STOP deporting adoptees!

I had to share this post as part of NO-Vember Adoption Awareness... Trace

Stop deporting adoptees!
Posted on November 18, 2011

Take the time to inform yourself about this special class of adoptees: They assume they are U.S. citizens. And then some issue arises and all of a sudden their citizenship is denied or questioned, or found out to be legally non-existent. As young adults they find themselves deported to their “home” nation, yet they know no one there (having grown up in the USA) and usually no longer speak their native language. Outrageous. Just another example of the “never quite belonging” way adoptees get treated in our society.
Read more here:


http://johnraible.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/stop-deporting-adoptees/

And any First Nations adoptees who have been deported to Canada, please comment here...

Diabetes Diabetes Diabetes

This past week more than a few Native adoptee friends told me adoptees need to be reminded of the diabetes epidemic in Indian Country.  Even if you have not made contact with your natural parents or tribe, adoptees still need to watchful of their health and have regular blood tests.  My birthmother died from complications of diabetes, so I am extra careful.  I remind everyone to schedule your annual physical now and ask your doctor to monitor your blood glucose levels.
As you know, most adoptees are denied their medical history. Some of us are Indian or part-Indian...  I will be posting more on health issues for Split Feathers very soon... Trace

get your blood tested for diabetes

This press release came at the right time: Native American tribes Focus of Diabetes Education Campaign

SANTA CRUZ, CA, Nov 16, 2011

LawyersandSettlements.com, the premier publication for Online Legal Media, has announced an educational campaign aimed at the Native American Indian population. In honor of National Diabetes Month, as well as American Indian Heritage Month, LawyersandSettlements.com identified Native Americans as an underserved group when it comes to diabetes education and information on the potential hazards and current legal activity of drugs used to treat diabetes. Their Nov. 16th news release will hit media outlets and social media that particularly serve the tribes with the largest populations, including Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Apache, Iroquois, Pueblo, Creek and Blackfeet, among others.

According to the Indian Health Service (www.ihs.gov), American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the United States. It is unknown what percentage of American Indians with diabetes have been treated with drugs such as Actos and Avandia, but LawyersandSettlements.com believes it is important for all users to have a single source of current legal news and pending lawsuits.

For those who, unfortunately, have suffered such side effects as bladder or kidney cancer, heart failure or bone fractures, readers can turn to http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/ and read the latest news and information regarding pending lawsuits and other legal actions.

"Indigenous people are genetically twice as likely to get type 2 diabetes," said Ben Stewart, an attorney who works with several tribes on issues concerning Native populations and traces his heritage to the Upper Creek Nation. "Many American Indians are on a supplemental drug plan and Actos has historically been the cheapest drug to treat diabetes. They are receiving treatment for one disease but are not being screened for side effects as a result of their Actos use. LawyersandSettlements.com is making a great effort to spread the word on this all-important issue."

"We believe it's important to keep topics alive that often fall off the radar of traditional mass media," said Stephen King, CEO. "By reaching out to specific populations, we hope to educate those readers with comprehensive legal news coverage so they can make an informed decision about their possible case."

Visit them on the web: http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/

Follow Online Legal Media on Twitter @OnlineLegalNews
and on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/pages/LawyersAndSettlementscom/74380229132

Government spies on advocate for Native children

Published Nov 15 2011

Since 2007, federal officials have attended 75 to 100 meetings at which Cindy Blackstock spoke, then reported back to their bosses.

