The proposed Uniform Unregulated Transfer of Child Custody Act of 2025 aims to create a regulatory framework for the transfer of child custody, specifically targeting unregulated transfers that could jeopardize children's safety. The act prohibits parents or guardians from transferring custody with the intent to abandon their responsibilities and restricts any advertising or solicitation for such transfers. It empowers the Child and Family Services Agency and the Attorney General for the District of Columbia to investigate violations and enforce compliance, establishing penalties for non-compliance. The act also defines key terms related to custody transfers and outlines the legal processes for such transfers, emphasizing the need for oversight to ensure the safety of children.

Additionally, the act mandates that child-placing agencies provide prospective adoptive parents with comprehensive information about the health and behavioral challenges of children they may adopt, ensuring they are adequately prepared for the responsibilities involved. It includes provisions for exemptions to the prohibition on custody transfers, allowing transfers to certain family members and individuals with close relationships to the child, provided the parent or guardian believes the individual is a suitable custodian. The legislation also introduces compliance measures for child-placing agencies and allows for investigations into agencies that fail to meet the new requirements, ultimately aiming to enhance child welfare and promote informed decision-making in the adoption process.