reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 26.33.295 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.295 - Open adoption agreements—Agreed orders—Enforcement.

RCW 26.33.295 Open adoption agreements—Agreed orders—Enforcement.(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the parties to a proceeding under this chapter from entering into agreements regarding communication with or contact between child adoptees, adoptive parents, siblings of child adoptees, and a birth parent or parents.(2) Agreements regarding communication with or contact between child adoptees, adoptive parents, siblings of child adoptees, and a birth parent or parents shall not be legally enforceable unless the terms of the agreement are set forth in a written court order entered in accordance with the provisions of this section. The court shall not enter a proposed order unless the terms of such order have been approved in writing by the prospective adoptive parents, any birth parent whose parental rights have not previously been terminated, and, if the child or siblings of the child are in the custody of the department or a licensed child-placing agency, a representative of the department or child-placing agency. If the child is represented by an attorney or guardian ad litem in a proceeding under this chapter or in any other child-custody proceeding, the terms of the proposed order also must be approved in writing by the child's representative. An agreement under this section need not disclose the identity of the parties to be legally enforceable. The court shall not enter a proposed order unless the court finds that the communication or contact with the child adoptee, as agreed upon and as set forth in the proposed order, would be in the child adoptee's best interests.(3) Failure to comply with the terms of an agreed order regarding communication or contact that has been entered by the court pursuant to this section shall not be grounds for setting aside an adoption decree or revocation of a written consent to an adoption after that consent has been approved by the court as provided in this chapter.(4) An agreed order entered pursuant to this section may be enforced by a civil action and the prevailing party in that action may be awarded, as part of the costs of the action, a reasonable amount to be fixed by the court as attorneys' fees. The court shall not modify an agreed order under this section unless it finds that the modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child adoptee, and that: (a) The modification is agreed to by the adoptive parent and the birth parent or parents; or (b) exceptional circumstances have arisen since the agreed order was entered that justify modification of the order.(5) This section does not require the department or other supervising agency to agree to any specific provisions in an open adoption agreement and does not create a new obligation for the department to provide supervision or transportation for visits between siblings separated by adoption from foster care.[ 2009 c 234 § 3; 1990 c 285 § 4.]NOTES:Findings—Purpose—Severability—1990 c 285: See notes following RCW 74.04.005.
WA Rev Code § 26.33.300 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.300 - Adoption statistical data.

RCW 26.33.300 Adoption statistical data.The department of health shall be a depository for statistical data concerning adoption. It shall furnish to the clerk of each county a data card which shall be completed and filed with the clerk on behalf of each petitioner. The clerk shall forward the completed cards to the department of health which shall compile the data and publish reports summarizing the data. A birth certificate shall not be issued showing the petitioner as the parent of any child adopted in the state of Washington until a data card has been completed and filed.[ 1991 c 3 § 288; 1990 c 146 § 5; 1984 c 155 § 30.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.320 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.320 - Adoption of hard to place children—Court's consideration of state's agreement with prospective adoptive parents.

RCW 26.33.320 Adoption of hard to place children—Court's consideration of state's agreement with prospective adoptive parents.(1) In deciding whether to grant a petition for adoption of a hard to place child and in reviewing any request for the vacation or modification of a decree of adoption, the superior court shall consider any agreement made or proposed to be made between the department and any prospective adoptive parent for any payment or payments which have been provided or which are to be provided by the department in support of the adoption of such child. Before the date of the hearing on the petition to adopt, vacate, or modify an adoption decree, the department shall file as part of the adoption file with respect to the child a copy of any initial agreement, together with any changes made in the agreement, or in the related standards.(2) If the court, in its judgment, finds the provision made in an agreement to be inadequate, it may make any recommendation as it deems warranted with respect to the agreement to the department. The court shall not, however, solely by virtue of this section, be empowered to direct the department to make payment. This section shall not be deemed to limit any other power of the superior court with respect to the adoption and any related matter.[ 1984 c 155 § 32.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.330 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.330 - Records sealed—Inspection—Fee.

