INTERSTATE ADOPTIONS

Amends the Adoption Act. In a Section concerning adoption between multiple jurisdictions, adds a statement of public policy. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall promulgate procedures and requirements for interstate adoption placements of children and disseminate the information via specified channels no later than 30 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Department may not require any further pre-adoption requirements. Provides that the procedures shall reflect the standard of review as stated in the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and approval shall be given by the Department if the placement appears not to be contrary to the best interests of the child. Adds provisions governing the timeline and procedures for interstate adoptions. Provides that communications concerning an interstate placement made between the Department and an Illinois licensed child welfare agency, an out-of-state child placing agency, and attorneys representing the prospective adoptive parent or biological parent may be made through any type of electronic means, including, but not limited to, electronic mail. Effective immediately.