This is a story of a friend that I have grown to love and admire. I asked her if I could share this story knowing that it could help so many of us as we embark on adoption to make sure that our children and their birth families are protected in every way. Please read Charissa's story below and pray for their family!
"It is with great sadness and regret I announce that due to very difficult circumstances we will not be adopting the three children from Ethiopia that we committed to adopt.We hired Celebrate Children International (CCI) to facilitate our adoption. However, as time went on we became increasingly concerned and uneasy about the lack of answers we were getting, the defensiveness of the agency, and mostly, the fact that the agency was so heavily involved in the relinquishment process, when this is clearly a conflict of interest according to every other reputable agency we contacted.
We terminated our contract with CCI, hoping we could find some answers through a private investigation. We were able to find someone who could go to the orphanage personally to interview the children and their mothers. Our suspicions were confirmed by the mothers, CCI had approached these mothers and encouraged families to place their children for adoption to the United States. We have video of the director specifically telling the mother that she could easily find a new family for her child.
Other than the videos, we do not know what the mothers were told or whether they were offered anything in exchange, or why they didn't take the children back when they were offered them, but it was clear "our" three children are/were orphans as a direct result of an adoption agency recruiting and exploiting families and their children. We have been told the orphanage where the children have been residing has cut ties with CCI as well, stating they were also concerned about ethics that were being violated by the agency. The children are now listed with another more reputable agency. We feel peace knowing this new agency is now carefully investigating all the cases of the children at that orphanage who were previously listed with CCI.
It is my prayer that these investigations will result in the children being returned to their biological families.As you can imagine, this has been an extremely long and difficult three months for our entire family.CCI continues to practice in Ethiopia and will most likely continue these unethical practices. We have done what we can to report the evidence we have to the proper authorities, and the agency is now being investigated in Ethiopia and in Florida. Unfortunately when we called the state of Florida, we were told that there have been multiple complaints about CCI, many of them about similar unethical practices in Guatemala but there was little that can be done until Florida updates their laws to include international adoption. The US State Department can only challenge Hague accredited organizations. CCI was denied Hague accreditation and so they are exempt from US State Department scrutiny. There is a loophole that allows unethical and illegal activity to continue and it is explained in this article.We made the difficult decision to challenge our agency by asking them difficult questions. In doing so, we believe we have uncovered things that every adoptive family should be prepared to uncover.
Please pray with us that families can be restored, truth come to light, and that justice will be served. There are so many vulnerable children that are true orphans that do indeed need homes. We will always advocate adoption for those who truly need to be adopted. However, sadly, it has come to our attention that there is a great need for reform and accountability for those who profit from the adoption industry.
This adoption turned out much different than we prayed or imagined. We set out to do good by adopting a sweet little girl wearing a yellow dress, but we pray we have done a greater good by doing what we believe was the right thing to do. We are reminded that those kids were never 'our' kids, they were the Lord's all along. We have relinquished them back into His care, trusting that He will be their Defender, Protector, Father. I just thought you all should know. Thanks for your prayers and support. We are open to questions if you have any."
I will link their blog here in case you want to contact her for questions. May we all learn from the incredible questions that this family asked and decisions they made and may we all follow in their steps!
Showing posts with label adoption laws. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption laws. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday, September 14, 2009
Cooper's Law- update
I got a call Friday afternoon at 2:30 from Representative Nelson's office asking if there were anyway I could meet with him @ 4 to discuss Cooper's Law!
I jumped at the opportunity and praised God for His timing! I had just come home from dropping the kids off at Blake's parents house for the night! I had the afternoon to myself and had no time to get anxious about this!!! (Well, okay I got anxious wondering why God was having me talk about laws? I am so not qualified.)
Thank you for all of you that prayed for me. Bad news first: I completely pitted out my shirt because I was so nervous! I tried to capture a picture of it because it was quite hilarious, but it just didn't do it justice. Good news: I didn't throw up and...
HE SUPPORTS COOPER'S LAW!!!!
Praise God for getting this into the right hands. We sat and discussed what some concerns might be and how we should handle that. We discussed why this needed to be changed and what other states already had laws very similar to this. It was such a wonderful meeting and he was so open to my concerns, and he felt this deep need to protect birth mothers. How great is that??? He gets it, from all angles.
He talked about how in trying to protect the adoption process, with this law how it currently stands, we've actually made it harder for birth mothers to place.
He wants to meet our precious Mandy and hear her heart on this law... How incredible is that?
