reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
23 PA Cons Stat § 2535 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2535 - Investigation

§ 2535. Investigation. (a) General rule.--When a report required by section 2531 (relating to report of intention to adopt) has been filed, the court shall cause an investigation to be made and a report filed by a local public child care agency, a voluntary child care agency with its consent or an appropriate person designated by the court. In lieu of the investigation, the court may accept an investigation made by the agency which placed the child and the report of investigation in such cases may be incorporated into the report of the intermediary required by section 2533 (relating to report of intermediary).  (b) Matters covered.--The investigation shall cover all pertinent information regarding the child's eligibility for adoption and the suitability of the placement, including the physical, mental and emotional needs and welfare of the child, and the child's and the adopting parents' age, sex, health and racial, ethnic and religious background.  (c) Payment of costs.--The court may establish the procedure for the payment of investigation costs.    Cross References. Section 2535 is referred to in sections 2724, 2901, 6344 of this title.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2551 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2551 - Definitions

§ 2551. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:  "Department." The Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth.  "PACE." The Pennsylvania Adoption Cooperative Exchange.    References in Text. The Department of Public Welfare, referred to in this section, was redesignated as the Department of Human Services by Act 132 of 2014.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2552 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2552 - Pennsylvania Adoption Cooperative Exchange

§ 2552. Pennsylvania Adoption Cooperative Exchange. There shall be a Pennsylvania Adoption Cooperative Exchange in the Office of Children, Youth and Families of the Department of Public Welfare.    References in Text. The Department of Public Welfare, referred to in this section, was redesignated as the Department of Human Services by Act 132 of 2014.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2553 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2553 - Registration of children

§ 2553. Registration of children. (a) Mandatory registration.--PACE shall register and be responsible for the review and referral of children for whom parental rights have been terminated for 90 days and for whom no report of intention to adopt has been filed in the court of common pleas.  (b) Optional registration.--PACE may also register children where restoration to the biological family is neither possible nor appropriate, a petition to terminate parental rights has been filed and adoption is planned pending identification of an adoptive parent or parents. However, information about these children shall not be publicized without prior approval by the department, which shall ensure the anonymity of these children until such time as parental rights are terminated.  (c) Children excluded from registration.--A child for whom termination of parental rights is being appealed in a court shall not be registered with PACE as available for adoption. Identifying information of such children shall be forwarded to PACE by the agency, with reference to the specific reason for which the child is not to be placed on the listing service.    Cross References. Section 2553 is referred to in section 2555 of this title.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2554 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2554 - Responsibilities of PACE

§ 2554. Responsibilities of PACE. PACE shall be responsible for the following: (1) Registration of adoptive parent applicants who have been approved by agencies. (2) Accumulation and dissemination of statistical information regarding all children registered with PACE.  (3) Creation and administration of a public information program designed to inform potential adoptive parents of the need for adoptive homes for children registered with PACE.  (4) Preparation and distribution of a photographic listing service on children registered with PACE.  (5) Preparation of annual reports concerning functions of PACE regarding the children and the prospective parents listed with PACE. The reports shall be submitted annually to the Health and Welfare and Judiciary Committees of the House of Representatives, to the Public Health and Welfare and Judiciary Committees of the Senate and to the Governor.  (6) Coordination of its functions with other state, regional and national adoption exchanges.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2555 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2555 - Responsibilities of public and private agencies

§ 2555. Responsibilities of public and private agencies. All public and licensed private child service agencies shall register all children with PACE for whom parental rights have been terminated for 90 days and for whom no report of intention to adopt has been filed in the court of common pleas. A public or licensed private agency may register other children as set forth in section 2553(b) (relating to registration of children).
23 PA Cons Stat § 2556 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2556 - Related activities of agencies unaffected

§ 2556. Related activities of agencies unaffected. This subchapter shall not be construed to limit or delay actions by agencies or institutions to arrange for adoptions or other related matters on their own initiative and shall not alter or restrict the duties, authority and confidentiality of the agencies and institutions in those matters.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2557 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2557 - Regulations and staff

§ 2557. Regulations and staff. The department shall promulgate necessary regulations and shall hire the staff which is necessary to implement this subchapter.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2558 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 25 - Proceedings Prior to Petition to Adopt|Section 2558 - Retroactive application of subchapter

§ 2558. Retroactive application of subchapter. This subchapter shall apply retroactively to all children for whom: (1) Parental rights have been terminated and for whom no report of intention to adopt has been filed in the court of common pleas.  (2) Restoration to the biological family is neither possible nor appropriate, a petition to terminate parental rights has been filed and adoption is planned pending identification of an adoptive parent or parents.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2701 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2701 - Contents of petition for adoption

