AR HB1451

Increases the minimum age for a minor's consent to adoption from 10 years to 12 years, unless the court determines consent should be waived in the minor's best interest.

Modifies adoption petition requirements to specify how the petitioner acquired custody of the minor or whether the child was selected by a licensed child placement agency.

Exempts minors in Department of Human Services custody from the six-month residence requirement before an adoption decree becomes final, with exceptions for medically necessary out-of-home health care.

Preserves sibling visitation rights after adoption if the child was in DHS custody and the court previously determined continued visitation was in the siblings' best interests.

Expands adoption subsidy eligibility by removing the financial inability requirement and allowing subsidies for children adopted by biological family members or foster parents with established emotional bonds without requiring searches for other potential adoptive families.