Keep praying for this to move forward. As much as he supports it, he understands there will be opposition. He does not see this "moving to session" or moving this session??? (See I shouldn't be talking about this.) Essentially, this won't happen quickly because he felt like it was a big deal, but he said this law NEEDS TO CHANGE. It cannot stand how it currently does. Praise God!!!
Thank you all for all of your support! We really and truly are amazed at how this has happened. How in the world did we get blessed enough to get this into the man's hands that is currently looking to reform Oklahoma Adoption Laws??? Only by the grace of God. Please keep praying that this law only moves forward if it is right and protects everyone involved to the best of it's ability. Pray that just as they have, doors will open and shut according to God's will. As an incredible woman told me yesterday, God is the author of adoption and He cares about this.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
It's go time!
If you live in Oklahoma, or know someone that does...I need your help! I am begging you!
Most of you know that for months now we've been working to draw attention to some adoption laws that we believe need attention.
In this mission, I have found an incredible team of professionals that come together monthly to address such needs in the adoption community. I have attended the last two adoption task force meetings and I am continued to be amazed at what all these people are doing. It is such a privilege to just be able to hear what they are doing and watch it all happen right before my eyes. There are judges, DHS representatives, adoption agencies, a public defender and now a birth mother, an adoptive mother and an adult adoptee.
At this last meeting Representative Jason Nelson shared that he has received a lot of requests for issues to be addressed by the task force. I am hoping that some of these requests were about Cooper's Law, but I know that there are lots of adoptive families out there that feel the need to have their concerns addressed! Then he asked the task force if they would be okay asking some families to share with the group their story and why they needed the task force to consider their concerns!!! I was sitting in the back of the room and almost fell out of my chair. How cool would it be for Cooper's Law and Cooper's story to be shared with so many that feel just as passionate about this as I do??? 
So, I am begging you. If you haven't written Representative Jason Nelson or Senator Steve Russell yet, please do! If you have and you could do so again, PLEASE DO! From what I understand this task force has a lot of weight on what issues in adoption will actually be addressed or changed! If anyone will hear me out, it will be this group. If you do write him please make reference to Cooper's Law. If you know of a personal adoption story in which you think relinquishment in the hospital could have kept an adoption in place that ended up falling through, please share that in your letter or email. Remember that our intent with this change is to protect the child and the birth parent's choice. Our goal here is that birth mothers who want to sign papers in the hospital (or at their agency) can do so without having to sit before a judge.
You can share my name if you want, but you don't have to. I am going to write them again today (for the 4th time). Oh my goodness, I can't believe I have become "one of those people"! But, I will never forget those weeks as we were losing Cooper and feeling so helpless. There was nothing we could do to keep him. I think that feeling is fueling me. In the midst of that journey I felt like it was just a part of adoption and something that had to be risked, but now I know better. Many states are doing this differently and there is no reason why we should continue in something that is not working. And because of that, I feel like I have to at least try to do something. Another incredible thing is that Cooper's birthmom supports this 100% and only wishes this had been in place long ago.
These 3 were some of those that were taken the day we lost Cooper. We were saying good-bye to our sweet baby boy. 
On another note, many of you have asked if I had heard if I had been chosen to be on the task force. I found out yesterday that I did not. I joked about not being qualified, and boy was I right! The mom they chose is a wonderful pick as she wrote the bill that in its approval put into affect the adoption task force...she deserves to be on it! 
Let's get busy writing some letters/emails! If you click on the representative or senators names it is linked to their info. If you can only write one, please address Rep. Jason Nelson as he was the one addressing the task force with this idea! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Cooper's Law...it's long!!!!
Section 7503 – 2.3 Permanent Relinquishment
A. A permanent relinquishment may be executed by a person whose consent to the adoption of a minor is required by Section 7503-2.1 of this title. The permanent relinquishment shall be in writing and shall relinquish all of that individual's rights with respect to the minor, including legal and physical custody and the right to consent to the minor's adoption.
