Adoption Rights / Issues
Information and reports on adoption rights and the current fight for more in the adoption industry and adoption community.
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute: Eliminating Barriers to Gay Adoption
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released its latest study September 2008, which offers recommendations to increase the number of prospective adoptive parents for children in foster care by welcoming gays and lesbians.
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released its latest study September 2008, which offers recommendations to increase the number of prospective adoptive parents for children in foster care by welcoming gays and lesbians.
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute Explores Interracial Adoptions
New research done by The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute found that the Multethnic Placement Act or MEPA is not meeting the needs of the African American children in the foster care system. It is being suggested that the original 1994 MEPA was better suited than the 1996 Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption Provisions(IEP) additions.
New research done by The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute found that the Multethnic Placement Act or MEPA is not meeting the needs of the African American children in the foster care system. It is being suggested that the original 1994 MEPA was better suited than the 1996 Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption Provisions(IEP) additions.
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute Explores Opening Adoption Rec
One of the most hotly debated adoption issue is that of open adoption records and whether adult adoptees should have access to their adoption information. New research from the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute suggests that "yes" adoption records should be made available to adult adoptees, including the ever elusive original birth certificate.
One of the most hotly debated adoption issue is that of open adoption records and whether adult adoptees should have access to their adoption information. New research from the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute suggests that "yes" adoption records should be made available to adult adoptees, including the ever elusive original birth certificate.
All About Open Adoption Records - Birth Mothers Speak Out
The dangers of when one group speaks out for another. Birth mothers who have placed their children for adoption speak out for open adoption records.
The dangers of when one group speaks out for another. Birth mothers who have placed their children for adoption speak out for open adoption records.
Virginia*
Information on the Putative Father Registry of Virginia.
Information on the Putative Father Registry of Virginia.
Rebuttal to NCFA's E-Memo
Erik L. Smith thought that Florida's Adoption Act and Putative Father Registries were very confusing. Now it appears that the courts agree, but the National Council For Adoption (NCFA)is arguing that the courts were wrong. Mr. Smith offers a rebuttal to the NCFA's assertions.
Erik L. Smith thought that Florida's Adoption Act and Putative Father Registries were very confusing. Now it appears that the courts agree, but the National Council For Adoption (NCFA)is arguing that the courts were wrong. Mr. Smith offers a rebuttal to the NCFA's assertions.
Response to Soule Editorial
Erik L. Smith offers his strong opinion on 1991 Editorial by Dave and Peggy Soule: It Takes More Than Sex to be a Dad.
Erik L. Smith offers his strong opinion on 1991 Editorial by Dave and Peggy Soule: It Takes More Than Sex to be a Dad.
Birth Father-Putative Father Registry-Birth Father
Information on the Putative Father Registry of Massachusetts.
Information on the Putative Father Registry of Massachusetts.
Adoption Is not a Reproduction Rights Issue
An interesting essay on the laws pertaining to adoption and reproductive rights. Many try to connect the two, this essay points out the fact that the two have nothing to do with each other.
An interesting essay on the laws pertaining to adoption and reproductive rights. Many try to connect the two, this essay points out the fact that the two have nothing to do with each other.
Adoption Relationships: A Triangle or a Plane?
The three main groups of adoption are usually represented by a triangle. Two adoptees change up this idea with the introduction of the adoption plane.
The three main groups of adoption are usually represented by a triangle. Two adoptees change up this idea with the introduction of the adoption plane.
Having Two Dad : Situation Embarrassing But Not Serious
Erik Smith fought the adoptive parents for over a year for custody of his infant son. The two parties decided on a custody arrangement which gave Smith liberal visitation rights. The embarrassing moments that his child may feel trying to explain his two dads are temporary. Smith believes that having both fathers in his son’s life is a huge benefit to his child.
Erik Smith fought the adoptive parents for over a year for custody of his infant son. The two parties decided on a custody arrangement which gave Smith liberal visitation rights. The embarrassing moments that his child may feel trying to explain his two dads are temporary. Smith believes that having both fathers in his son’s life is a huge benefit to his child.
12 Russian Children Murdered by Adoptive Parents
There have been 12 cases of adopted children from Russia who were murdered by their adoptive parents. Here are the quick facts on these chilling cases.
There have been 12 cases of adopted children from Russia who were murdered by their adoptive parents. Here are the quick facts on these chilling cases.
