[drumm253]

On Feb. 23, 2004 my girlfriend had my child. Working with the help of an adoption social worker, they concocted a lie that she had ovarian cancer, which mimics the symptoms pregnancy. They even forged fake medical records to help in the hoax. Three days after my son was born. They scheduled(induced labor)so it would be convenient for the adoptive parents to drive from Lake Villa, IL and pick up the child. The agency had him moved to Illinois. As soon as I found out I had a son, I contacted the agency in OK and IL starting the last week of Feb. The adoptive parents' lawyer even wrote me a letter stating that I should get counsel in IL. THEY KNEW WHO I WAS AND THAT I WANTED TO CONTEST THE ADOPTION. On April 13, 2004, the Lawyers for the agency went to court in Oklahoma County and terminated my rights stating that the father was "unknown" even after I had been in contact with them for almost a month pleading with them that I was the father and I wanted him back. I live in Lawton. The mother lives in Lawton. My son was born in Lawton. The mother's rights were terminated in Lawton. They terminated my rights in OKC. They sent the public notice to the Cache, OK newspaper thirty miles away from Lawton knowing that I would never check that paper because I was looking for it in the Lawton Constitution. THAT'S WERE I LIVE!! I have been bounced back-and-forth between the two states. I have traveled to Chicago several times putting almost 9,000 miles on my car just hear a lawyer say that I have no interest in the child. My son turned seven months old on Sept. 23rd. I have never seen him face-to-face. I am fighting in IL and OK courts. The financial burden is really starting to take effect. I truly believe that they are trying to keep the child in IL as long as they can so that even if I do win, they could say it would be psychologically stressful on the child to move him away from the parents. He is my flesh-n-blood, NOT THEIRS!! The judge that terminated my rights refuses to let me establish paternity in OK because IL has the child even though the agency committed purgery and said they did not know who I was in his courtroom. I have until Sept. 30 to establish my paternity and stop the adoption. I have not been given my due process. The law means nothing to these people. The only thing that matters is the all-mighty dollar. I may never get to see my son again because I am not an expert on adoptions laws. If that does happens I want people to know just how far this agency went to sell my child. I am all for adoptions when the circumstances are right. How greedy do you have to be knowing that you have stolen someone else's child.

[indogo]

hugz and prayerz for you and your baby.....


best wishes

amander
xxxxxxxx

[l-thompson]

I am so sorry to hear of the events that have unfolded..

I have no advice to offer at all - just a hope that one day you will be able to see your son.

Good luck!!

[MeggieC]

This may sound like a stupid question, but have you gotten an attorney that specializes in adoption cases? I know in my state they don't have legal certification in adoption, but I had an attorney who handled ONLY adoption cases. If you're going to plunk down money for something, wouldn't it be best spent on an attorney who is working for YOU? My adoption was handled between the states of TN and NY, and my attorney seemed to be very well versed in the adoption laws of both states. I realize it's October now, but if there are cases where mothers have relinquished their rights and come back six years later and changed their minds, then I don't see that you couldn't do something since your rights were illegally terminated. Can't believe that a woman would do such shoddy work--what a coward.

I wish you the best of luck.
Meg

[NaturalMomma]

This agency and social worker must be stopped. This happens to fathers a LOT and nothing is done about it.

[drumm253]

I have recently been in touch with the law firm students at Loyola University. They are trying to see if they can help. I did convince the DHS licensing agency to open an official investigation. I also filed complaints with the OK and IL Bar Association against the lawyers involved. Please put the word out.

[Edited To Remove Agency/Facilitator/fee based services Recommendations or comments]

Please remember that comments about agencies or other fee based services made after 2/10/2004 MUST be made via Private Message.

[MeggieC]

Good for you! I wish you the best and I'll be praying for you.
Meg