AST JUVENILE Code   702
  702. Definitions

(a) “Adult” means an individual who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years or an emancipated minor;

(b) “Contested proceeding” means any proceeding in which an interested party enters an appearance to contest the petition;

(c) “Guardian” means an individual other than a parent, appointed by a Court to be the guardian of the person of a minor;

(d) “Minor” means any person who has not attained the age of eighteen (18) years of age;

(e) “Parent” means an individual who is the biological or adoptive parent of a child or who is legally recognized as a mother or father of a child. The term “parent” does not include an individual whose parental relationship to a child has been terminated;

(f) “Permanent relinquishment” means the voluntary surrender of the rights of the parent or guardian with respect to a minor, including legal and physical custody of the minor to the Indian Child Welfare Department or any person with the assent of the Court, by a minor's parent or guardian, for purposes of the minor's adoption; and

(g) “Stepparent” means an individual who is the spouse or surviving spouse of a parent of a minor, but who is not a legal parent of the minor.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   702, AST JUVENILE Code   702

AST JUVENILE Code   703
  703. Jurisdiction Over Adoptions

(a) The Juvenile Division of the District Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction regarding the adoption of any person who resides or is domiciled within the jurisdiction of the Court, is unmarried, less than eighteen (18) years of age unless special circumstances exist, and either:

(1) An Absentee Shawnee Tribal member, or

(2) Is eligible for enrollment in the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and is the biological child of an Absentee Shawnee Tribal member, or

(3) Whose case has been transferred to the Juvenile Division of the District Court from the courts of a state or a Tribe which has assumed jurisdiction over said child.

(b) The Juvenile Division of the District Court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the courts of any other sovereign having lawful authority regarding the adoption by or of any other child or adult who is:

(1) A bona fide resident of or domiciled within the jurisdiction of the Court, or

(2) Between two adults who submit to the jurisdiction of the Court regardless of residence or domicile, or

(3) An Absentee Shawnee tribal member.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   703, AST JUVENILE Code   703

AST JUVENILE Code   704
  704. Foreign Decree

When the relationship of parent and child has been created by a decree of adoption by any Court of competent jurisdiction of any other nation, or its political subdivisions having the authority to enter such decrees, the rights and obligations of the parties as to matters within the jurisdiction of this Nation shall be determined by s.740 of this Chapter.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   704, AST JUVENILE Code   704

AST JUVENILE Code   705
  705. Types of Adoptions

There shall be three types of adoptions recognized by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, namely:

(a) Statutory adoptions under Tribal law.

(b) Statutory adoptions under the laws of some other Tribe, State, or Nation having jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter.

(c) Traditional adoptions which may be for the purpose of establishing any traditionally allowed family relationship between any persons, and which shall be governed by the Tribal Common Law. Unless otherwise specifically provided by Tribal statute, traditional adoptions create a particular stated family relationship between persons for all purposes other than enrollment and the probate of decedents' estates.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   705, AST JUVENILE Code   705

AST JUVENILE Code   706
  706. In Camera Determination of Enrollment

Whenever a parent, whether biological or adoptive, has expressed a desire that the name of the parent or the original or adoptive name of the child and the child's relationship to themselves or others remain confidential, and a question arises as to the eligibility of the child for enrollment as a citizen and member of the Tribe, the Court is authorized to receive from any source such information as may be necessary for a determination of the eligibility of such child for enrollment, to review such information in camera, and to request the Tribal Secretary to determine whether the child is enrolled or eligible for enrollment so that the Court can enter its order declaring whether or not the child is eligible for enrollment and the child's blood quantum or other necessary non-identifying enrollment eligibility criteria. If the Court determines that such child is eligible for enrollment, it shall enter its order declaring said fact and the Tribal enrollment officers shall accept such order as conclusive proof of the eligibility of the child for enrollment and enroll the child accordingly. If the Court determines that such child is not eligible for enrollment, it shall enter its order accordingly, and the Tribal enrollment officers shall accept such order as proof of the ineligibility of said child and refuse to enroll the child unless other or further qualifications for enrollment are shown.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   706, AST JUVENILE Code   706

