Idaho's Adoption Laws

• Adoption Records
• Consent To Adoption
• Parties To An Adoption
• Birth Father Statutes
• Adoption Expenses
• International Expenses
• General Adoption Statutes

Adoption Records

Idaho

Statute: §§ 16-1621; 16-1623(f)

Records Confidential: Yes

Persons with access to records

• CPS/State Agencies

• Attorneys, GAL's

• Parents/Guardians

• Subject of Reports

Persons without access to records

• Agencies From Other States

• Courts/Judges

• Grand Juries

• Law Enforcement

• Attorneys General/Prosecutors

• Physicians

• Reporters of Abuse

• Researchers

• Employers

• Coroners

• Review Teams

• Treatment Providers

• Public/Any Person

Other Elected state officials Other persons upon permission of the court

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

Consent to Adoption

The consent may be signed any time after the birth of the child.

Pre-consents are not allowed in the state of Idaho.

Revocation Time Frame in Idaho

If the consent is signed before a judge, it is irrevocable upon signing.

Parties to an Adoption

Idaho

• Any adult resident of Idaho may adopt, subject to specific provisions stipulated in statute.

• Person adopting, except the spouse of a natural parent, must be:

o At least 15 years older than adoptee, or

o Age 25 or older

• If married, consent of the spouse is required.

• Any minor child

• Any adult where the adopting person has sustained the relationship of a parent for a period in excess of 1 year, or if the

court determines a substantial family relationship has been created

Parent or legal guardian

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

Birth Father Statutes

No information currently available.

Adoption Expenses

Idaho

1. • A person or agency may pay legal and medical costs and reasonable living and maternity expenses during the pregnancy.
2. • A birth parent who revokes a consent to adoption may be required to pay back any expenses paid by the adoptive parent, including medical and living expenses, legal fees, and all other reasonable costs.
3. • The court shall determine the amount of the reimbursement.

1. • Living expenses are not to extend beyond 6 weeks after the birth, based on demonstrated financial need.
2. • Financial assistance to the birth parent shall not exceed $2,000, unless otherwise authorized by the court.

Not addressed in statutes reviewed

Allowable Payments for Relinquishing Child Statute: § 18-1511

 It is a felony to sell or barter a child for adoption or other purposes.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency Statute: § 16-1506

 The department or agency may require the petitioner to pay all or any part of the cost of the investigation.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court Judges, at their discretion, may order an accounting.

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

International Expenses

No information currently available.

General Adoption Statutes

Idaho

1. • Department of Health and Welfare
2. • Child placement agency
3. • Private investigator

Contents of Report About Person to be Adopted Statute: § 16-1506 Medical and social history

1. • Medical and social history
2. • Genetic information

Contents of Report About Adoptive Parents Statute: § 16-1506 Social investigation

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

If you are an adoption professional and have updated information for this portion of our site let us know by contacting us at 1-800-ADOPTION or e-mail us at editors@americanadoptions.com.