State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129) reports that House Children and Youth Committee held an informational meeting in Harrisburg this week to examine Pennsylvania’s adoption laws and processes, specifically looking at House Bills 449, 451 and 594.
House Bill 449 would amend the state’s Domestic Relations Code to enhance counseling opportunities for parents unable to pay who are considering relinquishing or terminating their parental rights.
House Bill 451 would reduce the amount of time a parent can use to revoke his/her consent for an adoption from 30 days to 96 hours.
House Bill 594 would make extensive changes to the state’s adoption laws, including provisions to clarify issues relating to parental rights, especially for unknown birth fathers; address counseling and legal representation; and outline reimbursement of expenses for birth mothers.
The bills aim to remove obstacles to adoption, as hundreds of Pennsylvania children are currently waiting long periods of time before being placed in a caring and loving home environment.