§ 42-72-5.1. Adoption of children placed under foster care.

(a) The foster parent(s) of a child, committed to the department of children, youth and families by the family court, who has had the physical custody of the child for a period of two (2) years or more may petition the family court for the adoption of the child.

(b) The court shall give notice of the petition to the natural parent(s) and, after a hearing thereon, the court may grant the petition, if it finds:

(1) That the department of children, youth and families has made every effort to involve the natural parent(s) in planning for the child;

(2) That the natural parent(s) did not exercise reasonable visitation rights with the child; and

(3) That termination of the rights of the natural parent(s) and adoption by the foster parent(s) is in the best interests of the child.