MINNESOTA COURT RULES

JUVENILE COURT

Minnesota Rules of Adoption Procedure

Rule 1.Scope and Purpose

1.01Scope

These rules govern the procedure in the juvenile courts of Minnesota for all adoptions pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 259.20 to 259.89, and adoptions of children under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 260C.601 to 260C.637. These rules do not apply to a change of name under Minnesota Statutes, sections 259.10 to 259.13. Rules 39, 42, 43, and 44 regarding contested adoptions do not apply to children under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services.

(Amended effective July 1, 2014.)

1.02Purpose

These rules establish uniform practice and procedure for adoption matters in the juvenile courts of Minnesota. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that:

(a) the best interests of adopted persons are met in the planning and granting of an adoption, including, in the adoption of a child, an individualized determination of the child's needs and how the adoptive placement will serve the child's needs;

(b) there is recognition of the diversity of Minnesota's population and the diverse needs of persons affected by adoption; and

(c) the processes are culturally responsive.

(Amended effective July 1, 2014.)

2004 Advisory Committee Comment

Rule 1.02 reflects the policy set forth in Minnesota Statutes, sections 259.20 and 259.29. The purpose statement also reflects the policy set forth in the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, 42 U.S.C., sections 601, 603, 622, 629, 653, 675, 670-679, and 1320, which emphasizes that the overriding objective in any juvenile protection matter is to timely provide a safe, stable, permanent home for the child.