2022 Delaware Code
Title 13 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 11. TERMINATION AND TRANSFER OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IN ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS
§ 1107. Time for hearing; preparation of social report.
(a) If a petition for the termination of parental rights is filed and DSCYF or a licensed agency is a party to the proceedings, the Court shall set a date for a hearing on the petition and shall cause notice of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing to be served as required under § 1107A of this title. Absent good cause, a social report must be filed no later than 1 week prior to the hearing.
(b) If a petition for termination of parental rights is filed and DSCYF or a licensed agency is not a party, the Court shall order DSCYF or a licensed agency to file a social report within 6 months. The Court shall set a date for a hearing to take place after the report is to be filed, but not earlier than 12 months after the filing of the petition for proceedings under § 1103(a)(6) of this title, and notice must be accomplished under § 1107A of this title.
(c) The information contained in the social report must consider the best interest factors under § 722 of this title and include all of the following:
(1) Information regarding the child and the child's background.
(2) The history of the child's custody, visitation, and living arrangements.
(3) Information regarding the parents.
(4) Information regarding the petitioners.
(5) a. Information regarding efforts at reunification with the parents if the petition is filed under § 1103(a)(5) of this title.
b. Information regarding the allegations of dependency and neglect if the petition is filed under § 1103(a)(6) of this title.
(6) The plan for the child if the petition is granted.
(7) A statement that the person preparing the social report or the petitioner has advised each birth parent whose name and whereabouts are known to the petitioner of the birth parent's right to file a written notarized statement with the Office of Vital Statistics denying the release of identifying information under § 923(b) of this title.
