Posted: | September 17, 2015 03:31 PM |
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From: | Representative Leslie Acosta |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Adoption Reform Legislation-Change to the Definition of Intermediary |
I soon will introduce legislation amending the definition of the term “Intermediary” as defined in Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pa.C.S. to include licensed attorneys or licensed social workers who are acting in the capacity of an “intermediary.” As defined in the current statute, an intermediary is “any person or persons or agency acting between the parent or parents and the proposed adoptive parent or parents in arranging an adoption placement.” This legislation is being reintroduced from last session (former HB 739) and is part of a package of legislation that is being reintroduced to reform Pennsylvania’s adoption laws and improve the adoption process. In addition to the inclusion of attorneys and social workers in the definition, my legislation also amends the definition to stipulate that the person or persons referred to in the definition, other than an attorney or social worker acting as an intermediary, be employed by an adoption agency. I believe this legislation, as well as the other bills in the aforementioned legislative package, will significantly improve Pennsylvania’s adoption laws and make it easier for adoptive parents to provide stable and loving homes for children in need of them. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1532