Do you believe that Open Records Legislation should include the rights of mothers to identifying information?

Question

on the children that they surrendered their right to parent?

Do you think that the Adoptive Parents should have the right to the mother's identifying information after the Adoptee reaches adulthood?

Do you think that many adoptive parents already have identifying information on the mothers?

Answer 1

"Do you believe that Open Records Legislation should include the rights of mothers to identifying information?

on the children that they surrendered their right to parent?"



Absolutely. Either party not having access to information that pertains to them is archaic.



"Do you think that the Adoptive Parents should have the right to the mother's identifying information after the Adoptee reaches adulthood?"



I think maybe something should be done so that if the child, after they reach adulthood, are unable to look after themselves for some reason (special needs, etc.), then it should be opened up to adoptive parents, as their guardians. That could likely be accomplished with a simple "Power of Attorney". Otherwise, I don't see why. If the adoptee is an adult, the info belongs to them.



"Do you think that many adoptive parents already have identifying information on the mothers?"



Well, that's hard to say, since I am primarily in the foster care arena. We obviously have a certain amount of information, and the goal, according to any social worker I've dealt with, is for "openness when safe and possible". I know personally, more than a few adoptive parents who have done private domestic infant adoption, WANTED an open adoption, and now aren't able to get ahold of their child's first mother (or father...there is one case where mom was deceased and the afamily wanted the first father involved). So, they do have identifying information, but sadly, still no contact with first family.



Not only does it help adoptive families to have openness for clinical reasons (medical, etc.), but it also helps for their children to be generally happier and more well-adjusted. I think most AP's that I talk to now understand that, and strive for it when "safe and possible".

Answer 2

"Do you believe that Open Records Legislation should include the rights of mothers to identifying information on the children that they surrendered their right to parent?"



Yes.



I can see the arguments against it. To those strongly against...



Opening records doesnt mean all natural mothers are suddenly going to initiate a search for their child. This era of adoption was focused on keeping the secret with great sensitivities shown towards the adoptive parents.



This will mean that opening records will require third party involvement to establish contact/re-union. I'd hate to be the adult who doesnt know receiving a phone call or letter from a stranger saying hi I'm your natural mum.



"Do you think that the Adoptive Parents should have the right to the mother's identifying information after the Adoptee reaches adulthood?"



Only if the adoptee gives permission. Otherwise, there is a possibility that a handful of adoptive parents could manipulate the situation. Please note I did say a handful and not some or all.



"Do you think that many adoptive parents already have identifying information on the mothers?"



There maybe a some but not many. I do know that many Aussie adoptive parents from my era (70s) have non-identifying information; but, they don't have any PII. My parents managed to save most of the documents they received during the process. So I am aware of what they knew before they took me home.

Answer 3

To the first question, I can see where it would be hard for a surrendering parent to let go, and possibly want more contact than the new family is comfortable with, but I honestly believe that if this information was available, most women who suffer because of their decision would have a little more peace of mind. And I think that it would stop a lot of shady dealings practiced today in some areas.



To the second question part of me says no, that is personal between the adoptee and the surrendering parent. But the majority of me says yes, this info should be available throughout an adoption not just when the child becomes an adult.



I have no idea what adoptive parents have now a days in the way of information. I would hope they have what ever they need to keep a child safe and healthy.

Answer 4

Do you believe that Open Records Legislation should include the rights of mothers [and fathers] to identifying information on the children that they surrendered their right to parent?

If I had a real say. I'd make all adoption info available in a server just like marriage and divorce paper, but limited to those involved with the adoption.



Do you think that the Adoptive Parents should have the right to the mother's [and father's] identifying information after the Adoptee reaches adulthood?



Yes, I do. Not all adopted people are able to care for themselves and all they have is their parents. I don't think it should be kept under raps until adulthood though. Unless the other person is in danger.



Do you think that many adoptive parents already have identifying information on the mothers [and fathers}?