§ 2701. Contents of petition for adoption. A petition for adoption shall set forth: (1) The full name, residence, marital status, age, occupation, religious affiliation and racial background of the adopting parent or parents and their relationship, if any, to the adoptee.  (2) That the reports under sections 2530 (relating to home study and preplacement report), 2531 (relating to report of intention to adopt) and 2533 (relating to report of intermediary) have been filed, if required.  (3) The name and address of the intermediary, if any. (4) The full name of the adoptee and the fact and length of time of the residence of the adoptee with the adopting parent or parents.  (5) If there is no intermediary or if no report of the intermediary has been filed or if the adoptee is over the age of 18 years, all vital statistics and other information enumerated and required to be stated of record by section 2533, so far as applicable.  (6) If a change in name of the adoptee is desired, the new name. (7) That all consents required by section 2711 (relating to consents necessary to adoption) are attached as exhibits or the basis upon which such consents are not required.  (8) That it is the desire of the petitioner or the petitioners that the relationship of parent and child be established between the petitioner or petitioners and the adoptee.  (9) If no birth certificate or certification of registration of birth can be obtained, a statement of the reason therefor and an allegation of the efforts made to obtain the certificate with a request that the court establish a date and place of birth at the adoption hearing on the basis of the evidence presented.   (May 21, 1992, P.L.228, No.34, eff. 60 days)
23 PA Cons Stat § 2702 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2702 - Exhibits

§ 2702. Exhibits. The petition shall have attached to it the following exhibits: (1) The consent or consents required by section 2711 (relating to consents necessary to adoption).  (2) If not already filed with a report of an intermediary, the exhibits enumerated in section 2534 (relating to exhibits).
23 PA Cons Stat § 2712 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2712 - Consents not naming adopting parents

§ 2712. Consents not naming adopting parents. A consent to a proposed adoption meeting all the requirements of this part but which does not name or otherwise identify the adopting parent or parents shall be valid if it contains a statement that it is voluntarily executed without disclosure of the name or other identification of the adopting parent or parents.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2713 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2713 - When other consents not required

§ 2713. When other consents not required. The court, in its discretion, may dispense with consents other than that of the adoptee to a petition for adoption when:  (1) the adoptee is over 18 years of age; or (2) the adoptee is under 18 years of age and has no parent living whose consent is required.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2714 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2714 - When consent of parent not required

§ 2714. When consent of parent not required. Consent of a parent to adoption shall not be required if a decree of termination with regard to such parent has been entered. When parental rights have not previously been terminated, the court may find that consent of a parent of the adoptee is not required if, after notice and hearing as prescribed in section 2513 (relating to hearing), the court finds that grounds exist for involuntary termination under section 2511 (relating to grounds for involuntary termination).
23 PA Cons Stat § 2721 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2721 - Notice of hearing

§ 2721. Notice of hearing. The court shall fix a time and place for hearing. Notice of the hearing shall be given to all persons whose consents are required and to such other persons as the court shall direct. Notice to the parent or parents of the adoptee, if required, may be given by the intermediary or someone acting on his behalf. Notice shall be by personal service or by registered mail to the last known address of the person to be notified or in such other manner as the court shall direct.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2722 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2722 - Place of hearing

§ 2722. Place of hearing. The hearing shall be private or in open court as the court deems appropriate.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2723 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2723 - Attendance at hearing

§ 2723. Attendance at hearing. The adopting parent or parents and the adoptee must appear at and, if required, testify at the hearing under oath unless the court determines their presence is unnecessary. In addition, the court may require the appearance and testimony of all persons whose consents are required by this part and representatives of agencies or individuals who have acted as an intermediary if their appearance or testimony would be necessary or helpful to the court.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2724 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2724 - Testimony and investigation

§ 2724. Testimony and investigation. (a) Testimony.--The court shall hear testimony in support of the petition and such additional testimony as it deems necessary to inform it as to the desirability of the proposed adoption. It shall require a disclosure of all moneys and consideration paid or to be paid to any person or institution in connection with the adoption.  (b) Investigation.--The court may request that an investigation be made by a person or public agency or, with its consent, a voluntary agency, specifically designated by the court to verify the statements of the petition and such other facts that will give the court full knowledge of the desirability of the proposed adoption, or the court may rely in whole or in part upon a report earlier made under section 2535 (relating to investigation). In any case, the age, sex, health, social and economic status or racial, ethnic or religious background of the child or adopting parents shall not preclude an adoption but the court shall decide its desirability on the basis of the physical, mental and emotional needs and welfare of the child.  (c) Payment of investigation costs.--The court may establish a procedure for the payment of investigation costs by the petitioners or by such other persons as the court may direct.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2725 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2725 - Religious belief

§ 2725. Religious belief. The intermediary may honor the preference of the natural parents as to the religious faith in which the adoptive parents intend to rear the adopted child. No person shall be denied the benefits of this part because of a religious belief in the use of spiritual means or prayer for healing.   (May 21, 1992, P.L.228, No.34, eff. 60 days)
23 PA Cons Stat § 2731 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2731 - Purpose of subchapter