AST JUVENILE Code    707-709
   707-709. Reserved

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code    707-709, AST JUVENILE Code    707-709

AST JUVENILE Code   710
  710. Eligibility for Statutory Adoption

Every child within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Division of the District Court at the time a petition for adoption is filed, may be adopted subject to the terms and conditions of this Chapter.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   710, AST JUVENILE Code   710

AST JUVENILE Code   711
  711. Eligibility to Adopt by Statutory Process

The following persons are eligible to adopt a child pursuant to this Chapter, and subject to the placement preferences of s.239 of this Title:

(a) a husband and wife;

(b) Either the husband or wife if the other spouse is a parent of the child;

(c) An unmarried person who is at least twenty-one (21) years old;

(d) A married person who is legally separated from the other spouse and at least twenty-one (21) years old;

(e) In the case of a child born out-of-wedlock, its unmarried father;

(f) Any other arrangements by the Court by virtue of common customs and traditions of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   711, AST JUVENILE Code   711

AST JUVENILE Code   712
  712. Consent to Adoption

(a) Adoption of a child may be decreed only if consent to such adoption has been executed and filed in the Juvenile Division of the District Court by:

(1) both parents, if living, or the surviving parent, unless their parental rights have been terminated by judicial decree.

(2) a parent less than sixteen (16) years of age may give his/her consent only with the written consent of one of his/her parents, guardian, or a guardian ad litem of the minor parent appointed by the Court.

(3) if both parents be deceased, or if their parental rights have been terminated by judicial decree, then the traditional custodian having physical custody of said child for the preceding six (6) month period, or a person or the head of an agency having custody of the child by judicial decree with the specific authority, granted by the Court, to consent to the adoption of the child.

(b) Where any parent of Indian custodian voluntarily consents to an adoption, or termination of parental rights, such consent shall not be valid unless executed before a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction and accompanied by the judge's certificate that the terms and consequences of the consent were fully explained in detail and were fully explained in detail and were fully understood by the parent or Indian custodian. The Court shall certify that the parent or Indian custodian either fully understood the explanation in English, or that it was interpreted into a language that the parent or Indian custodian understood.

(c) Any consent given prior to or within ten (10) days after the birth of a child shall not be valid.

(d) A consent to adoption of a minor shall be in writing, recorded by the Court and executed before a judge of the Tribal Court and must contain:

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   712, AST JUVENILE Code   712

AST JUVENILE Code   713
  713. Written Consent Must State

(a) A consent to adoption of a minor child shall be in writing, recorded by the Court, and executed before a judge of the Tribal Court and must contain:

(1) The date, place, and time of the execution of consent;

(2) The name and date of birth of the person executing the consent;

(3) The current mailing address, telephone number, and social security number of the person executing the consent; and

(4) Instructions that the consent is irrevocable, except upon the specific grounds specified in   717, upon which the consent can be revoked and the manner in which a motion to set aside the consent must be filed.

(b) A consent must state:

(1) That the person executing the document is voluntarily and unequivocally consenting to the adoption of the minor;

(2) An understanding that after the permanent relinquishment is executed, it is final and, except for fraud or duress, may not be revoked or set aside for any reason except as otherwise authorized in this Chapter;

(3) that the person executing the permanent relinquishment is represented by counsel or has waived any right to counsel;

(4) That the execution of the permanent relinquishment does not terminate any duty of the person executing the permanent relinquishment to support the minor until the adoption is completed;

(5) That the person executing the permanent relinquishment has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the permanent relinquishment, except for payments authorized by law; and

(6) That the person believes the adoption of the minor is in the minor's best interest.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   713, AST JUVENILE Code   713

AST JUVENILE Code   714
  714. Voluntary Relinquishment

(a) Any parent, legal custodian, traditional custodian, or other guardian of a child may relinquish, subject to the terms of   712(b),(c), and (d) of this Chapter, any rights they may have to the care, custody, and control of a child. A relinquishment shall be made by filing a petition in the Juvenile Division of the Court with notice to the Indian Child Welfare Department, Tribal Prosecutor, traditional custodians, and the parent(s) not a petitioner. The traditional custodians may intervene in said action. The petition may relinquish generally in which case the Court shall assume jurisdiction over the child, or specifically to a particular person for adoption. A relinquishment shall be valid only upon approval and decree of the Court. Relinquishment may be made only to the Indian Child Welfare Department or any other person, with the written consent of the Department or Court.