B. Permanent relinquishments may be made only to:
1. The Department of Human Services;
2. A child-placing agency; or
3. Any other person, with the written consent of the Department or court.
C. A permanent relinquishment shall be either:
1. In writing, executed before a judge of the district court in this state, recorded by a court reporter and contain:
a. The date, place, and time of the execution of the permanent relinquishment;
b. The name and date of birth of the person executing the permanent relinquishment;
c. The current mailing address, telephone number and social security number of the person executing the permanent relinquishment;
d. Instructions that the permanent relinquishment is irrevocable, except upon the specific grounds specified in Section 7503-2.7 of this title, upon which the permanent relinquishment can be revoked and the manner in which a motion to set aside the permanent relinquishment must be filed; and
e. The name of the person or agency as described in subsection B of this section to whom the permanent relinquishment is being given and who shall have the right to give consent to the minor's adoption, OR
2. Signed after the birth of the child, but not before 48 hours after the birth of the child, by the parent, whether or not a minor, whose parental rights are to be relinquished; witnessed by two credible persons; and verified before a person authorized to take oaths
(A) The affidavit must contain:
1. The name, county of residence, and age of the parent whose parental rights are being relinquished;
2. The name, age and birth date of the child;
3. The names and addresses of the guardians of the person and estate of the child, if any:
4. A statement that the affiant is or is not presently obligated by court order to make payment for the support of the child;
5. A full description and statement of value of all property owned or possessed by the child;
6. An allegation that termination of the parent-child relationship is in the best interest of the child;
7. One of the following, as applicable:
(a)The name and county of residence of the other parent;
(b) A statement that the parental rights of the other parent have been terminated by death or court order, or
(c) A statement that the child has no presumed father
8. A statement that the parent has been informed of parental rights and duties;
9. A statement that the relinquishment is revocable, that the relinquishment is irrevocable, or that the relinquishment is irrevocable for a stated period of time;
10. If the relinquishment is revocable, a statement in boldfaced type concerning the right of the parent signing the affidavit to revoke the relinquishment only if the revocation is made before the 11th day after the date the affidavit is executed;
11. If the relinquishment is revocable, the name and address of a person to whom the revocation is to be delivered; and
12. The designation of a prospective adoption parent, the Department of Human Services, if the department has consented in writing to the designation, or a licensed child-placing agency to serve as managing conservator of the child and the address of the person or agency.
(B) The Affidavit may contain:
(1) A waiver of process in a suit to terminate the parent-child relationship filed under this chapter or in a suit to terminate joined with a petition for adoption; and
(2) A consent to the placement of the child for adoption by the Department of Human Services or by a licensed child-placing agency.
(C) A copy of the affidavit shall be provided to the parent at the time that the parent signs the affidavit.
(D) The relinquishment in an affidavit that designates the Department of Human Services or a licensed child-placing agency to serve as the managing conservator is irrevocable. A relinquishment in any other affidavit of relinquishment is revocable unless it expressly provides that it is irrevocable for a stated period of time not to exceed sixty days after the date of it’s execution.
(E) A relinquishment in an affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights that fails to state that the relinquishment is irrevocable, is revocable for a period of 72 hours.
(F) To revoke a relinquishment under subsection (e) the parent must sign a statement witnessed by two credible persons and verified before a person authorized to take oaths. A copy of the revocation shall be delivered to the person designated in the affidavit. If a parent attempting to revoke a relinquishment under this subsection has knowledge that a suit for termination of the parent-child relationship has been filed based on the parent’s affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights, the parent shall file a copy of the revocation with the clerk of the court.
(G) The affidavit may not contain terms for limited post-termination contact between the child and the parent whose parental rights are to be relinquished as a condition of the relinquishment of parental rights.
D. Any permanent relinquishment must state:
1. That the person executing the document is voluntarily and unequivocally consenting to the adoption of the minor;
2. An understanding that after the permanent relinquishment is executed, it is final and, except for fraud or duress, may not be revoked or set aside for any reason except as otherwise authorized by the Oklahoma Adoption Code;
3. That the person executing the permanent relinquishment is represented by counsel or has waived any right to counsel;
4. That the execution of the permanent relinquishment does not terminate any duty of the person executing the permanent relinquishment to support the mother or the minor until the adoption is completed;
5. That the person executing the permanent relinquishment has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the permanent relinquishment, except for payments authorized by law;
6. Whether the individual executing the permanent relinquishment is a member of an Indian tribe and whether the minor is eligible for membership or the minor is a member of an Indian tribe;
7. That the person believes the adoption of the minor is in the minor's best interest; and
8. That the person executing the permanent relinquishment has been advised that an adult adopted person born in Oklahoma, whose decree of adoption is finalized after November 1, 1997, may obtain a copy of such person's original certificate of birth unless affidavits of nondisclosure have been filed pursuant to Section 7503-2.5 of this title and that the relinquishing parent may sign an affidavit of nondisclosure.
