SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 141
BYRepresentatives Brekke, Patrick, K. Wilson, S. Wilson, Nelson, Lewis, Schoon, Leonard, Cole, Heavey, Rust, Fisher, Crane, Dellwo, Holland, Wang, J. Williams, P. King and Rayburn
Providing procedures for disclosing information about adoptions.
House Committe on Judiciary
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
Senate Hearing Date(s):March 25, 1987
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.
Senate Staff:Jean Soliz (786-7755)
March 26, 1987
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 25, 1987
BACKGROUND:
After an adoption is finalized, adult adoptees and natural parents may only learn of each other's identities if they can petition a court and show "good cause". "Good cause" is not defined by statute, and varies according to judicial discretion. These parties may receive "nonidentifying" information about each other "for medical purposes only" without a court order.
SUMMARY:
Procedures are established to allow adoptees, natural parents and blood relatives to petition the court to initiate contact with the adoptee, or natural parent after an adoption is final. Petitions may not be filed before an adoptee is 21 years old, and the adoptee or natural parent must consent in writing before his or her identity may be disclosed. Adoptive parents must also consent if the adoptee is less than 25 years old and resides with the adoptive parent(s) or is a dependent.
The court may appoint a confidential intermediary to search for and initiate contact with the adoptee or natural parent, in accordance with specified procedures. The confidential intermediary may review agency, court and DSHS files unless the court denies disclosure for good cause. The petitioner is responsible for all costs, including a reasonable fee authorized by the court.
Fiscal Note: available
Senate Committee - Testified: James J. Mason; David Richardson, Washington Adoptees Rights Movement