Articles Index
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).
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 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.
Model Open 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.
The History of Open Adoption
Catch a quick informative glimpse of open adoption in this short article by Lucille Carroll, guest author. Open adoption is not a new concept.
The Wall's Legacy:
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 Wall
This is the wall keeping countless mothers separated from their children by the system called Open Adoption.
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute Explores Opening Adoption Records
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.
The Myth of the Right to Privacy as Justification for Safe Haven Laws
Many try to justify safe haven laws by stating that mother's have a right to privacy. From the legal stand point this argument does not hold water as a valid point in protecting safe haven laws.
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.
CASE REPORT: Natural Mother's Ability to Sue for Damages After Adoption
Interesting article about adoption law. Can a natural mother sue for damages after a forced adoption? More in this short essay on adoption law.
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.
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.
The Florida Adoption Act
An essay on the confusing law around the Florida Adoption Act and the putative father registry.
Ohio Law: When is a Registered Putative Father's Consent to Adoption Unnecessary
Deep explanation of putative father rights within Ohio law.
Open Records vs. Birth Mother Protection
Many voices purport to speak for birth mothers to explain to the world what we want and need in regards to open records. Some say we did not want our children to begin with and, therefore, we want/need to be protected from our children coming back into our lives. Unfortunately, many of those who claim to know how we felt about our children and how we feel about them now, actually know nothing about our true feelings.