(b) Any parent desiring to relinquish his or her parental rights shall first obtain counseling from a tribal or county department of social services.

(c) If after counseling, the parent still desires to relinquish his parental rights, he may petition the Juvenile Court on forms supplied by the Court. Affidavit(s) verifying that the parent(s) have received counseling, fully understood the implications of the relinquishment and confirming that no undue pressure has been placed on the parent(s) shall be attached to the petition.

(d) Upon receipt of a petition, the Court shall set the matter for hearing.

(e) The Court shall not issue an order of relinquishment unless it is satisfied that:

(1) The relinquishing parent(s) and the child, if twelve years of age or older, have been counseled pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

(2) The consequences of the relinquishment are fully understood by all parties.

(3) Notice has been properly given to all interested parties.

(4) The parent requesting relinquishment is not motivated primarily by a desire to avoid obligations of financial support to the child.

(5) It is in the best interest of the child for an order of relinquishment to be entered.

(f) If the Court is satisfied that all the procedural requirements of this section have been met and that the relinquishment would best serve the interests of all parties concerned, including the child, it shall enter an order of relinquishment.

(g) If the Court is not satisfied that said requirements have been met or that the relinquishment is in the child's best interests, it may continue the matter and request a report from Indian Child Welfare and/or the Tribal Department of Social Services addressing the best interests of the child.

(h) If the Court believes that a relinquishment is not in the best interests of the parties, including the child, it shall enter an order dismissing the action.

(i) If the Court finds that it would be in the best interests of the child to appoint a guardian ad litem, such appointment shall be made.

(j) The Court may interview the child in chambers to ascertain the child's wishes as to the relinquishment proceedings with the guardian ad litem present.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   714, AST JUVENILE Code   714

AST JUVENILE Code   715
  715. Written Relinquishment Must State

A permanent relinquishment must be in writing and must state the following:

(a) That the person executing the document is voluntarily and unequivocally consenting to the adoption of the minor;

(b) An understanding that after the permanent relinquishment is executed, it is final and, except for fraud or duress, may not be revoked or set aside for any reason except as otherwise authorized in this Chapter;

(c) that the person executing the permanent relinquishment is represented by counsel or has waived any right to counsel;

(d) That the execution of the permanent relinquishment does not terminate any duty of the person executing the permanent relinquishment to support the minor until the adoption is completed;

(e) That the person executing the permanent relinquishment has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the permanent relinquishment, except for payments authorized by law; and

(f) That the person believes the adoption of the minor is in the minor's best interest.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   715, AST JUVENILE Code   715

AST JUVENILE Code   716
  716. Adoptive Placement Designations

Biological parents may designate a specific applicant with whom they wish to place their child for adoption. The Indian Child Welfare Department shall begin a written assessment of the designated placement upon the request of the parties. After review of such assessment, the Court may grant guardianship of the child to the designated applicant(s) pending hearings on relinquishment and adoption.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   716, AST JUVENILE Code   716

AST JUVENILE Code   717
  717. Withdrawal of Consent or Revocation of Voluntary--Relinquishment

After one consents to adoption or voluntarily relinquishes parental rights the consent or relinquishment can only be withdrawn or revoked if:

(a) Proven by clear and convincing evidence of fraud, before a decree of adoption is issued, or within three (3) months of the discovery of fraud that the consent was obtained by fraud or duress; or

(b) Proven by a preponderance of the evidence no petition to adopt was filed within nine (9) months of the consent or relinquishment.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   717, AST JUVENILE Code   717

AST JUVENILE Code   719
  719. Disposition of Child Following Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights

(a) No arrangement for placement of any child who is voluntarily relinquished shall be arranged by any person or agency other than the Indian Child Welfare Department or a licensed placement agency approved by the Indian Child Welfare Department.

(1) In cases involving an unborn child whose parent(s) are planning to relinquish parental rights at the time of the child's birth, every effort shall be made by the Indian Child Welfare Department to study and approve the prospective adoptive placement prior to the child's birth so that interim foster care can be avoided.

