As a person deeply affected by the current adoption and child welfare laws in Pennsylvania, I urge our lawmakers to implement vital reform. Our personal story begins with a friends pain of not being notified of a child’s death because of closed adoption policies. Such a traumatic experience brings to light the critical need for change in our state. We propose two significant changes. First, we need a law requiring the notification of biological parents in the event of a child’s death, regardless of their adoption status. This change will prevent unnecessary trauma and uncertainty faced by many families like mine. Second, we petition Pennsylvania to become an open adoption state, except in cases of abuse or neglect, which will lead to greater transparency and respect for biological relationships.

Moreover, underlying systemic issues contribute to challenges in family reunification. Crippling poverty often leads to children being placed in foster care. In fact, according to the Children's Bureau, financial problems were the second most frequent reason for a child's removal in 2019. Thus, we petition the state to prioritize family reunification and support services to help families overcome poverty. In this way, we can ensure stronger families and more resilient communities.

We implore you to support these changes in legislative policy. Only through meaningful change can we ensure that no other family experiences the pain and suffering we have endured. Please sign this petition to help implement necessary reform in the policies governing adoption and child welfare in Pennsylvania.