Art. 1269.2.  Continuing post-adoption contact; foster child adoptions

A.  In an agency adoption in which the department is the custodian of the child, the court may approve an agreement executed in conformity with the requirements of this Chapter that provides for continuing contact between the child to be adopted and his grandparent, sibling, and any parent whose consent or relinquishment is required for the adoption of the person, if both of the following conditions are met:

(1)  The child has an established, significant relationship with that person to the extent that its loss would cause substantial harm to the child.

(2)  The preservation of the relationship would otherwise be in the best interest of the child.

B.  If there is no parental relationship that meets the requirements of Paragraph A of this Article, the court may approve an agreement, executed in conformity with the requirements of this Chapter, that provides for continuing contact between the child to be adopted and any other relative or foster parent whose relationship with the child meets those requirements.

C.  When adoption is approved by the court as the permanent plan for the child, the department shall inform any parent, grandparent, sibling, or any other relative or foster parent who meets the requirements of Paragraph A or B of this Article of the possibility of post-adoption contact with the child upon agreement with the adoptive parents in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

Acts 2001, No. 568, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; Acts 2003, No. 567, §1; Acts 2008, No. 583, §§1, 2.