H.R. 6170: Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency Act of 2025

The Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency Act of 2025, also known as the ADOPT Act of 2025, aims to address unlawful practices in private domestic interstate adoption. The primary objectives of the bill include:

Purpose

• To protect individuals and families involved in private domestic interstate adoption from being exploited by unlicensed adoption intermediaries.
• To ensure that those looking to adopt have easy access to licensed and regulated adoption providers within their communities.
• To prevent the commodification of children involved in private domestic interstate adoptions.

Provisions of the Bill

The bill introduces new definitions and penalties related to unlawful adoption practices under a new section in Chapter 11A of Title 18 of the United States Code.

Definitions

• Adoption Advertising: Any paid communication intended to connect placing parents and prospective adoptive parents.
• Adoption Intermediary Services: Services that link placing parents and prospective adoptive parents for the purpose of arranging an adoption, provided for compensation.
• Placing Parent: A parent with legal authority to place a child for adoption.
• Public and Private Child-Placing Agencies: Agencies authorized to place children for adoption, either government-run or licensed private organizations.

Criminalization of Unlawful Practices

The bill criminalizes the provision of adoption intermediary services and the placement of adoption advertisements under circumstances defined in the bill:

• Any person who knowingly engages in these activities without proper licensing or in violation of the regulations set forth will face penalties.
• Exceptions are made for public and licensed private child-placing agencies, licensed attorneys, and certain nonprofit organizations.

Unauthorized Payments

The act makes it illegal to provide anything of value to a placing parent in connection with the adoption process exceeding $2,500 before they have consulted with a licensed agency or attorney. This measure aims to eliminate financial exploitation in adoption arrangements.

Penalties

Violations of the provisions related to unlawful adoption practices can lead to significant penalties:

• Individuals may face fines up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years per violation.
• Organizations can be fined up to $100,000 per violation.

Effective Date

The provisions of this act will come into effect 120 days after it is enacted.

Relevant Companies

• MDLA (Medallion Financial Corp.) - The company provides financing and services related to private adoption. Changes in legislation could impact their operations or the demand for such services.