Adoption in Virginia provides an overview of how adoption operates in Virginia with particular emphasis on adoption of children in foster care. Adoption procedures are governed by Title 63.2, Chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia Two types of adoptive placements that are allowed by Virginia law. These are agency placements and non- agency placement.
Agency Placement: Occurs when the child is in custody of a local department of social services or licensed child- placing agency. In the agency placement, all parental rights are terminated, custody with authority to place for adoption is granted to the agency, and the agency consents to the child’s adoption.
Non- Agency Placement: Occurs when the child is not in the custody of an agency. In non-agency placement, the birth parent or legal guardian(s) consent to the adoption, and parental rights are terminated by entry of the final order of adoption. Except for licensed or duly authorized child- placement agencies, only birth parents and legal guardians are allowed to place a child for adoption in Virginia.
This section discusses the pertinent information about adoption in Virginia to include public agencies, private agencies, initiatives, and regulations.
