Rhode Island Adoption Laws

Adoption Laws in Rhode Island

Adoption Records Access

• Non-Identifying Information : To obtain non identifying information, a person must complete 21 years of age or over. Adopted parents, birth parents, birth siblings etc., all can obtain the non identifying information.

• Identifying Information : Identifying information can be obtained through the adoption registry.

• Adoptive Registry Use:
  The people who may use the adoption registry are listed below:
  • Adopted adults
  • Birth parents
  • Birth siblings
  • Adoptive parents of a deceased adopted adult
  • Siblings of a deceased birth parents

• Contact :
  State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Family Court,
  Juvenile Division
  1 Dorrance Plaza
  Providence, RI 02903
  (401) 277-3352

• Birth Certificate (Original): To obtain certificate, an adoptee must requests the court in which the adoption was finalized.

Consents

• Consent to an adoption shall be done by:
  Statute: - §- § 15-7-5; 15-7-10
  • Parents
  • Guardians
  • A legal person appointed by the court as a good friend of the child.
  • State office
  • A minor parent.

• Age Requirement for consideration of Adoptee Consent :
  Statute: - § 109.328
  A child of fourteen years of age or older must consent to the adoption.

• When Consent is not required :
  Statute: - § 15-7-7
  • On termination of parental rights.
  • If the parent abused or neglected the child.
  • If parent is unfit due to mental illness or excessive use of alcohol or drug.
  • If parent has placed the child under the protection of licensed agency (voluntarily or involuntarily).

• Parental Consent can be executed :
  Statute: - § 15-7-6
  • On termination of parental rights or consent to adoption may not be executed within 15 days after the birth of child.
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