Child Adoption vs. Family Reunification

I once viewed a movie in which a child was being severely abused by his parents. He locked himself in a closet and called the child protective services hotline and was able to be rescued from a heart wrenching situation. Children should be protected from abusive parents. However, this agency‘s goal of protecting children has, because of federal and state regulations, turned into an agency that separates children from families.

The reason for the change of the agency’s agenda in recent years is highlighted in a research article by The Education State University, “In 1980, Congress passed the first comprehensive federal child protective services act, the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-272), which focused on state economic incentives to substantially decrease the length and number of foster care placements. This act also required specific family reunification services, reflecting the goals of the 1909 White House Conference. However, in 1997, in order to cure many of the defects in the 1980 act, Congress passed the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which shifted the focus from family reunification to expeditious permanency for children in adoptive placements. All state child protection systems adopted the federal guidelines as a requirement for receiving federal subsidies.” Child Protective Services - HISTORICAL OVERVIEW, CURRENT SYSTEM.

To receive federal aid States have used these guidelines to support their decision to place children into non-family adopted homes. This has resulted in separation of siblings, loss of contact with grandparents and other close family members, and the destruction of the child’s legacy and heritage.

Not A Day Goes By...

Although it has been over a year that I have posted to this Blog, there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of them. Now Angel is 11 and Armoni is 10. I hope they think of us as well.

I try to refrain from resentfulness and vengenfulness, those are not christian qualities nor are they healthy ones. I often wonder how I would react if I some day see Angel and Armoni at the super market or in the park with their adopted mom, Kathy H-B. I would like to ask her why she felt she had to change their names or why she felt that we should not have contact with them or prevent them from having contact with their siblings. More importantly, does she feels that such acts are more harmful than helpful? Or would I just politely greet her and give my grandbabies the kind of hug one gives to a love one who they know they will never see again? I hope I have that opportunity.

Adoptive parents need to know the importance of the children's biological families. After all if it was not for the biological families the children would not be here.

On the flip side of the coin there are adoptive parents that welcome the biological families to be a part of their family. One such family is the Singer family. They have had several foster children in their home and have now adopted them. They tiredlessly work along with the biological families, as long as there is no physical danger to the children, to raise their children in a emotionally healthy environment. My heart and love goes out to parents such as the Singer Family. May more adoptive Family following their example.