The decree may provide that, during the period, if any, between the entry thereof and the effective date of adoption, the care, custody, and control of a minor child be given to the petitioner or petitioners, who, in such event, shall be liable during such period for the care, maintenance, and support of the minor child and for its torts in the same manner as legal parents, and may further provide for the supervision and visitation of the minor child by the director of human services or the director’s agent during such period and for such reports in connection therewith as the court may require.