E. When it appears to the court that the parent or guardian executing a permanent relinquishment or affidavit desires counsel but is indigent and cannot for that reason employ counsel, the court shall appoint counsel shall be appointed or provided. In all counties having county indigent defenders, the county indigent defenders shall assume the duties of representation in such proceedings.
F. The transcript of the court proceedings or affidavit pursuant to this section shall be placed in the court record.
G. The verification of the court shall be in substantially the following form:
I, ____________________, Judge of the District Court in and for _________________ County, State of Oklahoma, a Court having original adoption jurisdiction, do hereby certify, that upon this day, ________________ personally appeared in open Court, before me, and orally and in writing executed the above and foregoing permanent relinquishment for adoption.
In executing this acknowledgment, I further certify that the said ___________________ acknowledged that the person executed said relinquishment to adoption freely and voluntarily, and that it was explained to such person by or before me, the undersigned Judge of the District Court, that in executing the relinquishment, the person was surrendering all parental authority whatsoever over the minor; and that with such explanation made to the person relinquishing the minor by or before me, the undersigned Judge of the District Court, the person executed the relinquishment, freely, voluntarily and intelligently for all uses and purposes therein set forth.
I further certify that it was explained to the relinquishing person that this relinquishment is irrevocable and final except for fraud or duress and may not be revoked or set aside except and unless no Petition to Adopt is filed within nine (9) months after placement of the minor or if this or some other court decides not to terminate the rights of the other parent of the minor. I further certify that I am satisfied that the relinquishing person understands the consequences of an adoption; the relinquishing person has represented that such person has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the giving of the permanent relinquishment except for those payments authorized by law; the relinquishing person has represented that such person is not under the influence of alcohol or medication or any other substance that affects the person's competence; the person fully understood the English language and communicated in the English language at all times during said hearing, or all information was translated into the relinquishing person's language, and was fully understood by the person; and if the relinquishing person was the biological parent, such parent was advised regarding the affidavit of nondisclosure.
H. A permanent relinquishment shall be signed before any judge of a court having probate or adoption jurisdiction in this state or in the state of residence of the person executing the permanent relinquishment, unless relinquishment is done by affidavit pursuant to (C)(2) of this section.
I. 1. a. If an individual permanently relinquishing the child resides in a country or place other than the United States of America, other than a member of the United States Armed Services stationed abroad, the permanent relinquishment of the individual may be obtained by a written instrument signed by such person and acknowledged before an officer of the legal subdivision of the government of the place of such person's residence who is authorized to administer oaths under the laws of such country or place.
b. If the foreign country's government does not involve itself in adoption matters, the permanent relinquishment may be executed before an officer of the Judge Advocate General's Office of the United States Armed Services or before an officer of the United States Embassy located in that country, provided the execution of a permanent relinquishment is not a violation of the laws of the foreign country, or a violation of international law or treaty between the foreign country's government and the United States. The permanent relinquishment shall reflect that the permanent relinquishment is not given or accepted in violation of the laws of the foreign country or in violation of international law or treaty between such foreign country's government and the United States.
2. If an individual permanently relinquishing the child is a member of the United States Armed Services stationed in a country or place other than the United States, the individual's permanent relinquishment may be acknowledged before an officer of the Judge Advocate General's Office or other legal officer possessing the authority to administer oaths.
J. If the written instrument containing a permanent relinquishment is written in a language other than the English language, the petitioner must have it translated into the English language by a person qualified to do so, and must file the original instrument together with the translation with the court. The translation must be sworn to as being a true and correct translation by the person translating the document.
K. Except as otherwise required by subsection I of this section, when the person permanently relinquishing the child for the purposes of adoption resides outside of Oklahoma, the permanent relinquishment by such person may be executed in that state or country in the manner set forth in the Oklahoma Adoption Code or in the manner prescribed by the laws of the state or country of such person's residence.
L. 1. A court before which a permanent relinquishment has been executed may enter an order terminating parental rights of the parent of a child if such parent has executed a permanent relinquishment for adoption pursuant to the Oklahoma Adoption Code. may enter an order terminating parental rights of the parent of a child if such parent has executed a permanent relinquishment for adoption pursuant to the either provision of the Oklahoma Adoption Code.
2. Any order terminating parental rights of a parent pursuant to this subsection shall state that the termination of parental rights shall not terminate the duty of the parent to support the child of such parent. The duty of the parent to support the child shall not be terminated until such time as a final decree of adoption has been entered.