RCW 26.33.330 Records sealed—Inspection—Fee.(1) All records of any proceeding under this chapter shall be sealed and shall not be thereafter open to inspection by any person except upon order of the court for good cause shown, or except by using the procedure described in RCW 26.33.343. In determining whether good cause exists, the court shall consider any certified statement on file with the department of health as provided in RCW 26.33.347.(2) The state registrar of vital statistics may charge a reasonable fee for the review of any of its sealed records.[ 1996 c 243 § 3; 1990 c 145 § 3; 1984 c 155 § 33.]NOTES:Finding—1996 c 243: See note following RCW 26.33.347.
WA Rev Code § 26.33.340 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.340 - Department, agency, and court files confidential—Limited disclosure of information.

RCW 26.33.340 Department, agency, and court files confidential—Limited disclosure of information.Department, agency, and court files regarding an adoption shall be confidential except that reasonably available nonidentifying information may be disclosed upon the written request for the information from the adoptive parent, the adoptee, or the birth parent. If the adoption facilitator refuses to disclose nonidentifying information, the individual may petition the superior court. Identifying information may also be disclosed through the procedure described in RCW 26.33.343.[ 1993 c 81 § 2; 1990 c 145 § 4; 1984 c 155 § 34.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.347 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.347 - Consent or refusal to release adoptee's identifying information—Desire to be contacted—Certified statement.

RCW 26.33.347 Consent or refusal to release adoptee's identifying information—Desire to be contacted—Certified statement.(1) An adopted person over the age of eighteen may file with the department of health a certified statement declaring any one or more of the following:(a) The adoptee refuses to consent to the release of any identifying information to a biological parent, biological sibling, or other biological relative and does not wish to be contacted by a confidential intermediary except in the case of a medical emergency as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction;(b) The adoptee consents to the release of any identifying information to a confidential intermediary appointed under RCW 26.33.343, a biological parent, biological sibling, or other biological relative;(c) The adoptee desires to be contacted by his or her biological parents, biological siblings, other biological relatives, or a confidential intermediary appointed under RCW 26.33.343;(d) The current name, address, and telephone number of the adoptee who desires to be contacted.(2) The certified statement shall be filed with the department of health and placed with the adoptee's original birth certificate if the adoptee was born in this state, or in a separate registry file for reference purposes if the adoptee was born in another state or outside of the United States. When the statement includes a request for confidentiality or a refusal to consent to the disclosure of identifying information, a prominent notice stating substantially the following shall also be placed at the front of the file: "AT THE REQUEST OF THE ADOPTEE, ALL RECORDS AND IDENTIFYING INFORMATION RELATING TO THIS ADOPTION SHALL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND SHALL NOT BE DISCLOSED OR RELEASED WITHOUT A COURT ORDER SO DIRECTING."(3) An adopted person who files a certified statement under subsection (1) of this section may subsequently file another certified statement requesting to rescind or amend the prior certified statement.[ 1996 c 243 § 2.]NOTES:Finding—1996 c 243: "The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the people of the state of Washington to support the adoption process in a variety of ways, including protecting the privacy interests of adult adoptees when the confidential intermediary process is used." [ 1996 c 243 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.350 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.350 - Medical reports—Requirements.

RCW 26.33.350 Medical reports—Requirements.(1) Every person, firm, society, association, corporation, or state agency receiving, securing a home for, or otherwise caring for a minor child shall transmit to the prospective adopting parent prior to placement and shall make available to all persons with whom a child has been placed by adoption a complete medical report containing all known and available information concerning the disabilities of the child.(2) The report shall not reveal the identity of the birth parent of the child except as authorized under this chapter but shall include any known or available mental or physical health history of the birth parent that needs to be known by the adoptive parent to facilitate proper health care for the child or that will assist the adoptive parent in maximizing the developmental potential of the child.(3) Where known or available, the information provided shall include:(a) A review of the birth family's and the child's previous medical history, including the child's x-rays, examinations, hospitalizations, and immunizations. After July 1, 1992, medical histories shall be given on a standardized reporting form developed by the department;(b) A physical exam of the child by a licensed physician with appropriate laboratory tests and x-rays;(c) A referral to a specialist if indicated; and(d) A written copy of the evaluation with recommendations to the adoptive family receiving the report.(4) Entities and persons obligated to provide information under this section shall make reasonable efforts to locate records and information concerning the child's disabilities. The entities or persons providing the information have no duty, beyond providing the information, to explain or interpret the records or information regarding the child's present or future health.[ 2020 c 274 § 4; 1994 c 170 § 1; 1991 c 136 § 4; 1990 c 146 § 6; 1989 c 281 § 1; 1984 c 155 § 37.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.360 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.360 - Petition by natural parent to set aside adoption—Costs—Time limit.

