9:2-16. Voluntary surrender to approved agency


9:2-16.  Voluntary surrender to approved agency
    An approved agency may take a voluntary surrender of custody of a child from  the parent of such child, or from such other person or persons who, by order of  a court of competent jurisdiction, have been substituted for the parent as to  custody of such child.  Each such surrender, when properly acknowledged in the  manner and form provided by sections 46:14-6 and 46:14-7 of the Revised  Statutes, shall be valid whether or not the person giving the same is a minor,  and shall be irrevocable except at the discretion of the approved agency taking  such surrender or upon order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction,  setting aside such surrender upon proof of fraud, duress or misrepresentation.

     L.1955, c. 232, p. 896, s. 4.
 
9:2-17.  Form of surrender
    The form of any such surrender shall be such as to declare that the person executing the same desires to relinquish the custody of the child, acknowledge the termination of parental rights as to such custody in favor of the approved agency, and acknowledge full understanding of the effect of such surrender as provided by this act.  Any such surrender may include a statement that its purpose is to permit the approved agency to place the child for adoption by such person or persons as the approved agency may select.

     L.1955, c. 232, p. 896, s. 5.
 
9:2-18.      Procedure to terminate parental rights 
     6.   An approved agency which is providing supervision of a child may institute an action in the Superior Court, seeking the termination of the rights of the parents of such child and the transfer of custody of such child to the agency. A prior surrender of custody as provided by Article II of this act shall not be deemed a waiver of notice or service of process in proceedings under Article III hereof. At least five days prior to the hearing, the plaintiff shall file with the court a written report as to all circumstances of the case. 

    L.1955,c.232,s.6; amended 1991,c.91,s.192.