Delaware Code

13 Del. C. § 912 (2026)

Social study and report [Effective Dec. 6, 2026]

✓ current as of May 2026

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(a) Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the Judge of the Family Court in which the petition has been filed, after determining that the petition has been properly filed and that the petitioner or petitioners are eligible to adopt under this chapter, shall order a social study report by the Department or licensed agency or authorized agency unless the report was filed with the petition.

(b) The report shall include:

(1) Information regarding the child, the child’s background, and the child’s eligibility for adoption;

(2) Information regarding the adoptive parent or parents, and the proposed adoptive home;

(3) Information regarding the physical and mental condition of the child;

(4) Information regarding the suitability of the placement;

(5) A statement as to whether all requirements of this chapter have been complied with;

(6) In stepparent/relative cases, a statement that the birth parent whose parental rights are being terminated has been advised of the right to file an affidavit as provided by subchapter III of this chapter;

(7) A recommendation.

(c) If the placement is made by the Department or licensed agency, the report shall be rendered within 60 days from the receipt of the order for the report unless the report is filed with the petition for adoption. In the case of adoption by a stepparent or blood relative, the report is to be rendered within 60 days following the completion of the social study, and shall include a statement of the cost of the study.

(d) If the Court orders any further social investigation or any supplement of the social report, any such investigation shall be conducted and a supplement shall be prepared by the Department or the licensed or authorized agency party to the proceedings.

Code 1935, § 3551F; 48 Del. Laws, c. 134, § 3; 13 Del. C. 1953, § 912; 51 Del. Laws, c. 143, § 2; 55 Del. Laws, c. 248, § 2; 57 Del. Laws, c. 402, § 2; 59 Del. Laws, c. 466, § 7; 62 Del. Laws, c. 402, §§ 1, 8; 64 Del. Laws, c. 108, § 6; 67 Del. Laws, c. 106, § 3; 68 Del. Laws, c. 259, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 433, § 9; 85 Del. Laws, c. 276, § 106;

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 1 case, 1992–1992 · leading case: Matthews ex rel. Matthews v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 810 F. Supp. 587 (Cir. Ct. Del. 1992).

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Matthews ex rel. Matthews v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 810 F. Supp. 587 (Cir. Ct. Del. 1992). “8 at 79) Before a final decree of adoption could be entered, the Court ordered a social study report pursuant to 13 Del. C. § 912 to be performed. (D.I. 8 at 90) Five days after the petition was signed, Mr.”

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