RCW 26.33.360 Petition by natural parent to set aside adoption—Costs—Time limit.(1) If a natural parent unsuccessfully petitions to have an adoption set aside, the court shall award costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, to the adoptive parent.(2) If a natural parent successfully petitions to have an adoption set aside, the natural parent shall be liable to the adoptive parent for both the actual expenditures and the value of services rendered by the adoptive parents in caring for the child.(3) A natural parent who has executed a written consent to adoption shall not bring an action to set aside an adoption more than one year after the date the court approved the written consent.[ 1984 c 155 § 35.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.370 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.370 - Permanent care and custody of a child—Assumption, relinquishment, or transfer except by court order or statute, when prohibited—Penalty.

RCW 26.33.370 Permanent care and custody of a child—Assumption, relinquishment, or transfer except by court order or statute, when prohibited—Penalty.(1) Unless otherwise permitted by court order or statute, it is unlawful for any person, partnership, society, association, or corporation, except the parents, to assume the permanent care and custody of a child. Unless otherwise permitted by court order or statute, it is unlawful for any parent to relinquish or transfer to another person, partnership, society, association, or corporation the permanent care and custody of any child for adoption or any other purpose.(2) Any relinquishment or transfer in violation of this section shall be void.(3) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.[ 1984 c 155 § 36.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.380 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.380 - Family and social history report required—Identity of birth parents confidential.

RCW 26.33.380 Family and social history report required—Identity of birth parents confidential.(1) Every person, firm, society, association, corporation, or state agency receiving, securing a home for, or otherwise caring for a minor child shall transmit to the prospective adopting parent prior to placement and shall make available to all persons with whom a child has been placed by adoption, a family background and child and family social history report, which includes a chronological history of the circumstances surrounding the adoptive placement and any available psychiatric reports, psychological reports, court reports pertaining to dependency or custody, or school reports. Such reports or information shall not reveal the identity of the birth parents of the child but shall contain reasonably available nonidentifying information.(2) Entities and persons obligated to provide information under this section shall make reasonable efforts to locate records and information concerning the child's family background and social history. The entities or persons providing the information have no duty, beyond providing the information, to explain or interpret the records or information regarding the child's mental or physical health.[ 1994 c 170 § 2; 1993 c 81 § 4; 1989 c 281 § 2.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.385 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.385 - Standards for locating records and information—Rules.

RCW 26.33.385 Standards for locating records and information—Rules.The department shall adopt rules, in consultation with affected parties, establishing minimum standards for making reasonable efforts to locate records and information relating to adoptions as required under RCW 26.33.350 and 26.33.380.[ 1994 c 170 § 3.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.390 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.390 - Information on adoption-related services.

RCW 26.33.390 Information on adoption-related services.(1) All persons adopting a child through the department shall receive written information on the department's adoption-related services including, but not limited to, adoption support, family reconciliation services, archived records, mental health, and developmental disabilities.(2) Any person adopting a child shall receive from the adoption facilitator written information on adoption-related services. This information may be that published by the department or any other social service provider and shall include information about how to find and evaluate appropriate adoption therapists, and may include other resources for adoption-related issues.(3) Any person involved in providing adoption-related services shall respond to requests for written information by providing materials explaining adoption procedures, practices, policies, fees, and services.[ 1991 c 136 § 5; 1990 c 146 § 7; 1989 c 281 § 3.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.400 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.400 - Advertisements—Prohibitions—Exceptions—Application of consumer protection act.

