# R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-5.1: Adoption of children placed under foster care

> Rhode Island · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-5.1

## Section

- **Citation:** R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-5.1
- **Heading:** Adoption of children placed under foster care
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-72 / Section 42-72-5.1

## Text

(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.

## Nearby sections

- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-1 § 42-72-1. Establishment of department €” Director.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-2 § 42-72-2. Declaration of policy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-2.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-3 § 42-72-3. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-3.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-4 § 42-72-4. Qualifications and duties of director.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-4.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-5 § 42-72-5. Powers and scope of activities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-5.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-5.1 § 42-72-5.1. Adoption of children placed under foster care.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-5.1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-5.2 § 42-72-5.2. Development of a continuum of children€™s behavioral health programs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-5.2.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-5.3 § 42-72-5.3. Accreditation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-5.3.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-6 § 42-72-6. Deputies and administrators.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-6.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-7 § 42-72-7. Central registry.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-7.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-8 § 42-72-8. Confidentiality of records.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-8.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-9 § 42-72-9. Regional service centers.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-9.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-10 § 42-72-10. Development of service plan.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-10.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-11 § 42-72-11. Protective services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-11.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T42_C42-72_S42-72-5.1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.