Pawel Dwulit/Toronto Star file photo

By Tim Harper (National Affairs Columnist, Toronto Star) OTTAWA-ONTARIO

Why is the federal government spying on Cindy Blackstock?
When does a life-long advocate for aboriginal children become an enemy of the state?
The answer, it would seem, is when you file a human rights complaint accusing your government of willfully underfunding child welfare services to First Nations children on reserves.
Accusing your government, in other words, of racial discrimination.
That’s what Blackstock, as executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, did in 2007.
Since that time, federal officials attended 75 to 100 meetings at which she spoke, then reported back to their bosses.
They went on her Facebook page during work hours, then assigned a bureaucrat to sign on as himself after hours to check it again looking for testimony from the tribunal.
On at least two occasions, they pulled her Status Indian file and its personal information, including data on her family.
As first reported by the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, it’s all there in a mountain of documents, measuring more than six inches high, which she recently received after waiting 1 ½ years for them to be released under access to information legislation.
“I have never had a parking ticket, let alone a criminal record and I have never conducted myself in an unprofessional manner," she told me from Edmonton Tuesday.
Some of the emailed reports that went up the ladder at the former Indian and Northern Affairs openly mocked Blackstock.
In one report of her presentation to a New Brunswick symposium, there was a sarcastic summary of her “tour de force . . . which fired up a ready to be impressed audience. ...She rattled through some general statistics (or gave the impression of doing so) before being whisked off to the airport."
It’s hardly the first time that the Conservative government has surreptitiously kept its eyes on aboriginals.
Last month, it was revealed the Canadian military had been keeping watch on activities of native organizations and had delivered at least eight reports over 18 months dealing with everything from a potential native backlash over Ontario’s introduction of the HST to potential demonstrations on the lawn of Parliament Hill.
In 2009, Blackstock was awarded the Atkinson Charitable Foundation’s Economic Justice fellowship, which provides $100,000 per year to community leaders to support their work.
Among those who praised her on that occasion was former prime minister Paul Martin.
In April, she spoke at a two-day provincial summit organized by the Dalton McGuinty government to try to find common ground among those fighting to improve the lives of native kids.
So, while one level of government was seeking her expertise, another level was spying on her.
A spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan, said the government “takes privacy concerns very seriously. The department routinely monitors and analyses the public environment as it relates to the department’s policies, programs, services and initiatives. This is done to do a better job in service delivery and policy."
Blackstock decided to seek her own file after she was denied access to a 2009 meeting with departmental officials on behalf of Ontario chiefs.
Instead, she was made to wait in an anteroom, where she was watched by a burly security guard who towered above her.
“I have never said anything that the auditor general hasn’t said," Blackstock says.
Indeed, in 2008, then-auditor general Sheila Fraser confirmed that substantial shortfalls in federal child-welfare funding on reserves are jeopardizing children’s safety.
Fraser also found First Nations children receive substantially less elementary and secondary school funding per capita than other Canadians enjoy.
“I’m a common sense girl," Blackstock says. “I say rather than spend the money following me around, spend it on the children."
This is a government that seems perpetually in need of enemies.
The irony is that there has been much speculation in this city of late that the plight of aboriginals will be a major preoccupation of Stephen Harper in the remaining years of his majority government.
A first step would be to stop treating advocates for aboriginals as enemies.

Read the MANY comments: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1087493--tim-harper-government-spies-on-advocate-for-native-children?bn=1

[As part of ADOPTION BEWARE-NESS MONTH and my advocacy for all First Nations and American Indian adoptees, I hope someday to meet and thank Cindy for her work.. Until then I honor her here on this blog as one of my heroes...Trace]

PENN STATE: SILENCE IS NOT AN ANSWER

My years as a College Student 1974-1978

By Trace Hentz (blog editor)

Why it took me years to write my memoir - why I didn’t want to write about me at all - is because I was sexually abused by my adoptive father. I broke my silence at age 22 when I went to my first therapist for counseling (right after college). I wasn't telling everyone what had happened - I kept silent. Writing about my childhood took me nearly 5 years. I published my memoir in early 2010. At age 53, shame could still do that - it tried to silence me.


Did I want to remember those years?  No.  Remembering what he did to me paralyzed me: to go back in time to think about those years seemed like a bad idea, like I’d be reliving it.  I had therapy twice and it had helped. Writing helped more. The more you tell what happened, the old terror loosens its grip on you.  I had therapy to release it and writing about it was hard but not horrible. Our minds do bury what is hard to comprehend. When we feel safe, as adults, after time has passed, we can go back and look at what happened.  Talking about it and writing about it releases the shame.


