Title 127 · NRS Chapter 127

Additional contents of petition relating to whether there is reason to know child is Indian child.

Citation: NRS 127.115

Section: 127.127.115

NRS

127.115

Additional contents of petition relating to whether there is reason to know child is Indian child.

1. In addition to the requirements set forth in NRS 127.110 , a petition for adoption of a child must contain:

(a) A declaration under penalty of perjury and documentation, as described by the regulations adopted by the Division pursuant to NRS 127.1867 , of the petitioner’s good faith efforts described in subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210 , to determine whether there is reason to know that the child is an Indian child;

(b) A statement as to whether the petitioner has reason to know that the child is an Indian child; and

(c) If the petitioner has reason to know that the child is an Indian child:

(1) A declaration under penalty of perjury and documentation, as described by the regulations adopted by the Division pursuant to NRS 127.1867 , showing that the proposed adoptive placement complies with the requirements under NRS 125E.350 ; or

(2) A statement that the petitioner is moving the court under subsection 3 of NRS 125E.350 for a finding, by clear and convincing evidence, that good cause exists for alternative adoptive placement and a statement describing the details supporting the assertion of the petitioner that good cause exists for the alternative placement, as described in subsection 3 of NRS 125E.350 .

2. A petition for adoption of a child must, if applicable, request the following:

(a) A finding that the petitioner complied with the inquiry requirements under subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210 ;

(b) A finding of whether there is reason to know that the child is an Indian child; and

(c) If the court finds that the child is an Indian child:

(1) The determinations required under NRS 125E.250 regarding the Indian child’s residence, domicile and wardship status;

(2) A finding that the petitioner complied with the notice requirements under subsection 2 of NRS 125E.220 ; and

(3) A finding that the adoptive placement complies with the placement preferences under NRS 125E.350 or, if not, that upon the petitioner’s motion under subsection 3 of NRS 125E.350 , good cause exists for placement contrary to the placement preferences in NRS 125E.350 .

3. If the petitioner has reason to know that the child is an Indian child, within 30 days after filing the petition, the petitioner shall:

(a) Serve copies of the petition by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, together with the notice of proceeding in the form required under subsection 3 of NRS 125E.220 , to:

(1) Each tribe of which the Indian child may be a member or in which the Indian child may be eligible for membership;

(2) The appropriate Regional Director of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs listed in 25 C.F.R. § 23.11(b), if the identity or location of the child’s parents, Indian custodian or tribe cannot be ascertained; and

(3) The appropriate agency which provides child welfare services.

(b) File a declaration of compliance with the court, including a copy of each notice sent, together with any return receipts or other proof of service.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2246 )