Messmer Column: Expediting Adoption Procedures

Local Sources- On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) discusses expediting adoption procedures.

In anticipation of an increased number of babies being born, it's important to take a holistic look at adoption procedures in hopes of expediting the process so that children can begin bonding with their adoptive parents as soon as possible. According to the Indiana Department of Child Services, 1,861 children were adopted in 2021 and 1,914 children were adopted in 2022.

House Bill 1560, which I support, establishes a deadline for the withdrawal of parental consent no later than 15 days after written consent to adoption has been given. Current Indiana law states that consent can be withdrawn for up to 30 days.

The goal of reducing the timeframe to 15 days is to speed up the adoption process so children can be placed in a loving home more quickly.

This legislation would also allow the consent to adoption to be conducted by the court through video conferencing.

Other states vary widely when it comes to the adoption of a child. In Michigan, consenting to adoption can be made by either a birth mother or birth father and is irreversible. In Illinois consent to adoption may be made 72 hours after the child is born and is also irreversible.

House Bill 1560 was passed the Senate by a vote of 39-8 on Thursday, March 16.

The bill was amended in the Senate to clarify changes concerning who can give consent to the adoption before the adoption petition may be granted. The amended bill will now go back to the Indiana House of Representatives for a final vote.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.