3. Any proceedings held pursuant to this section shall not require the state as a necessary party.
A. A permanent relinquishment may be executed by a person whose consent to the adoption of a minor is required by Section 7503-2.1 of this title. The permanent relinquishment shall be in writing and shall relinquish all of that individual's rights with respect to the minor, including legal and physical custody and the right to consent to the minor's adoption.
B. Permanent relinquishments may be made only to:
1. The Department of Human Services;
2. A child-placing agency; or
3. Any other person, with the written consent of the Department or court.
C. A permanent relinquishment shall be either:
1. In writing, executed before a judge of the district court in this state, recorded by a court reporter and contain:
a. The date, place, and time of the execution of the permanent relinquishment;
b. The name and date of birth of the person executing the permanent relinquishment;
c. The current mailing address, telephone number and social security number of the person executing the permanent relinquishment;
d. Instructions that the permanent relinquishment is irrevocable, except upon the specific grounds specified in Section 7503-2.7 of this title, upon which the permanent relinquishment can be revoked and the manner in which a motion to set aside the permanent relinquishment must be filed; and
e. The name of the person or agency as described in subsection B of this section to whom the permanent relinquishment is being given and who shall have the right to give consent to the minor's adoption, OR
2. Signed after the birth of the child, but not before 48 hours after the birth of the child, by the parent, whether or not a minor, whose parental rights are to be relinquished; witnessed by two credible persons; and verified before a person authorized to take oaths
(A) The affidavit must contain:
1. The name, county of residence, and age of the parent whose parental rights are being relinquished;
2. The name, age and birth date of the child;
3. The names and addresses of the guardians of the person and estate of the child, if any:
4. A statement that the affiant is or is not presently obligated by court order to make payment for the support of the child;
5. A full description and statement of value of all property owned or possessed by the child;
6. An allegation that termination of the parent-child relationship is in the best interest of the child;
7. One of the following, as applicable:
(a)The name and county of residence of the other parent;
(b) A statement that the parental rights of the other parent have been terminated by death or court order, or
(c) A statement that the child has no presumed father
8. A statement that the parent has been informed of parental rights and duties;
9. A statement that the relinquishment is revocable, that the relinquishment is irrevocable, or that the relinquishment is irrevocable for a stated period of time;
10. If the relinquishment is revocable, a statement in boldfaced type concerning the right of the parent signing the affidavit to revoke the relinquishment only if the revocation is made before the 11th day after the date the affidavit is executed;
11. If the relinquishment is revocable, the name and address of a person to whom the revocation is to be delivered; and
12. The designation of a prospective adoption parent, the Department of Human Services, if the department has consented in writing to the designation, or a licensed child-placing agency to serve as managing conservator of the child and the address of the person or agency.
(B) The Affidavit may contain:
(1) A waiver of process in a suit to terminate the parent-child relationship filed under this chapter or in a suit to terminate joined with a petition for adoption; and
(2) A consent to the placement of the child for adoption by the Department of Human Services or by a licensed child-placing agency.
(C) A copy of the affidavit shall be provided to the parent at the time that the parent signs the affidavit.
(D) The relinquishment in an affidavit that designates the Department of Human Services or a licensed child-placing agency to serve as the managing conservator is irrevocable. A relinquishment in any other affidavit of relinquishment is revocable unless it expressly provides that it is irrevocable for a stated period of time not to exceed sixty days after the date of it’s execution.
(E) A relinquishment in an affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights that fails to state that the relinquishment is irrevocable, is revocable for a period of 72 hours.
(F) To revoke a relinquishment under subsection (e) the parent must sign a statement witnessed by two credible persons and verified before a person authorized to take oaths. A copy of the revocation shall be delivered to the person designated in the affidavit. If a parent attempting to revoke a relinquishment under this subsection has knowledge that a suit for termination of the parent-child relationship has been filed based on the parent’s affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights, the parent shall file a copy of the revocation with the clerk of the court.
(G) The affidavit may not contain terms for limited post-termination contact between the child and the parent whose parental rights are to be relinquished as a condition of the relinquishment of parental rights.