We have more info than some non-adopted people. I am very grateful to my sons family for being so accommodating, honest and willing to stay involved with him

Answer 5

Legislation in Aust also takes a certain amount of privacy into account. Yes mothers are considered. But primarily the child’s best interests are the main considerations when it comes to identifying information that’s given out. (In some cases it can a child's safety too, not all first mothers are good people, just like not all adoptive parents are good people.)



We do have a choice about giving out our address and full contact details, and so does their first mum/dad. Its not just put out there be handled in any way shape or form and being irresponsible with someone's private details. We see each other during the year, that doesn't mean we have to live in each others pockets to make it work- I respect her need for space and vis versa.



That doesn't make adoption any less open, because contact can be instigated at ANY point in time by any party involved. Even if the mother left hardly any information at the time the adoption too place. It can still be requested from her throughout a child's life, and she still has a choice in giving it out. (Some states it does vary a little bit depending on current legislation.)



There is still post adoptions- and a person can still put a veto on information being given out. However an adoptee can apply for their OBC at 18. (My kids have all the information that’s on it anyway, their first mum decided a few months ago to send through all the details relating to their birth etc.) But it was still her choice to do that.



How do people think modern day open adoptions with visits can happen if the adoptive parents are left in the dark about everything relating to their child and be able to explain or answer basic questions as they grow up. I can tell you it won’t be very successful, I know of a few adoptive parents who at least wanted a photo for their child but she refused to give them one at the time of placement.(That might change down the track I hope for those kids.)



People can’t meet up, talk and not learn things about each other anyway. (Me and my daughters first mother have had a few long conversations, and she does tell me things about the lead up to their adoption without me asking her about it.) Just how it is today. It has to be approached differently for it work.



Just my opinion on openness in adoption.

Answer 6

I think there should be openness if at all possible, which hopefully would render the need for "identifying information" useless.



But, if not, I think it should be open and available to all parties. However, if my child is a minor, I would hope that I, too, would have some access to their information. It could affect medical decisions, and if the children were adopted from foster care where there could be abuse or neglect, it would ensure that the kids are kept safe.



If they are adults, their info is theirs, just like I wouldn't have my adult child's banking information unless they were unable to look after their own business.

Answer 7

Do you believe that Open Records Legislation should include the rights of mothers to identifying information on the children that they surrendered their right to parent?



Yes. I would prefer that they have that information from the get-go and that the APs are mandated to keep it updated. If, however, it can only be shared with the mother/father once their child reaches the age of majority, that would at least be something.



Do you think that the Adoptive Parents should have the right to the mother's identifying information after the Adoptee reaches adulthood?



No.



Do you think that many adoptive parents already have identifying information on the mothers?



I don't know. I am CERTAIN that some do/did and never 'fess up... but I have no way of knowing if the number rises to 'many'. My certainty that it happened/happens is based on personal experience.



My a-parents HAD a great deal of 'informal' information (including identifying) about my little sister's mother. She (sis's mother) provided it herself, as it was a private adoption. My a-parents read/viewed/studied that information (including a sealed letter to be given to my sister when she turned 18) and then destroyed it. When our a-mother confessed all this to us, she insisted that she "didn't remember" anything that was contained in those letters/documents, except, as she said, "It seems like her first name was C------". Now, about 15 years after that confession, both a-parents adamantly declare that no such records/letters ever existed and they have no idea what we are talking about.



I can only hope that the a-parents 'of today' are better than that... and I advise them to be whenever they ask my thoughts.



I still get a knot in my stomach every time I think about this. The actions of my APs (especially toward my sis, but toward all of us -- their adoptlings -- really) make me actually hope that there IS a god so that they can be called to account for their actions.

