Family Code section 7913

(a)

When a full service licensed private adoption agency has provided adoption-related services to a birth parent or prospective adoptive parent, that agency is delegated the authority to determine whether the placement shall or shall not be made pursuant to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, and to sign the compact forms documenting that determination and date of placement.

(b)

For children entering California in independent adoptions, prior to making a determination regarding placement and as soon as feasible, the private adoption agency shall notify the appropriate district office or delegated county adoption agency of the matter and verify that the preplacement interview of the prospective adoptive parent or parents has been completed.

(c)

This section shall not apply to a child who is a dependent of the court or a child subject to a petition filed under Section 300 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

Source: Section 7913, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=7913.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2012; accessed Jun. 18, 2026).

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Verified:
Jun. 18, 2026

§ 7913's source at ca​.gov