Delaware General Assembly

Senate Finance 4/17/25

Awaiting consideration in Committee

3/25/25

Wilson

Rep. Jones Giltner

Sen. Buckson, Hocker, Hoffner, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Richardson
Reps. Gray, K. Johnson, Parker Selby, Shupe, Michael Smith

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS AND ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS.

This Act creates a right to free legal counsel for certain relatives seeking to terminate parental rights and adopt a child in the relative’s family who has been in the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (“Department”). The right to free legal counsel applies at all stages of the termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings, including any appeals. This Act also requires the Department to prepare and file the social study and report that is a required part of the termination of parental rights and adoption process at no cost to the relative. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

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Takes effect upon being signed into law

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