Existing law provides a process for the adoption of an unmarried minor, including requiring the consent of the birth parent or parents, except in specified cases, including when the birth parent has been judicially deprived of the custody and control of the child. Existing law requires the consent of a child, if over the age of 12 years, for the adoption of that child. Existing law requires the State Department of Social Services to adopt regulations regarding the provision of adoption services by the department, county adoption agencies, licensed adoption agencies, and other adoption service providers.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to promote the adoption of children.