Mass. Senate Approves Close Relative Adoption Bill, Moves On To House

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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Thursday, the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed legislation that would allow the adoption of a young person by an older close relative such as a brother, sister, aunt, or uncle.

Named "An Act relative to expanding access to adoption," or S.2616, the legislation "would allow for families to stay together to ensure a stable home environment," which officials said is a necessary component of a youth's development in addition to their physical and emotional health.

Currently, Massachusetts is one of two states in the United States that prohibits adoption by close relatives.

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"S.2616 would allow adult siblings to adopt their younger siblings, aunts and uncles with the permission of county probate courts, sparing our youth the additional trauma of family separation. Our children deserve to be cared for by the people who know and love them, and this bill helps make that a reality," said Democratic Senator Joan Lovely, who was a sponsor of the bill.

The bill moved on to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.


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