. Notification must be sent after the agency has counseled with the family on the relevant facts upon which the decision was based.
Prospective adoptive parents which the local agency determines are not suitable for an adoptive placement may be further reviewed by that agency, the county welfare or human service board, or the state agency's adoption unit upon the written request of the applicant. This review is limited to those factors on which the local agency based its decision.
Grievances arising out of adverse suitability studies are not subject to further administrative review pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, or Minnesota Statutes, section 256.045.
Minn. R. agency 196, ch. 9560, ADOPTION, pt. 9560.0140
Statutory Authority: MS s 14.388; 257.05; 257.175; 259.53; 259.67; 259.75; 259.87