Rhode Island § 15-7-3 - Adoption of Children
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 15-7-3 — Adoption of Children, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-7-3. Adoption of Children
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-3
§ 15-7-3. Report, investigation, and hearing on child brought into state for adoption.
(a) Whenever any person or persons brings or causes to be brought a child, not related to him or her or them, into this state for the purpose of adoption, he or she or they shall make a report to the department of children, youth and families within fifteen (15) days of the entry of the child into this state.
(b) The willful failure, neglect, or refusal of the person or persons having brought or having caused the child to be brought into this state to make the report shall be considered a violation of this chapter and prejudicial to the best interest of the child. The department, upon receipt of the notice or when it receives notice from any source that the person or persons having brought or having caused the child to be brought into this state has or have willfully failed, refused, or neglected to make the report, shall make any investigation that it deems necessary in the circumstances and report the results of that investigation to the family court within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notice.
(c) The family court, after any notice that it deems proper to the parent or parents, and the person or persons having brought, or having caused to be brought, the child into this state, shall, after the filing of the report, hold a hearing to determine whether the proposed placement for adoption is or is not for the best interest of the child.
(d) If the court finds that the proposed placement for adoption is not for the best interest of the child, it shall order that the child be returned to its parent or parents or placed through the department or a licensed child placing agency or with whomsoever the court deems for the best interest of the child.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 420, § 4; P.L. 1955, ch. 3483, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-7-3; impl. am.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14; P.L. 1970, ch. 132, § 1; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 15-7-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 15-7-3 cover?
Section 15-7-3 ("Adoption of Children") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 15-7-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 15-7-3" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 15-7-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.