D. Any permanent relinquishment must state:
1. That the person executing the document is voluntarily and unequivocally consenting to the adoption of the minor;
2. An understanding that after the permanent relinquishment is executed, it is final and, except for fraud or duress, may not be revoked or set aside for any reason except as otherwise authorized by the Oklahoma Adoption Code;
3. That the person executing the permanent relinquishment is represented by counsel or has waived any right to counsel;
4. That the execution of the permanent relinquishment does not terminate any duty of the person executing the permanent relinquishment to support the mother or the minor until the adoption is completed;
5. That the person executing the permanent relinquishment has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the permanent relinquishment, except for payments authorized by law;
6. Whether the individual executing the permanent relinquishment is a member of an Indian tribe and whether the minor is eligible for membership or the minor is a member of an Indian tribe;
7. That the person believes the adoption of the minor is in the minor's best interest; and
8. That the person executing the permanent relinquishment has been advised that an adult adopted person born in Oklahoma, whose decree of adoption is finalized after November 1, 1997, may obtain a copy of such person's original certificate of birth unless affidavits of nondisclosure have been filed pursuant to Section 7503-2.5 of this title and that the relinquishing parent may sign an affidavit of nondisclosure.
E. When it appears to the court that the parent or guardian executing a permanent relinquishment or affidavit desires counsel but is indigent and cannot for that reason employ counsel, the court shall appoint counsel shall be appointed or provided. In all counties having county indigent defenders, the county indigent defenders shall assume the duties of representation in such proceedings.
F. The transcript of the court proceedings or affidavit pursuant to this section shall be placed in the court record.
G. The verification of the court shall be in substantially the following form:
I, ____________________, Judge of the District Court in and for _________________ County, State of Oklahoma, a Court having original adoption jurisdiction, do hereby certify, that upon this day, ________________ personally appeared in open Court, before me, and orally and in writing executed the above and foregoing permanent relinquishment for adoption.
In executing this acknowledgment, I further certify that the said ___________________ acknowledged that the person executed said relinquishment to adoption freely and voluntarily, and that it was explained to such person by or before me, the undersigned Judge of the District Court, that in executing the relinquishment, the person was surrendering all parental authority whatsoever over the minor; and that with such explanation made to the person relinquishing the minor by or before me, the undersigned Judge of the District Court, the person executed the relinquishment, freely, voluntarily and intelligently for all uses and purposes therein set forth.
I further certify that it was explained to the relinquishing person that this relinquishment is irrevocable and final except for fraud or duress and may not be revoked or set aside except and unless no Petition to Adopt is filed within nine (9) months after placement of the minor or if this or some other court decides not to terminate the rights of the other parent of the minor. I further certify that I am satisfied that the relinquishing person understands the consequences of an adoption; the relinquishing person has represented that such person has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the giving of the permanent relinquishment except for those payments authorized by law; the relinquishing person has represented that such person is not under the influence of alcohol or medication or any other substance that affects the person's competence; the person fully understood the English language and communicated in the English language at all times during said hearing, or all information was translated into the relinquishing person's language, and was fully understood by the person; and if the relinquishing person was the biological parent, such parent was advised regarding the affidavit of nondisclosure.
H. A permanent relinquishment shall be signed before any judge of a court having probate or adoption jurisdiction in this state or in the state of residence of the person executing the permanent relinquishment, unless relinquishment is done by affidavit pursuant to (C)(2) of this section.
I. 1. a. If an individual permanently relinquishing the child resides in a country or place other than the United States of America, other than a member of the United States Armed Services stationed abroad, the permanent relinquishment of the individual may be obtained by a written instrument signed by such person and acknowledged before an officer of the legal subdivision of the government of the place of such person's residence who is authorized to administer oaths under the laws of such country or place.
b. If the foreign country's government does not involve itself in adoption matters, the permanent relinquishment may be executed before an officer of the Judge Advocate General's Office of the United States Armed Services or before an officer of the United States Embassy located in that country, provided the execution of a permanent relinquishment is not a violation of the laws of the foreign country, or a violation of international law or treaty between the foreign country's government and the United States. The permanent relinquishment shall reflect that the permanent relinquishment is not given or accepted in violation of the laws of the foreign country or in violation of international law or treaty between such foreign country's government and the United States.
2. If an individual permanently relinquishing the child is a member of the United States Armed Services stationed in a country or place other than the United States, the individual's permanent relinquishment may be acknowledged before an officer of the Judge Advocate General's Office or other legal officer possessing the authority to administer oaths.
J. If the written instrument containing a permanent relinquishment is written in a language other than the English language, the petitioner must have it translated into the English language by a person qualified to do so, and must file the original instrument together with the translation with the court. The translation must be sworn to as being a true and correct translation by the person translating the document.
