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Rhode Island

Who Must Consent:

• The parents or surviving parent.
• The guardian or next of kin.
• A suitable person appointed by the court as next friend of the child.
• A minor parent must have the consent of one of the child's grandparents, a guardian or guardian ad litem.

Consent of Adoptee:
A child 14 years or older must consent to the adoption.

When Parental Consent is Not Needed:

• Parental rights have been terminated.
• The parent has neglected or abused the child or subjected the child to aggravated circumstances.
• The parent is deemed unfit due to emotional or mental illness; excessive drug or alcohol abuse.
• Parent has voluntarily or involuntarily placed the child in the care of a licensed agency.

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:
Termination of rights or consent to adoption may not be executed sooner than 15 days after the child's birth.

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:
Consent must be in writing.

Time for Revocation:
A decree of adoption or consent cannot be challenged except by a petition filed within 180 days and a finding by the court that the decree is not in the child's best interest.

• Glossary of Terms
• Legal Considerations in Adoption
• Parental Rights
• Putative Father Registries: What They Are and How To Use Them
• Resources for Expectant/Placing Parents

Relinquishment Summaries by State: Index

Source: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. Reprinted with permission.

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