DMR.1.8.040 Investigation and Report

(a) Upon filing of the petition, the Child Welfare Director or the Assistant Child Welfare Director, or another child welfare agency as ordered by the Children's Court, shall perform an investigation as to the suitability of the petitioner as the child's adoptive parent. The report shall include a history of the child, including his or her mental and physical health and family background; the mental, physical, and financial condition of the petitioners, and any other factors useful in determining their fitness as parents and the suitability of their home as a home for the child; and any other circumstances and conditions which may have a bearing on the adoption and of which the Court should have knowledge. The report shall include the blood quantum's of both birth parents, if known. The enrollment office will cooperate with the Child Welfare Director or the Assistant Child Welfare Director in preparing this information for inclusion in the report. The Child Welfare Director or the Assistant Child Welfare Director shall complete the report and file it with the Court, providing a copy to the petitioner no less than ten days before the hearing provided for in Section DMR.1.8.050 of this ordinance. The report shall contain a definite recommendation for or against the adoption and shall state the reasons therefore. If the report is unfavorable or discloses a situation which in the Court's opinion raises a serious question as to the suitability of the proposed adoption, the Court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the child who shall make an independent recommendation. The Court may order the petitioner or adoptive parent to pay the costs of the investigation and report, and of the guardian ad litem.

(b) In the case of a step-parent adoption, the investigation and report shall be limited to one interview with the petitioner and a review of locally available public records, unless the agency performing the evaluation requests a specific court order permitting further investigation.