GA SB471

Requires a home study by a qualified evaluator to be completed and to recommend placement before a child can be placed in an adoptive home by a third party who is neither a stepparent nor a relative of the child.

Defines "evaluator" as a licensed child-placing agency, the Department of Human Services, or a licensed professional (clinical social worker, master social worker, marriage and family therapist, or professional counselor) with at least two years of adoption-related experience.

Allows a third party to petition the court for placement before completion of a home study if one was not done prior to placement; the court may grant such petition if it finds by a preponderance of the evidence that placement is in the child's best interest, with the home study to be initiated within 10 days and completed within 60 days of the court order.

Establishes procedures for cases where the home study report does not recommend placement, including a mandatory court hearing within 30 days to determine whether to continue placement or commit the child to the custody of a birth parent, child-placing agency, or the department.

Takes effect July 1, 2010, and applies to all adoption petitions filed on or after that date.