MN SF4293

Courts and agencies cannot deny blind individuals the ability to proceed with adoption solely based on blindness; anyone challenging adoption based on blindness must prove by clear and convincing evidence that specific parental behaviors will endanger the child's health or safety.

Blind parents must be offered supportive parenting services (such as audio aids, training, or technological assistance) to alleviate safety concerns, and have the right to a court hearing to review the need for continuing services.

Child protection petitions cannot be filed solely on the basis of a parent's blindness; petitioners must demonstrate specific behaviors that prevent the blind parent from providing for the child's safety, health, or welfare.

Courts cannot deny or restrict parenting time or custody due to blindness alone; any party restricting custody must prove by clear and convincing evidence that specific parental behaviors during parenting time will endanger the child.

If courts deny, limit, or remove a child from a blind parent, they must issue specific written findings explaining why supportive parenting services are not a reasonable accommodation to prevent denial or removal.