Answer 8

In some states they are in a position to. It relies upon on the state. they have not got open, unrestricted get entry to yet neither do adoptees to their very own suggestions (in all yet 6 states). to illustrate, Tennessee helps an unique mom to apply an middleman to get entry to the adoption report besides as request touch along with her lost son or daughter. The lost son or daughter has the alternative of issuing in suggestions and touch veto in the event that they pick (and additionally if the adoptee needs information or touch with their mom). i've got confidence this could be rather like how Australia began out with their legislations reform, if i'm no longer wrong. i do unlike Tennessee's regulation, I desire it have been open get entry to like quite a few different states; in spite of the undeniable fact that it extremely is extra helpful than maximum. different states enable mum and dad to petition the courts for suggestions or sign up with a registry. Pennsylvania basically prolonged who can request suggestions and what they are in a position to request to comprise unique kinfolk. earlier, it became into in basic terms the adoptee who would desire to petition the court docket for suggestions or sign up with the registry to acquire suggestions. As for why, it extremely is because of the fact amending and sealing began to disguise the hot id of the adoptee so as that the unique relatives would desire to no longer intervene and the adoptive relatives would desire to flow on pretending like an adoption in no way befell. "as though born to," so we are meant to be in our adoptive families and the unique relatives no longer legally exists. companies pick to declare that closed documents have been to guard unique mothers, a faux declare, quite evidenced by using the undeniable fact that many won't propose for mothers to get entry to suggestions. some mothers can't even bypass into companies and get their very own documents that's asinine and unethical.

Answer 9

No. I believe the adoptee should have rights to the information.



eta: Sorry...I misread your question. I thought you were asking if adoptive parents should have access to the non id info and all. And I don't believe that is their right because search is a personal thing and is between the adoptee and the natural parent. It's emotional and stressful enough without adding in adoptive parents.



I DO believe that natural mothers should have the right to the information just as adoptees do. It's not fair to give the information to one party and not the other.



ETA 2: I do not believe adoptive parents should have the right to the information, however I would make exceptions for adoptees who are incapacitated or unable to seek it themselves. Whatever person has power of attorney should also be able to seek it.

Answer 10

I think that there should be the availability of identifying info providing that the person involved has not placed a prohibition on their personal info. In Ontario Canada all adoption records have been made available to any of the directly interested parties (adopted person, relinquishing parent....) UNLESS the person has filed a veto to keep their information sealed. That allows those who wish to have their identifying info, regardless of which side of the process they are on, kept private.

Answer 11

I think that all parties involved should have access to the information, except in cases of abuse. Although we have an open adoption my daughters biological mother does not wish to maintain contact. We unfortunately have little information (which seems inaccurate) about how to contact her. I can only hope in the future she will change her mind.

Answer 12

All parties should have identifying information. It is the only fair way to handle the situation.



This is a 14th Amendment issue. It falls under the "equal protection under the laws" clause.



In the early years of adoption, before the records were sealed in CA, in 1935, all parties did have access to each other's identifying information.

Answer 13

I don't think discrimination is ok, under any circumstances. First parents should have the same rights to information that other parents do. There are things like restraining orders already available if necessary. There shouldn't be a whole separate set of laws pertaining to families separated by adoption.

Answer 14

I believe the records should be open. I am an AP and have the full contact info for my daughter's mom - at least at the time of the birth. Also I know my daughter's mom is on facebook, so far very easy to find. However, she doesn't want contact, so it will come later when my daughter is able to do it herself. My daughter's mom also has contact information for us.

Answer 15

I believe that the adoptee is the only one who should have the RIGHT to their identifying information. If they choose to share it with either set of parents that is their choice.



Now, if both sets of parents agree to share information at the time of the adoption, that is different.

Answer 16

No, adoptees should know nothing no im kidding..i agree with you..

Answer 17

I know it will be unpopular, but I don't think so. As with any parent, I want to have control over what information other people have about me and my children.



Our sons were adopted through foster care stemming from abuse/neglect. So, the adoption is closed as mandated by the courts. However, even if it wasn't an abuse situation, I am really uncomfortable having that information 'out there' without my having any control over it.



Since the child is my child, in the eyes of the law/state, this is a privacy issue (the privacy of me and of my child) and not an adoption issue.

Answer 18

First Moms and adoptees should have access to their records once the adoptee is 18, and no one else. Period.



My parents had no information about my first Mom other than the made-up stories Catholic Scarities gave them.