K. Except as otherwise required by subsection I of this section, when the person permanently relinquishing the child for the purposes of adoption resides outside of Oklahoma, the permanent relinquishment by such person may be executed in that state or country in the manner set forth in the Oklahoma Adoption Code or in the manner prescribed by the laws of the state or country of such person's residence.
L. 1. A court before which a permanent relinquishment has been executed may enter an order terminating parental rights of the parent of a child if such parent has executed a permanent relinquishment for adoption pursuant to the Oklahoma Adoption Code. may enter an order terminating parental rights of the parent of a child if such parent has executed a permanent relinquishment for adoption pursuant to the either provision of the Oklahoma Adoption Code.
2. Any order terminating parental rights of a parent pursuant to this subsection shall state that the termination of parental rights shall not terminate the duty of the parent to support the child of such parent. The duty of the parent to support the child shall not be terminated until such time as a final decree of adoption has been entered.
3. Any proceedings held pursuant to this section shall not require the state as a necessary party.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Adoption Task Force
Whoa! I am so excited about this group and what they are doing!
On Friday, the committee had their monthly meeting and I sat in on it. I wasn't really invited, but was told it was open so I went to see what they do. It was so cool!
This is a group of people who are working together to improve adoption in the state of Oklahoma. They are not just working on domestic adoption, but international and DHS adoption as well! The two men leading the meeting were Representative Jason Nelson and Senator Steve Russell. I am not sure how this committee was put together, but they did a wonderful job opening the doors to so many different people in different areas to create a wonderful balance. There were 3 judges, several different agencies represented, the Oklahoma Adoption Coalition, a public defender and that's just what I could see from the name tags I could read!
I was so proud of myself for keeping quiet and just listening. Blake will be the first to tell you that I am not a good listener, so this took a lot of work for me to just sit there and take it all in. In all honesty though, I was just shocked at all they are wanting to do with this committee! It makes me so proud of our state that we have this group of people working to better adoption for everyone involved. The group broke out into subcommittees to look at different areas to be addressed: courts, adoption related expenses, and children's rights.
So I just had to let you know what we are doing to continue to support changes in law and find resources to encourage those that are thinking about adoption. If you haven't yet contacted these two politicians about our desires to amend current laws in OK with Cooper's Law please take the chance to do so today. If you click on their names above it is linked to their contact information. I am hoping that with my presence at these meetings I could draw more attention to this amendment. Please also pray for everything that we are following what God is calling us to do in Oklahoma to care for His children and families.
If you would like to know more about Cooper's Law, go here or email us (mollykshockley@hotmail.com) and we'll send you the full text amendment. Some of you asked about a form letter so that you could have friends easily send out an email, but after researching it we decided that they are not very effective. My email was not lengthy but let them know why I supported Cooper's Law and how much I appreciate their attention and concern for adoption in Oklahoma. Thanks again for your constant support!
On Friday, the committee had their monthly meeting and I sat in on it. I wasn't really invited, but was told it was open so I went to see what they do. It was so cool!
This is a group of people who are working together to improve adoption in the state of Oklahoma. They are not just working on domestic adoption, but international and DHS adoption as well! The two men leading the meeting were Representative Jason Nelson and Senator Steve Russell. I am not sure how this committee was put together, but they did a wonderful job opening the doors to so many different people in different areas to create a wonderful balance. There were 3 judges, several different agencies represented, the Oklahoma Adoption Coalition, a public defender and that's just what I could see from the name tags I could read!
I was so proud of myself for keeping quiet and just listening. Blake will be the first to tell you that I am not a good listener, so this took a lot of work for me to just sit there and take it all in. In all honesty though, I was just shocked at all they are wanting to do with this committee! It makes me so proud of our state that we have this group of people working to better adoption for everyone involved. The group broke out into subcommittees to look at different areas to be addressed: courts, adoption related expenses, and children's rights.
So I just had to let you know what we are doing to continue to support changes in law and find resources to encourage those that are thinking about adoption. If you haven't yet contacted these two politicians about our desires to amend current laws in OK with Cooper's Law please take the chance to do so today. If you click on their names above it is linked to their contact information. I am hoping that with my presence at these meetings I could draw more attention to this amendment. Please also pray for everything that we are following what God is calling us to do in Oklahoma to care for His children and families.
