As a Foster Parent would you consider?

Question

requesting an original birth certificate for each child you foster so he or she can have it when they get older?

This may be the only way some adoptees will have access to their truth because once an adoption is final the records are sealed in most states. Would you do this for an adoptee and pass it on to their new parents?

Answer 1

I wouldn't do it because, in my area at least, foster parents have no access to such records nor do we have the right or ability to ask for them.  Here the custody of the child belongs to the Director of the Department until such time as they are returned to their birth parents or placed for and finely adopted.  At any time in between the Director is their legal guardian and he/she is the only one who can request such documents.  

If I lived in an area where it was within my ability to ask for such documents and pass them on I would.  Just the same as I pass on memory books, school records, holiday cards or anything else received by the children in my foster care.

Answer 2

YES! I have two kids living with us in kinship care arrangements. Of course they are older and know who their parents are that said if they were ever available for adoption I would make sure they had their OBCs just like my dd has. No need for any secrets.

Answer 3

If I was a foster parent absolutely. Children rights are more important than foster parents desires or wants.  I passed on adopting 7 children because I refused to listen to the c**p agencies were feeding me and I made a conscience decision to help the families in need instead of my grandiose ideology of saving children.  I can't begin to explain how much I thank my parents for instilling morality in my life. I would never change a child's name without their permission despite my own feelings as well.

Answer 4

yes i believe this is a terrific idea i too am a foster parent

Answer 5

Yes, I think that's a wonderful idea.

It doesn't replace the need for legislation to make records open for everyone, but it would certainly still be helpful for that one child to have access to his/her own records.

Answer 6

I would and I have...Every chance I get I ask for copies of stuff.  I even went to the hospital and got all the records from them.  I just showed them my papers that I am the foster parent and paid the 1.00 a page this way a sealed record will never be a problem.

Answer 7

it is also important to get the baby pictures and pictures of the birth parents and all sibs.

they would not give you the original here, but a copy, and there are all kinds of court paper work that is sent to the foster parents (stating why the child is removed, progress made for RU, etc...) and I know I'd want to read that...

so, sure why not keep it.... I'd even make a copy and keep myself incase the child comes someday looking at you to find answers

Answer 8

I am not sure that foster parents have the right to request the birth certificates...  but if they do, I think it's a GREAT idea!!!

I would think that some of these so-called  self-appointed long time adoptee rights "activists" would have thought about that by now, if it is legal.

I think that because I've NEVER heard that from any of them in here.  You'd think if they REALLY wanted to help, they'd remind foster parents of that when ever they get a chance.  Afterall, it is something they can do now to HELP...  while still fighting for open records.

Answer 9

Lori, yes this is a good way to help make the records available to the person if s/he gets adopted.  Of course, it's no guarantee, but it's certainly a huge help.

In consideration of the biased, bashing comment a bit previous to mine, this IS something that activists thought about a long time ago and do advocate.  And, as good as it is that the person will have his or her OBC if s/he gets adopted, of course, it still doesn't solve the problem of equal treatment under the law.  That is what we ultimately are seeking.  We are seeking to be treated equally by the states that discriminate against us. This is an issue between adopted citizens and the states that hold their records.

Answer 10

Yes, I want to know/keep everything we can when we have a foster adopt child so that hopefully a few more questions can be answered as they get older.  

Answer 11

I wonder what makes Kristy think we haven't?

Regardless, the records still get sealed and that is STILL discrimination. It is STILL something adoptees shouldn't have to put up with JUST for being adopted.

good answer Laurie :)