(2) The same care shall be taken to place any older child, who is voluntarily relinquished, in the home which affords the most likely probability of being a permanent adoptive home.

(b) The Indian Child Welfare Department may place a child in pre-adoptive placement pending a court hearing on the relinquishment and proposed adoption providing that the home meets the minimum standards required by the Indian Child Welfare Department for pre-adoptive placements.

(c) The relinquishment forms and a petition requesting approval of the pre-adoptive placement shall be filed in the Juvenile Court within forty-eight (48) hours of the child's placement. The petition shall set forth the following:

(1) The basis of the Court's jurisdiction;

(2) The full name, sex, date of birth, residence and tribal affiliation of the child and the relinquishing parent(s);

(3) A full description of the relinquishment procedures and the placement plan for the child.

(d) The Court upon review of the petition, shall make findings that the child is a ward of the Absentee Shawnee Court under the care, control and supervision of the Indian Child Welfare Department until such time as a final order of adoption is issued or in those cases involving non-adoptive placement, until further order of the Court.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   719, AST JUVENILE Code   719

AST JUVENILE Code    720-729
   720-729. Reserved

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code    720-729, AST JUVENILE Code    720-729

AST JUVENILE Code   730
  730. Confidential Nature of Proceedings and Record

Unless the Court shall otherwise order, all hearing held in proceedings under this chapter shall be confidential and shall be held in closed court without admission of any person other than interested parties and witnesses. Further, all papers, records or files pertaining to proceedings under this chapter, except the final decree of adoption, kept by the Court or by Indian Child Welfare Department shall be confidential and withheld from inspection except upon order of the Court for good cause shown. Upon application and for good cause being shown, the Court, by written order reciting its findings, may permit the necessary information to be released, or may restrict the purposes for which it shall be used. Any person in charge of adoption records or having access to adoption records or information who discloses any information, including, but not limited to, all records and reports relevant to the case and any records and reports of examination of the minor's parent or other custodian pertaining to an adoption proceeding, contrary to the provisions of this Chapter, may be charged criminally with a misdemeanor or be held civilly liable.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   730, AST JUVENILE Code   730

AST JUVENILE Code   731
  731. Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem

The Court shall appoint a guardian ad litem in a contested proceeding and may appoint a guardian ad litem in an uncontested proceeding. Any person participating in a judicial proceeding as a guardian ad litem shall be presumed prima facie to be acting in good faith and in so doing shall be immune from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   731, AST JUVENILE Code   731

AST JUVENILE Code   732
  732. Petition

A petition for adoption shall be filed in duplicate, verified by the petitioners, and shall specifically state:

(a) The full names, ages, and places of residence of Petitioners, and, if married, the--place and date of their marriage.

(b) Their relationship with the child, if any, and their tribal affiliation by blood and membership.

(c) When and from whom the Petitioners acquired or intend to acquire physical custody of the child.

(d) The names of the child's biological parents and their tribal affiliation by blood and membership, including tribal roll or membership numbers, if known.

(e) The date and place of birth of the child including the jurisdiction issuing the birth certificate for said child, the child's sex, any tribal affiliation by blood and membership, including tribal roll or membership number, if known.

(f) The name used for the child in the proceeding, and if a change in name is desired, the new name.

(g) That it is the desire of the petitioners that the relationship of parent and child be established between them and the child.

(h) A full description and statement of the value of all property owned by or possessed by the child.

(i) The facts, if any, which excuse the consent of the parents or either of them to the adoption.

(j) Any required consents to the adoption must be filed with the Court prior to entry of a decree of adoption.

(k) The facts which bring the child within the jurisdiction of the Court.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   732, AST JUVENILE Code   732

AST JUVENILE Code   733
  733. Investigation/Contents of Adoptive Assessment

(a) Upon the filing of a petition for adoption the Court shall request the Indian Child Welfare Department, with the technical assistance of the state and other government branches of welfare, to make an investigation of the petitioners. such investigation shall include the history of the child; appropriate inquiry to determine whether the proposed home is a suitable one for the child; and any other circumstances and conditions which may have a bearing on the adoption or custody and of which the Court should have knowledge.

