[forfamilies2003]

Hi,
I am looking for stories from adoptee's. The state is trying to adopt our nieces and nephew out of our family into a home I believe is emotionally, mentally and possibly physically abusive. My husband and I have a pre-approved pre-adopt home study approving us to adopt our nieces and nephew who are bonded to us and our family, yet the state will not give them to us and IS working hard to break the bond.
I would like stories from former adopted children so I can show the state what damage they do to children when they adopt them out of their family when there are qualifed family members willing and ready to take them!
Paula

[RevMomEleven]

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation with your niece and nephew. To give you some perspective... I am an adoptee with many adoptive children. Many of our children were adopted from the foster care system (in several different states) and two are our adopted daughter's biological children, who were removed by Child Protective Services, placed in our home and later adopted by us.

I tell you all this to let you know that I'm speaking from experience.

Most (if not all) states are required to place children in the homes of relatives before seeking outside adoption options. Your fight is probably not in proving that non-familial adoption is bad. They will be able to find just as many examples that say it's good. Your fight is to make sure they honor the family bond.

If your home is approved, then consult an attorney who is familiar with adoption law in your state. It sounds like you have a strong case to fight this decision.

Good luck and let us know what happens!
Kelly