Ex Parte Frantum

This is an appeal from an order of the Circuit Court of Baltimore City dismissing the petition of the appellants, Frank H. Frantum and Minnie E. Frantum, his wife, which sought the adoption of an infant, white, male child, Burton Stevens (“Burton”).

The child, the illegitimate son of Betty Ann Stevens, was born November 5, 1955. Prior to the birth of Burton his mother voluntarily applied to the Department of Public Welfare (“Welfare Department”) for adoption service. Burton was adjudicated to be a dependent child and was committed to the Welfare Department on December 15, 1955. On December…