(a) Petition.--When any child under the age of 18 years has been for a minimum period of three days in the exclusive care of an adult or adults who have filed a report of intention to adopt required by section 2531 (relating to report of intention to adopt), the parent or parents of the child may petition the court for permission to relinquish forever all parental rights to their child.
(b) Consents.--The written consent of a parent or guardian of a petitioner who has not reached 18 years of age shall not be required. The adult or adults having care of the child shall file a separate consent to accept custody of the child.
(Mar. 24, 2004, P.L.159, No.21, eff. 60 days)
2004 Amendment. Act 21 amended subsec. (a). Section 2 of Act 21 provided that the amendment of subsec. (a) shall apply to adoptions which are initiated on or after the effective date of section 2.
Cross References. Section 2502 is referred to in sections 2503, 2521 of this title.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt
Section 2501 - Relinquishment to agency
Section 2502 - Relinquishment to adult intending to adopt child
Section 2504 - Alternative procedure for relinquishment
Section 2504.1 - Confidentiality
Section 2511 - Grounds for involuntary termination
Section 2512 - Petition for involuntary termination
Section 2514 - Special provisions when child conceived as a result of rape or incest
Section 2521 - Effect of decree of termination
Section 2530 - Home study and preplacement report
Section 2531 - Report of intention to adopt
Section 2532 - Filing of report
Section 2533 - Report of intermediary
Section 2552 - Pennsylvania Adoption Cooperative Exchange
Section 2553 - Registration of children
Section 2554 - Responsibilities of PACE
Section 2555 - Responsibilities of public and private agencies
Section 2556 - Related activities of agencies unaffected