(b) A written assessment, completed by the Indian Child Welfare Department shall accompany all petitions for adoption, including stepparent adoptions. Such assessments shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) The reasons for the availability of the child for adoption, including background information related to the biological parents.

(2) The length of time the child has been in the care of the petitioner(s) and the adjustment of the child to that living arrangement.

(3) An evaluation of the physical, mental and emotional health of the petitioner(s), all other members of the household and the child who is the subject of the petition.

(4) An evaluation of the proposed physical setting in which the child will be placed with attention to safety issues.

(5) A discussion of how the proposed placement resembles or is compatible with the child's culture, identity and tribal affiliation.

(6) A discussion of the petitioner's plans and ability to promote the child's healthy growth and development.

(7) A recommendation for placement which specifically addresses the best interests of the child.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   733, AST JUVENILE Code   733

AST JUVENILE Code   734
  734. Compensation

(a) No person shall offer, give, charge, or receive any money or other consideration or thing of value in connection with the relinquishment and adoption, except attorney fees and such other charges and fees as may be approved by the Court.

(b) No person, other than an adoption exchange whose membership includes county departments and child placement agencies, a licensed child placement agency, or a county department shall offer, give, charge, or receive any money or other consideration or thing of value in connection with locating or identifying for purposes of adoption any child, natural parent, expectant natural parent, or prospective adoptive parent; except that physicians and attorneys may charge reasonable fees for professional services customarily performed by such persons.

(c) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be punished by a civil penalty of a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   734, AST JUVENILE Code   734

AST JUVENILE Code   735
  735. When Consent of Parents Unnecessary

Adoption of a child maybe decreed without the consent required in   712 of this chapter only if the parents, or the traditional custodians having custody, if the parents be deceased, have:

(a) had their parental or custodial rights terminated by a decree of a Court of competent jurisdiction, or

(b) been adjudicated incompetent by reason of mental disease, defect, or injury, or by abuse of alcohol or drugs, and it appears by a preponderance of the evidence that such person will be unable to provide the necessary-care and control of said child for a significant period of time prior to the child reaching majority, or

(c) for a period of twelve (12) months immediately preceding the filing of the petition for adoption, willfully failed, refused, or neglected to provide and contribute to the support of the child either:

(1) in substantial compliance with any decree of a Court of competent jurisdiction ordering certain support to be contributed, or

(2) if no court order has been made ordering certain support, then within available means through contribution of financial support, physical necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter contributions, or by performing labor or other services for and at the request of the person or agency having custody.

(d) been finally adjudicated guilty of a felony and sentenced to death or to a term of imprisonment which is likely to prevent release of the parent for a period such that the parent will be unable to provide the necessary care and control of said child for a significant period of time prior to the child reaching majority. In such cases, it shall not be necessary to obtain the consent of such parent, or to terminate the parental rights of such parent prior to adoption of the child.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   735, AST JUVENILE Code   735

AST JUVENILE Code   736
  736. Notice and Hearing for Adoptions Without Consent

Before the Court hears a petition for adoption without the consent of the parents as provided in s.735 of this Chapter, except proceedings pursuant to s.735(a), the person having authority to consent to the adoption, or the person petitioning for the adoption shall file an application for adoption without consent setting out the reason the consent of the other person is not necessary. The application shall be set for hearing at a date and time certain and the application shall contain the name of the child to be adopted, the time, date, and place of the hearing, the reason that the child is eligible for adoption without. the consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian, and a notice that the adoption may be ordered if the parent, guardian, or custodian does not appear at the hearing and show cause why their consent is necessary. The application and notice shall be served on the parent, guardian, or custodian whose consent is alleged to be unnecessary in the same manner that civil summons is served. The hearing on the application shall be at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hearing on the adoption.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   736, AST JUVENILE Code   736

AST JUVENILE Code   737
  737. Consent of Child

Whenever a child be of sufficient maturity and understanding the Court may, and in every case of a child over twelve (12) years of age the Court shall, require the consent of the child, expressed in such form as the Court shall direct, prior to the entry of a decree of adoption. Whenever possible, the Court should interview such child in private concerning the adoption prior to approving the child's consent

