HB 1407-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that an alleged father's, birth parent's, or parent's consent to adoption may be dispensed with if the court finds that the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the adoptee and:  (1) The alleged father, birth parent, or parent has been found guilty of rape under chapter 9A.44 RCW or incest under RCW 9A.64.020, where the adoptee was the victim of the rape or incest; or

     (2) the alleged father, birth parent, or parent has been found guilty of rape under chapter 9A.44 RCW or incest under RCW 9A.64.020, where the other parent of the adoptee was the victim of the rape or incest and the adoptee was conceived as a result of the rape or incest.

     Declares that nothing in this act shall be construed to eliminate the notice provisions of chapter 26.33 RCW.

     Provides that, in those cases where an alleged father, birth parent, or parent has indicated his or her intention to make a voluntary adoption plan for the child and has agreed to the termination of his or her parental rights, the department shall follow the wishes of the alleged father, birth parent, or parent regarding the proposed adoptive placement of the child, if the court determines that the adoption is in the best interest of the child, and the prospective adoptive parents chosen by the alleged father, birth parent, or parent are properly qualified to adopt in compliance with the standards in this chapter and chapter 26.33 RCW.  If the department has filed a termination petition, an alleged father's, birth parent's, or parent's preferences regarding the proposed adoptive placement of the child shall be given consideration.