CA AB2872

Allows petitioners in stepparent adoption cases to elect private investigation (by licensed clinical social worker, marriage/family therapist, or private adoption agency) and pay fees directly to the investigator, rather than paying court-collected investigation fees for probation officer or court investigator.

Requires hospitals to complete and provide Health Facility Minor Release Reports to birth parents upon request, documenting that the report does not constitute adoption consent or relinquishment of parental rights.

Permits statutorily authorized or court-appointed investigators conducting stepparent adoption investigations to inspect juvenile case files when acting within the scope of their investigative duties.

Establishes procedures for peace officers to take custody of newborns in hospitals who tested positive for illegal drugs only when specific conditions are met, including completion of a Health Facility Minor Release Report signed by birth parents and prospective adoptive parents.

Requires prospective adoptive parents in independent adoptions to file adoption requests within 10 working days or guardianship petitions within 30 calendar days of hospital discharge, and mandates notification to county child welfare agencies if adoption plans are terminated.