[Windy]

Is there a criteria that must be met prior to a foster child becoming adoptable (i.e. evaluations, counseling, etc. ). Or are there any laws pertaining to placement?

[Darwin67]

I don't know how much help I can be, but I have done some reading with regards to WA state policy. I don't count on the laws much since WA laws are fairly antiquated, and the federal FASFA ruling presides over everything.

If a child has been in foster care for 90 days without any parental contact, and the parent's are no-where to be found than that child is considered "abandoned" and a default TPR can be filed w/ the courts terming parent rights.

If a child has been in foster care for the last 15 of 22 months than a TPR should be filed unless there are extenuating circumstances with the parents where the Agency or DSHS feels that more time can be used, in which case they typically can extend it to 22 months.

There are also other criterion that are used; i.e. if a sibling has been murdered, of if the child or sibling have been sexually abused, tortured, etc. than the courts need not re-unify. This requires a court trial in which the parent has been found guilty.

And of course, the least used reason a foster child can be adoptable, if the Birthparent signs over consent, and voluntarily is willing to terminate their parental rights.

Hope that helps!

-Karen