Friends of “CLEAN” Adoption Reform,
Happy summer-
Our efforts for “CLEAN” adoption reform continue as preparations for the 2019 – 2020 legislative session progress.
PODCAST INTERVIEW—BORN IN JUNE RAISED IN APRIL:
With big thanks to April Dinwoodie for inviting Tim to be a guest, we hope you will enjoy the July episode of Born In June Raised In April. Tim and April discuss personal adoption experiences, independence and identity. Subscribe for free at iTunes!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/born-in-june-raised-in-april/id1088504227?mt=2
Alternate podcast link if you do not use iTunes:
GENEAOLOGY TOOLS: NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR RIGHTS:
We note the rise of genealogy tools that may help any citizen find more information about their origins. Examples include commercial DNA kits and birth indexes and, similar to blind state registries, public results create a wide variety of private experiences. Whatever the results, genealogy tools do not diminish, in any way, the need for our government to restore unrestricted access to original birth certificates for all adult adoptees (“clean” adoption reform). We estimate that there are 647,960 sealed records in New York, 10% of which come from confidential, “closed” adoptions.
“OPEN” AND “CLOSED” ADOPTIONS: BOTH SEAL RECORDS:
“Clean” reform is appropriate, whether an adoptee is placed in a “closed” or “open” adoption. If “closed,” then there is no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family while the adoptee is a minor. If “open,” then there is potential for contact while the adoptee is a minor. While the vast majority of adoptions are not “confidential” or “closed” anymore, both “open” and “closed” adoptions have the following in common: (1) there was not, and could not be, any legal promise of lifelong “anonymity” for birth parents, or anybody, from surrendered sons and daughters and (2) the original birth certificates were sealed. However, restoring access to original birth certificates will not alter whether a prior adoption was “closed” or “open.” Why? Because, with “clean” adoption reform, any adoptee who exercises the right to access their original birth certificate will receive it, or identifying information, while she or he is an adult.
THE DISTINCT, LEGAL IMPORTANCE OF “CLEAN” ADOPTION REFORM:
“Clean” adoption reform is the vehicle by which New York will restore equal citizenship rights with all non-adopted people (including adults who “age out” of foster care) to access personal, identifying documents. This is working in nine other U.S. states and many other nations. New York remains overdue.
ADDED BENEFITS OF “CLEAN” ADOPTION REFORM:
There will be many benefits of “clean” reform. One example will come if adoptees desire to contact birth family, beyond receiving the original birth certificate (the new option will be whether or not to request a copy of the original birth certificate and it will remain an option to seek contact). In such a case, there will be greater opportunity for discretion through increased odds to connect directly with birth parents. Conversely, DNA results typically include a pool of potential contacts made up only of more distant relatives, decreasing the odds for more discreet, initial outreach.
RIGHTS ARE RIGHTS! DON’T BE FOOLED!
DNA kits and paid databases don’t honor adoptee civil rights.
Birth indexes don’t honor adoptee civil rights.
Only changes in the law, as we advocate for, will restore equality in adoptee civil rights.
We will continue to act, because adoptee equality most definitely matters!
Contact Tim if you’d like to reach out! tmw713@gmail.com
Thank you for your continued support!
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Tim, Doris and Jennifer