§ 2731. Purpose of subchapter. The purpose of this subchapter is to provide an option for adoptive parents and birth relatives to enter into a voluntary agreement for ongoing communication or contact that:  (1) is in the best interest of the child; (2) recognizes the parties' interests and desires for ongoing communication or contact; (3) is appropriate given the role of the parties in the child's life; and (4) is subject to approval by the courts.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2732 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2732 - Definitions

§ 2732. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:  "Agency." A public or private entity, including a county agency, that:  (1) is licensed, supervised or regulated by the Department of Public Welfare; and (2) provides adoption services. "Agreement." A voluntary written agreement between an adoptive parent and a birth relative that is approved by a court and provides for continuing contact or communication between the child and the birth relative or between the adoptive parent and the birth relative as provided under this subchapter.  "Birth relative." A parent, grandparent, stepparent, sibling, uncle or aunt of the child's birth family, whether the relationship is by blood, marriage or adoption.  "Child." An individual who is under 18 years of age.  "County agency." A county children and youth social service agency established under section 405 of the act of June 24, 1937 (P.L.2017, No.396), known as the County Institution District Law, or its successor, and supervised by the Department of Public Welfare under Article IX of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code.  "Department." The Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth.    References in Text. The Department of Public Welfare, referred to in this section, was redesignated as the Department of Human Services by Act 132 of 2014.  The short title of the act of June 13, 1967, P.L.31, No.21, known as the Public Welfare Code, referred to in the definition of "county agency," was amended by the act of December 28, 2015, P.L.500, No.92. The amended short title is now the Human Services Code.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2733 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2733 - Parties to agreement

§ 2733. Parties to agreement. (a) Prospective adoptive parents and birth relatives.--A prospective adoptive parent of a child may enter into an agreement with a birth relative of the child to permit continuing contact or communication between the child and the birth relative or between the adoptive parent and the birth relative.  (b) Guardians ad litem for siblings of adoptees.--Where siblings have been freed for adoption through the termination of parental rights, following a dependency proceeding, and the prospective adoptive parent is not adopting all of the siblings, each such sibling who is under 18 years of age shall be represented by a guardian ad litem in the development of an agreement.  (c) Notification.--An agency or anyone representing the parties in an adoption shall provide notification to a prospective adoptive parent, a birth parent and a child who can be reasonably expected to understand that a prospective adoptive parent and a birth relative of a child have the option to enter into a voluntary agreement for continuing contact or communication.  (d) Construction.--Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the parties from agreeing to mediation of an agreement at their own cost, including the modification of an agreement, before seeking a remedy from the court.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2734 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2734 - Consent of a child

§ 2734. Consent of a child. If the child is 12 years of age or older, an agreement made under this subchapter may not be entered into without the child's consent.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2735 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2735 - Filing and approval of an agreement

§ 2735. Filing and approval of an agreement. (a) General rule.--An agreement shall be filed with the court that finalizes the adoption of the child.  (b) Conditions for approval.--The court shall approve the agreement if the court determines that:  (1) The agreement has been entered into knowingly and voluntarily by all parties. An affidavit made under oath must accompany the agreement affirmatively stating that the agreement was entered into knowingly and voluntarily and is not the product of coercion, fraud or duress. The affidavit may be executed jointly or separately.  (2) The agreement is in the best interest of the child. In making that determination, factors that the court may consider include, but are not limited to, the following:  (i) The length of time that the child has been under actual care, custody and control of a person other than a birth parent and the circumstances relating thereto.  (ii) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with birth relatives and other persons who routinely interact with the birth relatives and may significantly affect the child's best interests.  (iii) The adjustment to the child's home, school and community. (iv) The willingness and ability of the birth relative to respect and appreciate the bond between the child and prospective adoptive parent.  (v) The willingness and ability of the prospective adoptive parent to respect and appreciate the bond between the child and the birth relative.  (vi) Any evidence of abuse or neglect of the child. (c) Legal effect.--An agreement shall not be legally enforceable unless approved by the court.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2736 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2736 - Failure to comply

§ 2736. Failure to comply. Failure to comply with the terms of an agreement that has been approved by the court pursuant to this subchapter shall not be grounds for setting aside an adoption decree.
23 PA Cons Stat § 2737 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS|Chapter 27 - Petition for Adoption|Section 2737 - Modification of agreement

§ 2737. Modification of agreement. (a) General rule.--Only the adoptive parent or a child who is 12 years of age or older may seek to modify an agreement by filing an action in the court that finalized the adoption.  (b) Standard for modification.--Before the court may enter an order modifying the agreement, it must find by clear and convincing evidence that modification serves the needs, welfare and best interest of the child.    Cross References. Section 2737 is referred to in sections 2741, 2742 of this title.