A. The pre-placement study shall be performed as prescribed by department regulation and shall include at a minimum the following:

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(1)     an individual interview with each petitioner;

(2)     a joint interview with both petitioners; if a joint interview is not conducted, an explanation shall be provided in the pre-placement study;

(3)     a home visit, which shall include an interview with the petitioner’s children and any other permanent residents of the petitioner’s home;

(4)     an interview with the adoptee, if age appropriate;

(5)     an individual interview with each of the adoptee’s parents; if a parent is not interviewed, an explanation shall be provided in the pre-placement study;

(6)     full disclosure to the petitioner;

(7)     exploration of the petitioners’ philosophy concerning discussion of adoption issues with the adoptee;

(8)     the initiation of a criminal records check of each petitioner;

(9)     a medical certificate dated not more than one year prior to any adoptive placement assessing the petitioner’s health as it relates to the petitioner’s ability to care for the adoptee;

(10)    a minimum of three letters of reference from individuals named by the petitioner or memoranda of the dates and contents of personal contacts with the references;

(11)    a statement of the capacity and readiness of the petitioner for parenthood and the petitioner’s emotional and physical health and ability to shelter, feed, clothe and educate the adoptee;

status;

(12)    verification of the petitioner’s employment, financial resources and marital (13)    a report of a medical examination performed on the adoptee within one year prior to the proposed adoptive placement;

(14)    a statement of the results of any prior pre-placement study or initiation of a pre-placement study, if any, of the petitioners done by any person; and

(15)    the investigator shall attach a copy of proof of certification by the department for the investigator to conduct pre-placement studies, or if the preparer of the pre-placement study is out-of-state, the preparer shall attach a statement setting forth qualifications that are equivalent to those required of an investigator pursuant to the provisions of Section 32A-5-13 N.M. Stat. Ann. and department regulations.

B. The pre-placement study shall be completed at the cost of the petitioner.

C. Unless directed by the court, a pre-placement study is not required in cases in which the child is being adopted by a stepparent, a relative or a person named in the child’s deceased parent’s will pursuant to Section 32A-5-12 N.M. Stat. Ann..

D. The pre-placement study shall be filed with the court.