NCALP- News Summary

April 26, 2013

If you are unable to access the links on this page click here. Follow us: ADOPTION NATIONAL: “Same-Sex Marriage Cases Before Supreme Court Put the Spotlight on Children Raised by Gays” By: Associated Press Currently, the federal government does not recognize same-sex unions under provisions of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which is now under review by the Supreme Court of the United States. The recent legal battle over this issue has also put spotlight on children raised by gay parents, because the impact of law has many consequences for children adopted by same-sex couples. If same-sex marriage is recognized by the government, adoption by same-sex couples must also be permitted. The White House, along with many big corporations and a host of political and legal heavyweights, has expressed its favor of same-sex marriages to the Supreme Court of the United States. Washington Post, April 20th, 2013 For Full Article Click Here FOSTER CARE ARIZONA: “Arizona House Votes to Allow Foster Parents to Skip Kids’ Vaccines” By: Associated Press Legislation allowing persons to become licensed foster parents, even if they choose not to vaccinate their biological or adopted children, passed the Arizona House and is heading to Governor Jan Brewer’s desk for her signature. Some argue the bill will allow foster children to be placed into at-risk homes, while others argue the bill will allow children stuck in foster care to be placed into loving homes. Under the bill, Arizona will still hold the authority to determine in which homes foster children are placed and foster children will still be required to get their immunizations. Governor Brewer has not indicated whether she will sign the measure. ABC15, April 23nd, 2013 For Full Article Click Here INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT MICHIGAN: “A Supreme Court Case about a Little Known Law Could be a Big Deal for Michigan’s Kids” By: Sarah Alvarez With recent scrutiny of the Indian Child Welfare Act by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Court’s decision could throw a wrench into Michigan’s progress on the issue. The Act seeks to ensure that Native American children in the child welfare system stay connected with their tribes. Since Native American children are still over-represented in Michigan's child welfare system, many people worked for years on the stronger state version of the law which passed in January with almost unanimous bi-partisan support. Michigan Radio, April 17th, 2013 For Full Article Click Here FOSTER CARE OHIO: “Cleveland Native Antwone Fischer Describes Foster Care Traumas to U.S. Senate Committee” By: Sabrina Eaton The childhood suffering that Glenville native Antwone Fisher endured under Ohio's foster care system has already been the subject of a book and Hollywood film. On Tuesday, it was the subject of a U.S. Senate hearing on ways to reform the child welfare system. Fischer spent 12 years living with a foster family who physically, sexually, are verbally abused him. During his testimony, Fischer described the trauma he experience during his time in care and the vulnerability he felt after transitioning out of care to members of the committee in hopes the members will reexamine and work to change the system. Cleveland.com, April 23rd, 2013 For Full Article Click Here ADOPTION  KANSAS: “Kansas Eliminates 30-Day Wait on Adoptions” By: Caitlin Doornbos Historically in Kansas, adoptive parents would have to wait up to 30 days after their adoptive child was born to finalize the adoption. But under the newly signed Kansas House Bill 2205 the mandatory 30-day has been eliminated. Across the country, state laws have set varying waiting periods across the country ranging from 12 hours to 12 months before adoptions are affirmed. This period gives the biological parents time to change their minds and time for the child to acclimate to his or her new home. The new law in Kansas allows the adoption hearing to occur anytime within 60 days of the petition filing. The Topeka Capital-Journal, April 19, 2013 For Full Article Click Here The preceding are summaries of adoption/child welfare law news articles prepared by The National Center for Adoption Law & Policy. These summaries are provided for your information only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Center. We strive to print news that reflects the diversity of our readership and a variety of viewpoints and approaches to child welfare issues. While we may not agree with a position taken, we believe in the critical importance to our constituents of impartial reporting.