ADOPTION ACT-RELATIVE OF CHILD

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that "related" includes relationships by civil union and adds stepgrandparents and second cousins to the list of relatives included in the definition. Provides that a person is related to a child as a first cousin or a second cousin if they are both related to the same ancestor as either grandchild or great-grandchild. Provides that a child whose parent has executed a consent, a surrender, or a waiver under the Adoption Act or whose parent has had his or her parental rights terminated is not a related child to that person, unless certain exceptions apply. Amends the Adoption Act. Changes the definition of "related child" and "parent" and defines "legal father", and "legal mother". Provides that the terms "biological parent", "birth parent", and "natural parent" are interchangeable terms that mean a person who is biologically or genetically related to that child as a parent. Provides that certain residence requirements do not apply if the child to be adopted has resided in this State for a period of 6 months immediately preceding the commencement of the adoption proceeding or since birth if the child is not yet 6 months of age. Replaces the provisions of a Section concerning jurisdiction and venue with provisions stating that an adoption proceeding may be commenced in any county in this State.