Rhode Island

Who may adopt?
Any resident.
A non-resident who adopts a child in the custody of a child-placing agency.
A husband and wife must petition jointly.

Consent for adoption to be executed?
Termination of rights or consent to adoption may not be executed sooner than 15 days after the child's birth.

Revocation of consent?
A decree of adoption or consent cannot be challenged except by a petition filed within 180 days, and a finding by the court that the adoption is not in the child's best interest.

Who may place a child for adoption?
A parent who notifies the department.
The department or child-placing agency.

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

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

Putative Father's Registry?
No. The putative father must appear at the adoption proceedings and claim rights to the child.
The putative father is given notice of the adoption proceedings if he is identified to the satisfaction of the court.

Expenses?
Birth parent –
There are no specific statutory provisions regarding
payment of adoption related expenses.

Department/Agency –
Not addressed in statutes reviewed.

Information provided in part by the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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Credits: Sandra Hanks Benoiton