In re Caroline

OPINION OF THE COURT

Davis, J.

The issues presented in this appeal are (1) whether petitioners have standing to commence and proceed with this private-placement adoption proceeding wherein they seek to dispense with parental consent on the ground of mental retardation pursuant to Domestic Relations Law § 111 (2) (d) and (2) whether the adoption may proceed absent a showing that an authorized agency engaged in diligent efforts to strengthen and reunite the child with her natural parents. We conclude that petitioners have standing and that no agency involvement is required in this…