RCW 26.33.400 Advertisements—Prohibitions—Exceptions—Application of consumer protection act.(1) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, "advertisement" means communication by newspaper, radio, television, handbills, placards or other print, broadcast, or the electronic medium. This definition applies throughout this section.(2) No person or entity shall cause to be published for circulation, or broadcast on a radio or television station, within the geographic borders of this state, an advertisement of a child or children offered or wanted for adoption, or shall hold himself or herself out through such advertisement as having the ability to place, locate, dispose, or receive a child or children for adoption unless such person or entity is:(a) A duly authorized agent, contractee, or employee of the department or a children's agency or institution licensed by the department to care for and place children;(b) A person who has a completed preplacement report as set forth in RCW 26.33.190 (1) and (2) or chapter 26.34 RCW with a favorable recommendation as to the fitness of the person to be an adoptive parent, or such person's duly authorized uncompensated agent, or such person's attorney who is licensed to practice in the state. Verification of compliance with the requirements of this section shall consist of a written declaration by the person or entity who prepared the preplacement report.Nothing in this section prohibits an attorney licensed to practice in Washington state from advertising his or her availability to practice or provide services related to the adoption of children.(3)(a) A violation of subsection (2) of this section is a matter affecting the public interest and constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice in trade or commerce for the purpose of applying chapter 19.86 RCW.(b) The attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state against any person violating the provisions of this section in accordance with the provisions of RCW 19.86.080.(c) Nothing in this section applies to any radio or television station or any publisher, printer, or distributor of any newspaper, magazine, billboard, or other advertising medium which accepts advertising in good faith without knowledge of its violation of any provision of this section after an attempt to verify the advertising is in compliance with this section.[ 2006 c 248 § 4; 1991 c 136 § 6; 1989 c 255 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.420 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.420 - Postadoption contact between siblings—Intent—Findings.

RCW 26.33.420 Postadoption contact between siblings—Intent—Findings.The legislature finds that the importance of children's relationships with their siblings is well recognized in law and science. The bonds between siblings are often irreplaceable, leading some experts to believe that sibling relationships can be longer lasting and more influential than any other over a person's lifetime. For children who have been removed from home due to abuse or neglect, these bonds are often much stronger because siblings have learned early the importance of depending on one another and cooperating in order to cope with their common problems. The legislature further finds that when children are in the foster care system they typically have some degree of contact or visitation with their siblings even when they are not living together. The legislature finds, however, that when one or more of the siblings is adopted from foster care, these relationships may be severed completely if an open adoption agreement fails to attend to the needs of the siblings for continuing postadoption contact. The legislature intends to promote a greater focus, in permanency planning and adoption proceedings, on the interests of siblings separated by adoptive placements and to encourage the inclusion in adoption agreements of provisions to support ongoing postadoption contact between siblings.[ 2009 c 234 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.430 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.430 - Postadoption contact between siblings—Duty of court.

RCW 26.33.430 Postadoption contact between siblings—Duty of court.The court, in reviewing and approving an agreement under RCW 26.33.295 for the adoption of a child from foster care, shall encourage the adoptive parents, birth parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and the department or other supervising agency to seriously consider the long-term benefits to the child adoptee and siblings of the child adoptee of providing for and facilitating continuing postadoption contact between siblings. To the extent feasible, and when in the best interests of the child adoptee and siblings of the child adoptee, contact between the siblings should be frequent and of a similar nature as that which existed prior to the adoption. If the child adoptee or known siblings of the child adoptee are represented by an attorney or guardian ad litem in a proceeding under this chapter or in any other child custody proceeding, the court shall inquire of each attorney and guardian ad litem regarding the potential benefits of continuing contact between the siblings and the potential detriments of severing contact.[ 2009 c 234 § 2.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.900 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.900 - Effective date—Application—1984 c 155.

RCW 26.33.900 Effective date—Application—1984 c 155.This act shall take effect January 1, 1985. Any proceeding initiated before January 1, 1985, shall be governed by the law in effect on the date the proceeding was initiated.[ 1984 c 155 § 41.]
WA Rev Code § 26.33.902 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 26 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 26.33 - Adoption.|26.33.902 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 26.33.902 Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.[ 2009 c 521 § 70.]