If you would like to know more about Cooper's Law, go here or email us (mollykshockley@hotmail.com) and we'll send you the full text amendment. Some of you asked about a form letter so that you could have friends easily send out an email, but after researching it we decided that they are not very effective. My email was not lengthy but let them know why I supported Cooper's Law and how much I appreciate their attention and concern for adoption in Oklahoma. Thanks again for your constant support!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Holy Moly!
We've had an exciting week as we've seen some doors opening to get the word out about our purpose with this amendment!
But we still need your help!
I am not sure if any of you saw the article in The Oklahoman about the adoption task force, but it was excellent and my heart was seriously pounding after reading it. I know, I get WAY too excited about this stuff!
It's great to see politicians getting involved in adoption law and realizing how many lives adoption touches.
In the article, it stated that they are wanting to add an adoptive parent and a birth parent to the task force in the next year. So guess who contacted these guys? Yours truly!
Within a couple of hours, Rep. Jason Nelson emailed me back and thanked me for my interest. He said there were several people that had contacted them about this and that they would review the names submitted as a group. But, he did want to know more about this amendment that we were working on (of course I mentioned that!).
He asked me to email it to him and I also sent him the blog. I know, I am a dork!
So, here is what we need you to do...real stuff here guys!
Contact Rep. Jason Nelson and Senator Steve Russell and let them know that you support this amendment. If you click on each name it is linked to contact information and a bio for each. The contact information is on the right down a bit on the page.
When you contact them please make reference to the amendment so that they know exactly which one you are talking about. These guys have a ton on their plate! So what do you reference? Typically - laws have names. You have heard of "Megan's Law" or "The Adam Walsh Act". So the big reveal? We will call this, "Cooper's Law". So when you write them, let them know you support "Cooper's Law".
These men are two of those that serve on the adoption task force. Here is just a snipit of the article, "The task force is charged with considering recommendations for bills in the 2010 legistlative session."
Are you kidding me? How incredible is God that these names were put under my nose (by my precious MIL) just yesterday, and today I am sending him our "recommendations".
I am so thankful to all of you that are supporting this and I am also thankful to Mr. Nelson for responding so quickly and even showing interest in our concerns and wanting to take it before his committee!
Keep praying guys! And please contact these men as soon as you have a moment to contain yourselves from all of the excitement!
**If you want to read the amendment for yourself, please comment and give us your email (or email to us at adoptOK@gmail.com) and we will email it to you. It's 6 pages so that is why we haven't posted it!**
But we still need your help!
I am not sure if any of you saw the article in The Oklahoman about the adoption task force, but it was excellent and my heart was seriously pounding after reading it. I know, I get WAY too excited about this stuff!
It's great to see politicians getting involved in adoption law and realizing how many lives adoption touches.
In the article, it stated that they are wanting to add an adoptive parent and a birth parent to the task force in the next year. So guess who contacted these guys? Yours truly!
Within a couple of hours, Rep. Jason Nelson emailed me back and thanked me for my interest. He said there were several people that had contacted them about this and that they would review the names submitted as a group. But, he did want to know more about this amendment that we were working on (of course I mentioned that!).
He asked me to email it to him and I also sent him the blog. I know, I am a dork!
So, here is what we need you to do...real stuff here guys!
Contact Rep. Jason Nelson and Senator Steve Russell and let them know that you support this amendment. If you click on each name it is linked to contact information and a bio for each. The contact information is on the right down a bit on the page.
When you contact them please make reference to the amendment so that they know exactly which one you are talking about. These guys have a ton on their plate! So what do you reference? Typically - laws have names. You have heard of "Megan's Law" or "The Adam Walsh Act". So the big reveal? We will call this, "Cooper's Law". So when you write them, let them know you support "Cooper's Law".
These men are two of those that serve on the adoption task force. Here is just a snipit of the article, "The task force is charged with considering recommendations for bills in the 2010 legistlative session."
Are you kidding me? How incredible is God that these names were put under my nose (by my precious MIL) just yesterday, and today I am sending him our "recommendations".
I am so thankful to all of you that are supporting this and I am also thankful to Mr. Nelson for responding so quickly and even showing interest in our concerns and wanting to take it before his committee!
Keep praying guys! And please contact these men as soon as you have a moment to contain yourselves from all of the excitement!
**If you want to read the amendment for yourself, please comment and give us your email (or email to us at adoptOK@gmail.com) and we will email it to you. It's 6 pages so that is why we haven't posted it!**
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