Open Records vs. Birth Mother Protection
Many voices purport to speak for birth mothers to explain to the world what they want and need in regards to open records. Some say they did not want their children to begin with and need to be protected from their children coming back into their lives. ~ Jan Baker
Many voices purport to speak for birth mothers to explain to the world what they want and need in regards to open records. Some say they did not want their children to begin with and need to be protected from their children coming back into their lives. ~ Jan Baker
History of Open Adoption
Catch a quick informative glimpse of adoption in this short article by Louann Carroll, guest author.
Catch a quick informative glimpse of adoption in this short article by Louann Carroll, guest author.
The Wall - An Essay on Open Adoption
This is the wall keeping countless mothers separated from their children by the system called Open Adoption.
This is the wall keeping countless mothers separated from their children by the system called Open Adoption.
The Wall - Part 2 - An Essay on Open Adoption
The type of grief experienced in adoption (closed or open in an unhealthy manner) is so uniquely painful that it has also been compared to that experienced by the families of soldiers missing in action. Part 2 in a two part essay.
The type of grief experienced in adoption (closed or open in an unhealthy manner) is so uniquely painful that it has also been compared to that experienced by the families of soldiers missing in action. Part 2 in a two part essay.
Model Open Adoption Records Legislation
This page contains an example of open records legislation that can be used by open records action groups to propose legislative change. It is non-discriminatory in that it opens records to both adoptees and natural parents, and also recognizes that family includes siblings and grandparents who may also wish to search.
This page contains an example of open records legislation that can be used by open records action groups to propose legislative change. It is non-discriminatory in that it opens records to both adoptees and natural parents, and also recognizes that family includes siblings and grandparents who may also wish to search.
The Charter of Adoptee Rights
This Charter was drafted as a tool for use by the Open Records movement in North America. It can be used to lobby human rights agencies, state governments, etc. to pass as part of their human rights codes, to form the basis of open records legislation (AND the right of adoptees to self-determination).
This Charter was drafted as a tool for use by the Open Records movement in North America. It can be used to lobby human rights agencies, state governments, etc. to pass as part of their human rights codes, to form the basis of open records legislation (AND the right of adoptees to self-determination).
Open Records: A Motherhood Issue
A natural mother supports opening adoption records. Many arguments given for the opening of adoption records for adoptees as well as birth/first mothers.
A natural mother supports opening adoption records. Many arguments given for the opening of adoption records for adoptees as well as birth/first mothers.
Birth Father Registries
Birth father rights are important and perhaps the registries are the best option available, but what changes need to be made to ensure that the father's are involved?
Birth father rights are important and perhaps the registries are the best option available, but what changes need to be made to ensure that the father's are involved?
The Ohio Putative Father Registry - The What?
Erik Smith struggles to sign the very registry he needs to sign in order to maintain his rights as a potential father. Read his interesting story here.
Erik Smith struggles to sign the very registry he needs to sign in order to maintain his rights as a potential father. Read his interesting story here.
National Directory of Putative Father Registries
An explanation of the putative father registry as well as a listing of the states that have such a registry. Complete with contact information. By Erik Smith
An explanation of the putative father registry as well as a listing of the states that have such a registry. Complete with contact information. By Erik Smith
Response to "The Need for Birth Father Registries"
Erik L. Smith, a birth father, responds to Mardie Caldwell's thoughts on birth father registries.
Erik L. Smith, a birth father, responds to Mardie Caldwell's thoughts on birth father registries.
Case Report - Ohio
Case study of a teen father and his parents trying to work the system in Ohio.
Case study of a teen father and his parents trying to work the system in Ohio.
Rebuttal: Safe Haven Laws Seriously Flawed
Another take on the Safe Haven laws that 45 of the 50 States have enacted. Written by Erik Smith.
Another take on the Safe Haven laws that 45 of the 50 States have enacted. Written by Erik Smith.
The Need for State Birth Father Registries
Pro birth father registry article outlining reasons and positive outcomes for such a registry. Written by Mardie Caldwell.
Pro birth father registry article outlining reasons and positive outcomes for such a registry. Written by Mardie Caldwell.
Indiana's Putative Father Registry Succeeds
A positive look at the registries, including reasons why they are needed.
A positive look at the registries, including reasons why they are needed.
Bastard Nation
Join the fight to open adoption records.
Join the fight to open adoption records.