A.  After an interlocutory decree has been entered, the department shall maintain contact with the proposed adoptive home directly or through another agency in accordance with Paragraph B.  The number of visits to the home and the time for them shall be within the discretion of the department.  However, no less than two visits shall be made to the home, one of which shall occur within thirty days before the final decree of adoption.

B.  The department may delegate the performance of this investigation to a licensed private adoption agency, but the department remains responsible for ensuring the accuracy and thoroughness of the resulting report and for the safety and welfare of the child.  The department shall adopt, promulgate, and enforce such rules and regulations as are necessary and appropriate to implement this authorization in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

C.  A second confidential report must be presented to the court preceding the hearing on the final decree of adoption.  The findings of this report shall be based upon the same findings as prescribed in Article 1283.5 and shall disclose any changed conditions and all new pertinent information.

Acts 1999, No. 1268, §1; Acts 2013, No. 86, §1.