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adoptive father.See adoptive parent under PARENT. [Blacks Law 8th]

adoptive-admissions rule.Evidence. The principle that a statement offered against an accused is not inadmissible hearsay if the accused is aware of the statement and has, by words or conduct, indicated acceptance that the statement is true. See adoptive admission under ADMISSION(1). [Blacks Law 8th]

adoptive admission.See ADMISSION(1). [Blacks Law 8th]

adoption-registry  statute.A  law  that  provides  for  the  release  of  adoption  information  if  the biological parent, the adoptive parent, and the adoptee (after he or she reaches a certain statutorily prescribed age) all officially record their desire for its release. — Also termed voluntary-registry active adoption-registry statute.A registry statute that authorizes a state authority to seek…

adoption by reference.See INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. [Blacks Law 8th]

adoption by estoppel.See ADOPTION(1). [Blacks Law 8th]

adoption-assistance plan.An  employer-sponsored  program  that  provides  financial assistance to employees for adoption-related expenses. [Blacks Law 8th]

Adoption  Assistance  and  Child  Welfare  Act.A  1980  federal  statute  whose  purpose  was  to force  states  to  use  reasonable  efforts  (1)  to  avoid  removing  children  from  their  homes,  (2)  to reunite  families  when  children  had  been  removed  because  of  abuse  or  neglect,  and  (3)  when reunification  failed,  to  terminate  parental  rights  and  place  the  children  in …

Adoption and Safe Families Act.A 1997 federal law that requires states to  provide safe and permanent homes for abused and neglected children within shorter periods than those required by earlier state and federal laws. • The primary focus is on the safety and well-being of the child, in contrast to previously paramount rights of the…

adoption agency.A licensed establishment where a biological parent can voluntarily surrender a child for adoption. See agency adoption under ADOPTION. [Blacks Law 8th]