District of Columbia (Washington, DC)

District of Columbia

Who may adopt?
Any person may adopt.
A married person must petition jointly with his spouse.

Consent for adoption to be executed?
No relinquishment of rights can be made within the first 72 hours after a child's birth.

Revocation of consent?
Any voluntary relinquishment may be automatically revoked by a verified writing submitted to the agency within 10 calendar days.

Who may place a child for adoption?
The parent.
A guardian.
A relative within the third degree,
A licensed child placing-agency.

Advertising?
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Facilitators?
No person other than the parent, guardian, or relative within the third degree, and no firm, corporation, association, or agency other than a licensed child-placing agency may place or arrange or assist in placing or arranging for the placement of a child under 16 years of age in a family home or for adoption.

Putative Father's Registry?
No.

Expenses?
Birth parent –
Not addressed in statutes reviewed.
Department/Agency –
A licensed agency that is operated for religious or charitable purposes may charge an amount not to exceed average costs incurred.

Information provided in part by the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter

Credits: Sandra Hanks Benoiton