ADOPTION – Amends existing law to provide that certain legal advice and counseling services be provided to birth parents and to provide for notification of such services.

This bill (S 1104) requires adoption agencies and prospective adoptive parents in Idaho to notify birth parents about their right to free legal advice and counseling services. Specifically, it mandates that birth parents be informed they can receive up to three pre-placement counseling sessions and six post-placement counseling sessions from licensed providers. The law also requires courts to review financial assistance plans exceeding $2,000 for birth parents, ensuring expenses cover housing, medical needs, and living costs during pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum. These changes directly affect birth parents in adoption cases by expanding access to support services and clarifying financial assistance procedures.