Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act

Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws. The bill enacts the "Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act" (act), drafted by the uniform law commission.

Part 2 of the act applies to the parent or guardian of a child, custodian of a child, or individual with whom the child has been placed for adoption, who wishes to end the parent-child relationship and abandon parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the child and is not transferring custody to family or friends. Part 2 of the act prohibits:

• Transferring custody of a child by means other than a legal adoption or guardianship proceeding, a judicial award of custody, other judicial or tribal action, or Colorado's safe haven law; and
• Soliciting or advertising to transfer custody of or locate a child in a manner that violates the requirements of the act or to facilitate such a transfer.

Part 3 of the act applies to the adoption of children whose physical or psychological needs may present challenges to the adoptive parent in caring for the child. Part 3 of the act requires child placement agencies facilitating the adoption to:

• Provide prospective adoptive parents with general information about adopting children with health or behavioral issues, specific information on the physical and psychological health of the prospective adoptee, and guidance and instruction on dealing with the potential challenges that may arise in raising the adoptee; and
• Provide information on accessing certain post-placement and post-adoption financial assistance and supportive services to the adoptee and parent to help preserve the adoption.
  (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)