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   737, AST JUVENILE Code   737

AST JUVENILE Code   738
  738. Interlocutory Decree

Upon the examination of the report required in s.733 of this chapter, and after hearing, the Court may issue an interlocutory decree of adoption giving the care and custody of the child to the petitioners or any suitable person or persons, pending further order of the Court; provided, that if the child is a blood relative of one of the petitioners within the first or second degree, or is the stepchild of a petitioner, or has been living in the home of a petitioner for more than one year preceding the date of the filing of the petition of adoption, the Court may waive the entry of an interlocutory decree of adoption, and immediately enter a final decree of adoption. Where an interlocutory decree of adoption is entered, the Indian Child Welfare Department may observe the child in his home and report to the Court within six (6) months on any circumstances or conditions which may have a bearing on the adoption or custody.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   738, AST JUVENILE Code   738

AST JUVENILE Code   739
  739. Final Decree

(a) Upon the application by the petitioner after six months from the date of the interlocutory decree, or upon the Court's own motion at any time, the Court may set a time and place for additional hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be served on the Indian Child Welfare Department. The Indian Child Welfare Department shall file with the Court a written report of its findings and recommendations and certify that the required investigation has been made since the granting of the interlocutory decree. After such hearing, the Court may enter a final decree of adoption, if satisfied that the adoption is in the best interest of the child, or may make such other order as it sees fit.

(b) If the Court finds that the adoption will not be in the child's best interests or finds that the procedural requirements have not been met, it may dismiss the petitions or continue the matter and make those orders it deems necessary for the care, control and supervision of the child.

(c) If the Court finds that the requirements of this article have been met and that the adoption is in the child's best interest, it shall issue an interlocutory order of adoption pending the final adoption on the matter.

(d) No sooner than six (6) months from the date of the initial hearing, the Court may enter a final decree of adoption upon the recommendation of the Indian Child Welfare Department. The Court shall specify in writing the facts, grounds and code sections upon which it relied in making its decision. Copies of the order shall be furnished to all parties.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   739, AST JUVENILE Code   739

AST JUVENILE Code   740
  740. Effect of Final Decree

(a) After the final decree of adoption is entered the relations of parent and child and the rights, duties, obligations and other legal consequences of the natural relation of the child and parent shall thereafter exist between the child and the adoptive parents. The status of the child as a citizen of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma shall not be affected by any adoption, and such child shall not forfeit his rights to inherit from his natural parents by descent or distribution or otherwise.

(b) After the final decree of adoption is entered, the natural parents of the adoptive child, except a natural parent who is also an adoptive parent or the spouse of an adoptive parent, shall be relieved of all parental responsibilities for such child and have no rights over such child or to his property by descent or distribution or otherwise.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   740, AST JUVENILE Code   740

AST JUVENILE Code   741
  741. Registration of Final Decree; Amendment of Records; Inspection

(a) Upon the entry of a final decree of adoption the Court shall forward a copy thereof to the Indian Child Welfare Department for its records.

(b) The order of the Court shall order the appropriate agencies to so amend family listings, and other records, to properly reflect the final decree of adoption entered by the Court. These amended records which contain the names and addresses or other information concerning the adopted child and the adopting parents shall cease to be available for public inspection. The intent of this subsection is that any information concerning the whereabouts of the adopting parents and adopted child will not be available to the natural parents or parent or other unauthorized persons after final decree of adoption is entered.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   741, AST JUVENILE Code   741

AST JUVENILE Code   742
  742. Reversing a Final Decree of Adoption

No final decree of adoption shall be challenged by reason-of fraud or jurisdictional or substantial procedural error after the expiration of one year following the entry of the final decree unless the affected parent did not learn of the basis for challenging the decree until after one year. In such circumstances, the parent will be entitled to a period of three (3) months from the date of discovery of the facts underlying the reasons for reversal to file a petition requesting annulment of the adoption.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   742, AST JUVENILE Code   742

AST JUVENILE Code   743
  743. Appeals

An appeal from a decision in an adoption proceeding may be taken in the same manner as appeals in civil cases.

Absentee Shawnee Juvenile Code   743, AST JUVENILE Code   743