ADOPTION-CONSENTS

Amends the Adoption Act. Provides that a consent shall be acknowledged before a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction (instead of the presiding judge of the court in which the petition for adoption has been or is to be filed or before any other judge designated or approved by the court or an authorized circuit clerk) or before a representative of an agency (instead of the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency) or before a person, other than the attorney for the adoptive parents, designated by a court of competent jurisdiction (instead of before social service personnel of a court of competent jurisdiction or social service personnel of the Cook County Department of Supportive Services designated by the presiding judge). Provides that a surrender shall be acknowledged before a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction (instead of a judge, hearing officer, or court clerk in Illinois or another other state). Provides that a person incarcerated or detained in a prison or comparable institution who executes a consent or surrender may have it acknowledged by social service personnel of that institution or by a person designated by a court of competent jurisdiction. Provides that a consent or surrender may be acknowledged telephonically, via audiovisual connection, or other electronic means, provided that a court of competent jurisdiction has entered an order approving that method and has designated an individual to be physically present with the parent executing the consent or surrender to verify the parent's identity. Provides that an agency representative acknowledging a consent or surrender shall be from a public child welfare agency, child welfare agency, or a child placing agency that is authorized or licensed in the state or jurisdiction in which the consent or surrender is signed.