Art. 1285.5.  Duties of department; home study; confidential report

A.  The department shall investigate the proposed adoption of the Hague Convention adoptee and submit a confidential report of its findings to the court.  The findings shall include:

(1)  The conditions with respect to the availability of the child for adoption.

(2)  The physical and mental condition of the child.

(3)  Other factors regarding the suitability of the child for adoption in petitioner's home.

(4)  The moral and financial fitness of the petitioner.

(5)  The conditions of the proposed adoptive home with respect to health, adjustment, and other advantages or disadvantages to the child.

B.  The department may delegate the performance of this investigation to an authorized Hague Convention home study preparation agency, but the department remains responsible for ensuring the accuracy and thoroughness of the resulting report and for the safety and welfare of the child.  The department shall adopt, promulgate, and enforce such rules and regulations as are necessary and appropriate to implement this authorization in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Acts 2013, No. 86, §1.