SECTION 181.46. Notification of a Match and Requirements for Release of Information by Participating Voluntary Adoption Registries

(a) If the administrator of any authorized voluntary adoption registry matches a registrant with another registrant, each registrant shall be notified by certified mail, return receipt requested and delivery restricted to addressee only, that a match has been made. The notice shall state the sex and type of birth relative the registry has matched with the adoptee.

(b) The notification must also state that the registrant:

(1) may withdraw his registration before identifying information is released;

(2) must sign a consent to disclosure;

(3) must participate in at least one hour of counseling with a social worker or mental health professional who has expertise in postadoption counseling to prepare the registrant for the reunion. A mental health professional must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling or other related field. The mental health professional is not required to be licensed in the field of mental health, but must have expertise in postadoption counseling;

(4) must prove that the counseling requirement has been completed by requesting written notification which includes a brief synopsis of the counseling provided and the counselor's recommendations; and

(5) provide any other information that the registry deems appropriate for the success of the reunion.

Source Note: The provisions of this §181.46 adopted to be effective March 4, 1999, 24 TexReg 1618; amended to be effective July 3, 2003, 28 TexReg 4904