Counseling before termination of parental rights

Any birthparent who plans to petition the court for the voluntary termination of parental rights shall obtain counseling regarding the termination from a licensed child - placement agency as defined in § 26-6-14 , the Department of Social Services, or either a certified social worker eligible to engage in private independent practice as defined in § 36-26-17 , a licensed counselor, or a licensed psychologist, each of whom must have at least two years of experience in adoption practice. Source: SL 1994, ch 197 , § 1.