§ 14-15-01 — Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Abandon" means:
a. As to a parent of a child not in the custody of that parent, failure by the
noncustodial parent significantly without justifiable cause to:
(1) Communicate through physical contact or oral conversation with the child; or
(2) Provide for the care and support of the child as required by law.
b. As to a parent of a child in that parent's custody:
(1) To leave the child for an indefinite period without making firm and agreed
plans, with the child's immediate caregiver, for the parent's resumption of
physical custody;
(2) Following the child's birth or treatment at a hospital, to fail to arrange for the
child's discharge within ten days after the child no longer requires hospital
care; or
(3) To willfully fail to furnish food, shelter, clothing, or medical attention
reasonably sufficient to meet the child's needs.
2. "Adult" means an individual who is not a minor.
3. "Agency" means an entity licensed under chapter 50-12 to place minors for adoption.
4. "Child" means a son or daughter, whether by birth or adoption.
5. "Court" means the district court of this state, and when the context requires means the
court of any other state empowered to grant petitions for adoption.
6. "Department" means the department of health and human services.
7. "Genetic parent" means the biological mother or adjudicated mother of the adopted
child, or the presumed father or adjudicated father of the adopted child under chapter
14-20.
8. "Genetic sibling" means individuals with genetic relationship of sister, brother,
half-sister, or half-brother.
9. "Human service zone" means a county or consolidated group of counties
administering human services within a designated area in accordance with an
agreement or plan approved by the department.
10. "Identifying" includes full name, address, date of birth, telephone number, or anything
that may lead to the identity of any previously undisclosed individual.
11. "Investigation" includes information obtained regarding the child's history, a
preplacement adoption assessment of the prospective adoptive family, and an
evaluation of the child's placement in the adoptive home.
12. "Minor" means an individual under the age of eighteen years.
13. "Nonidentifying adoptive information" means:
a. Age of genetic parent in years at the birth of the adopted child.
b. Heritage of genetic parent.
c. Educational attainments, including the number of years of school completed by
genetic parent at the time of birth of the adopted child.
d. General physical appearance of genetic parent at the time of birth of the adopted
child, including the height, weight, color of hair, eyes, skin, and other information
of a similar nature.
e. Talents, hobbies, and special interests of genetic parents.
f. Existence of any other children born to either genetic parent.
g. Reasons for child being placed for adoption or for termination of parental right.
h. Religion of genetic parent.
i. Vocation of genetic parent in general terms.
j. Health history of genetic parents and blood relatives in a manner prescribed by
the department.
k. Such further information which, in the judgment of the agency, will not be
detrimental to the adoptive parent or the adopted individual requesting the

information, but the additional information may not identify genetic parents by
name or location.
14. "Relative" means any individual having the following relationship to the minor by
marriage, blood, or adoption: brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, first cousin, uncle,
aunt, or grandparent.
15. "Stepparent" means an individual who is married to a parent of a child who has not
adopted the child.