Section 8811.5 Of Chapter 3. Independent Adoptions From California Family Law Code >> Division 13. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 3.
8811.5
. (a) A licensed private or public adoption agency of the
state of the petitioners' residency may certify prospective adoptive
parents by a preplacement evaluation that contains a finding that an
individual is suited to be an adoptive parent.
(b) The preplacement evaluation shall include an investigation
pursuant to standards included in the regulations governing
independent adoption investigations established by the department.
Fees for the investigation shall be commensurate with those fees
charged for a comparable investigation conducted by the department or
by a delegated licensed county adoption agency.
(c) The preplacement evaluation, whether it is conducted for the
purpose of initially certifying prospective adoptive parents or for
renewing that certification, shall be completed no more than one year
prior to the signing of an adoption placement agreement. The cost
for renewal of that certification shall be in proportion to the
extent of the work required to prepare the renewal that is
attributable to changes in family circumstances.