The Forever Family Restoration Act

Proposal Sent to Isaac Bryan

In California, once a parent has their rights involuntarily terminated, the only pathway to restoration and reunification with their child or children is through the legal action of that child and only if that child is not currently adopted by another person. 

This ignores any children who are not able to advocate for themselves, even if they desperately desire it --- including those children with disabilities and those who lack support, as "legal orphans" often do. They can't even see their original birth certificate without a judge's permission.

The Forever Family Restoration Act establishes a pathway for parents to petition for the reinstatement of their own parental rights on their own behalf, which means more children will be able to experience the love and support of their biological parents.

Crucially, the Forever Family Restoration Act does not automatically change a child's home placement, therefore preserving any existing stability of an adoptive home, and it does not take away the ability to petition the court from children who actually do have support and who have reached a developmentally appropriate age to make such a decision.

Audio Stories from Affected Parents​

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