ADOPT Act of 2025
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency Act of 2025 (ADOPT Act) aims to combat exploitation in private domestic interstate adoptions by criminalizing certain practices. Specifically, it makes unlawful the provision of ‘adoption intermediary services’ – such as advertising or facilitating connections between placing parents and prospective adoptive parents – and the placement of adoption advertisements without proper licensing. The bill also prohibits unauthorized payments to placing parents before consultation with licensed professionals. This legislation seeks to ensure transparency and protect individuals involved in the adoption process.
Key provisions
- Criminalizes the provision of ‘adoption intermediary services’ (e.g., advertising, facilitating connections).
- Makes placing adoption advertisements illegal without specific exemptions.
- Prohibits unauthorized payments to placing parents before consultation with licensed professionals.
- Defines key terms like ‘adoption advertising,’ ‘adoption intermediary services,’ and ‘placing parent.’
- Establishes specific exceptions for public child-placing agencies, certain non-profit organizations, licensed attorneys, and accredited intercountry adoption service providers.
- Sets penalties of up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for organizations found in violation.
- Includes a 120-day delay before the law takes effect.
- Clarifies that the bill does not affect the Indian Child Welfare Act or intercountry adoption programs.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Sponsors
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Cosponsors
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