SECTION 735.303. What requirements are there for obtaining information about the child in the pre-placement portion of an adoption evaluation?

(a) If the child is at least four years old, you must interview the child in a developmentally appropriate manner.

(b) If the child is younger than four years old, you must observe the child.

(c) You must include a summary of all assessments and available information about the child, including the child's:

(1) Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History Report (HSEGH), if completed. Family Code §162.005 requires the HSEGH to be prepared by the person or entity placing the child for adoption, but does not require a HSEGH if the petitioner for adoption is the child's grandparent, stepparent, aunt, or uncle by birth, marriage or prior adoption;

(2) History of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, including substance abuse history;

(3) Current physical, mental, and emotional status, including any special needs;

(4) History of any previous placements, including the date and reason for placement;

(5) Understanding of adoptive placement; and

(6) Legal status.

Source Note: The provisions of this §735.303 adopted to be effective March 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 1489; transferred effective May 1, 2018, as published in the Texas Register April 13, 2018, 43 TexReg 2289