Minn. R. Adop. P. 37.01
An approved adoption study, completed background study as required under Minnesota Statutes § 245C.33, and written adoption study report must be completed before the child is placed in a prospective adoptive home, except as allowed by Minnesota Statutes § 259.47, subd. 6. An approved adoption study, which includes the background study, shall be completed by a licensed child-placing agency and must be thorough and comprehensive. The study shall be paid for by the prospective adoptive parent, except as otherwise required under Minnesota Statutes §259.67 or 259.73. A placement for adoption with an individual who is related to the child, as defined by Minnesota Statutes § 245A.02, subd. 13, is not subject to this rule except as required by Minnesota Statutes § 245C.33 and § 259.53, subd. 2(c). In the case of a licensed foster parent seeking to adopt a child who is in the foster parent's care, any portions of the foster care licensing process that duplicate requirements of the adoption study may be submitted in satisfaction of the relevant requirements of this rule.
Minn. R. Adop. P. 37.01