Talking Points for Legislators

Welcome

NC Coalition for Adoption Reform

"This is, in fact the 21st century and I believe it is time to add maturity to this 20th century legislation"

[NC General Statute Chapter 48 - Adoptions] by L. Gibowski

Talking Points

Here are some of the points to be made when writing or speaking with any of the House Judiciary I committee members who still need to be swayed.

Allowing birth siblings and 1/2 siblings to participate as well as the other family members of a deceased birthparent.

1. NCCAR has heard from many birth and 1/2 siblings who found out later their mom had another child which was given up for adoption. They have expressed a desire to NCCAR about wanting to be a part of the CI process.

2. NCCAR has also heard from the Aunts and Uncles of now deceased birthparents. They also have expressed a desire to be a part of this new CI process.

3. By allowing the above, this may also free up the court systems even more. As the bill is currently written, an agency has to send the adult adoptee back to the court system to ask if they can search for other relatives. This would allow agencies to perform the search without tying up the courts.

Some folks have said "By allowing this a sibling or other family member could easily 'out' the birthparent who doesn't want contact.

What is terrific about the USA is that we all have the option of speaking to someone 'ONCE'. If they prefer we do not talk to them anymore then they tell us that. If we don't listen then they have the right to take out a restraining order against us.

NO ONE should have the RIGHT to a PERMANENT restraining order against someone else as birthparents currently have.

Allowing a person who is searching to be able to receive a copy of a death certificate.

1. For most adoptees and birthparents, this would bring closure to them.

2. For adult adoptees the cause of death on a death certificate will allow for the start of genealogical research into other health related problems.

Holding the adoption agencies accountable.

We hold State agencies accountable for a myriad of reasons. Food Stamps, Welfare, etc.

This process should not be any different.

The public should be allowed to know the following items

1. How many adoptees and birthparents made use of this process

2. How many reunions happened

3. How many adoptees / birthparents actually declined contact

4. How many birthparents supplied updated medical information