(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, only a person for whom a favorable written preplacement evaluation has been prepared may accept custody of a minor for purposes of adoption.

(b) An evaluation is valid if it was completed or updated within the 12 months preceding the placement of the minor with the person for adoption.

(c) A court may waive all or a portion of the requirement of a preplacement evaluation for good cause shown, but a person who is the subject of a waiver shall be evaluated during the pendency of a proceeding for adoption.

(d) A preplacement evaluation is not required if a parent or guardian places a minor directly with a relative of the minor for purposes of adoption, but an evaluation of the relative is required during the pendency of a proceeding for adoption. (Added 1995, No. 161 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1997, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1997, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 7.)