HF 1994

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to adoption; creating a registry of qualified independent searchers;
requiring annual reports; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 259.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [259.90] POSTADOPTION SEARCH SERVICES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Registry; establishment; purpose. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of human
services shall maintain a registry of qualified independent searchers to facilitate the
reunion of adult adopted persons with their birth parents. The purpose of the registry is to
maintain a list of qualified individuals who will make discreet, confidential contact with
members of an adoption triad seeking reunion.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Qualifications. new text end

new text begin Individuals eligible to be listed on the registry must have
the following minimum qualifications:
new text end

new text begin (1) five years experience counseling members of the adoption triad;
new text end

new text begin (2) five years of search experience; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a completed background study free of any of the disqualifying events listed in
chapter 245C.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Placement on registry. new text end

new text begin (a) Individuals qualified to be named on the
registry must have on file with the commissioner a signed, sworn affidavit that the
individual:
new text end

new text begin (1) will not disclose any information learned during the search process without a
signed release;
new text end

new text begin (2) will follow all statutes and rules;
new text end

new text begin (3) will have the capacity for confidential storage of all records;
new text end

new text begin (4) will retain all records for three years from the date of most recent contact with
any individual contacted during the search process; and
new text end

new text begin (5) will file an annual report with the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) If the commissioner receives three valid complaints in a 12-month period
regarding the searcher, the searcher's name must be removed from the registry.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [259.91] ANNUAL REPORT; DATABASE.
new text end

new text begin (a) Each agency and independent searcher that provides postadoption search services
shall submit an annual report to the commissioner disclosing the following nonidentifying
information:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of clients served;
new text end

new text begin (2) the outcome of each search;
new text end

new text begin (3) the fee charged for each search;
new text end

new text begin (4) the length of time to complete each search; and
new text end

new text begin (5) a copy of the closure summary.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall generate an annual report on postadoption search
services that shall be posted on the commissioner's Web site. This report must include
the number of clients served, outcomes of searches, and fees charged by each agency
or independent searcher.
new text end