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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 13Pt. 2Ch. 4§ 8903 Intercountry Adoption Responsibilities

§ 8903 Intercountry Adoption Responsibilities

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8903 Intercountry Adoption Responsibilities

Key Takeaways

  • •If a child is adopted from another country and brought to this state, the adoption agency is responsible for taking care of the child as soon as the child leaves their home country.
  • •If the child's home country gives full guardianship to the adoptive parents, then the parents are responsible for taking care of the child, including paying for their needs.
  • •If the adoption agency or the parents don't take care of the child properly, the state will step in and take responsibility for the child's care and medical needs.

Example

A family adopts a child from another country. The child's home country gives the family full guardianship as soon as they leave the country.

The family is now responsible for taking care of the child, including providing food, shelter, and medical care. If the family doesn't take care of the child, the state will step in and take over the child's care.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8903 Intercountry Adoption Responsibilities

(a) For each intercountry adoption finalized in this state, the licensed adoption agency shall assume all responsibilities for the child including care, custody, and control as if the child had been relinquished for adoption in this state from the time the child left the child’s native country. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), if the child’s native country requires and has given full guardianship to the prospective adoptive parents, the prospective adoptive parents shall assume all responsibilities for the child including care, custody, control, and financial support. (c) If the licensed adoption agency or prospective adoptive parents fail to meet the responsibilities under subdivision (a) or (b) and the child becomes a dependent of the court pursuant to Section 300 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the state shall assume responsibility for the cost of care for the child. When the child becomes a dependent of the court and if, for any reason, is ineligible for AFDC under Section 14005.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and loses Medi-Cal eligibility, the child shall be deemed eligible for Medi-Cal under Section 14005.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and the State Director of Health Services has authority to provide payment for the medical services to the child that are necessary to meet the child’s needs. (Enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. Operative January 1, 1994.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

intercountry adoptionlicensed adoption agencyprospective adoptive parentscare, custody

Related Statutes

  • § 8904 Intercountry Adoption Agency Requirements
  • § 8906 Adoption Financial Responsibility Agreements
  • § 8902 Intercountry Adoption Agency Requirements
  • § 8907 Adoption Agency Fee Funding
  • § 8910 Child Adoption Removal Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 8903.
View Official Source