2006 New Mexico Statutes - Section 32A-5-14 — Pre-placement study.

32A-5-14. Pre-placement study.

A.     The pre-placement study shall be performed as prescribed by department regulation and shall include at a minimum the following:   

(1)     an individual interview with each petitioner;   

(2)     a joint interview with both petitioners; if a joint interview is not conducted, an explanation shall be provided in the pre-placement study;   

(3)     a home visit, which shall include an interview with the petitioner's children and any other permanent residents of the petitioner's home;   

(4)     an interview with the adoptee, if age appropriate;   

(5)     an individual interview with each of the adoptee's parents; if a parent is not interviewed, an explanation shall be provided in the pre-placement study;   

(6)     full disclosure to the petitioner;   

(7)     exploration of the petitioners' philosophy concerning discussion of adoption issues with the adoptee;   

(8)     the initiation of a criminal records check of each petitioner;   

(9)     a medical certificate dated not more than one year prior to any adoptive placement assessing the petitioner's health as it relates to the petitioner's ability to care for the adoptee;   

(10)     a minimum of three letters of reference from individuals named by the petitioner or memoranda of the dates and contents of personal contacts with the references;   

(11)     a statement of the capacity and readiness of the petitioner for parenthood and the petitioner's emotional and physical health and ability to shelter, feed, clothe and educate the adoptee;   

(12)     verification of the petitioner's employment, financial resources and marital status;   

(13)     a report of a medical examination performed on the adoptee within one year prior to the proposed adoptive placement;   

(14)     a statement of the results of any prior pre-placement study or initiation of a pre-placement study, if any, of the petitioners done by any person; and   

(15)     the investigator shall attach a copy of proof of certification by the department for the investigator to conduct pre-placement studies, or if the preparer of the pre-placement study is out-of-state, the preparer shall attach a statement setting forth qualifications that are equivalent to those required of an investigator pursuant to the provisions of Section 32A-5-13 NMSA 1978 and department regulations.   

B.     The pre-placement study shall be completed at the cost of the petitioner.   

C.     Unless directed by the court, a pre-placement study is not required in cases in which the child is being adopted by a stepparent, a relative or a person named in the child's deceased parent's will pursuant to Section 32A-5-12 NMSA 1978.   

D.     The pre-placement study shall be filed with the court.