Did I want the world to know? No. I checked with a few of my female cousins to make sure that my dad made me his only victim. Of course this was years after it happened. After my memoir, my cousins then knew what happened to me and yes, they did back me up and support me emotionally. They knew my dad was a bad alcoholic. Now they knew the truth and everything else.


Did I have to write what happened? Absolutely. WARNING: This kind of thing can define the rest of your life. If you don’t face it head-on, it can control you and destroy you and your confidence.


For years and years I didn’t want anyone to know - because of my shame. I never confronted my dad as a teenager. To me, my father was sick. He was the monster who I had to live with. I endured more than five years of inappropriate touching and non-stop talk about sex - what he wanted to do to me in graphic detail.


Why didn’t I go to police or to a trusted teacher or a relative? First I was afraid no one would believe me. Second, I was afraid I’d be blamed - my mother had called me a whore. I was 12 when my dad first molested me - I was not a whore. Our family was sick and damaging in many ways.


I want each and every sexual abuse victim, at PENN STATE or anywhere else to know: your silence keeps you the victim. Silence is not an answer. To heal this, you have to speak your truth.
First, find a really good therapist; then hire a really good lawyer.

Now I am a survivor of sexual abuse, not a victim.

PENN STATE SCANDAL - Sandusky also an adopter

WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?

BLOG.AMYADOPTEE.COM published "WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?" on 11/15/2011 written by Amy Adoptee.


I have been paying attention to the "child molestation charges against Sandusky" news. I want to try and steer the negative implications away from the university, Penn State. The entire school isn't bad. Their athletic department leaves much to be desired. My concerns, however, have always been with The Second Mile charity established by Jerry Sandusky. They are a foster care type of agency that allowed a pedophile run amok with the children charged in their care. Sandusky and his wife even adopted a child from that agency. I find it hard to believe that no red flags came up at all. Ironically even the Westboro Baptist Church got it right this time.

Let's look at the characters involved in this melodrama. Sandusky is of course the disgusting perp in this mess. Paterno is the coach. McQueary is the grad student who saw Sandusky getting his kicks with a young boy. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz supposedly covered it up. Graham Spanier was President of the university at the time all of this happened. Jim Calhoun was another witness that has "dementia." Wendell Courtney worked as counsel for both the university and The Second Mile charity (DING DING DING).

Ironically the charity is now being represented by the former Philadelphia district attorney, Lynne Abraham to represent them because Wendell Courtney (see above DING DING DING) resigned last week.

Ray Gricar (DING DING DING) went missing and was recently declared dead this past July. However, his disappearance raises questions on a major level as another blogger suggested. Believe me, it entered my brain too. He did not prosecute this case when it could have been stopped but he also did not prosecute a football player, Scott Paxson,for rape either. It could have been for a lack of evidence but also his brother also committed suicide too.

Finally someone at the state level is looking into The Second Mile Charity. The heat brought about the resignation of Jack Raykovitz. The governor of Pennsylvania is a calling for an investigation into the agency. Finally! They need to be investigated fully and totally. Every one of their donors need to be investigated and fully vetted. This agency allowed a pedophile around children who needed protection not more abuse. He is rumored to have even pimped those children to some of the rich donors. Bad thing is that this agency probably had connections in Texas as well as New York.

Interestingly, another article points out a certain judge and her ties to The Second Mile organization. She let Sandusky post a $100,000 unsecured bail when the state was asking for $500,000 at least. He does not have to wear any kind of leg monitor or be monitored at all. She donated to The Second Mile Program and even participated in its events. Geez, I think that is a conflict of interest there, sweetie! According to news articles, she is now being investigated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to see if her capabilities as a judge and her involvement with the Second Mile might force her to recuse herself from the bench.

As far as NBC's interview with Sandusky, he admits to showering with these boys. Excuse me, that is even dangerously close to sexual abuse. I would be uncomfortable if my teacher or someone that I respected did that with me. He even sounds pervy in the interview with that soft voice. EWWWWWWW!

Permalink: blog.amyadoptee.com/2011/11/15/wtf-does-it-really-go-that-high-up-the-food-chain.aspx

[A 10-year-old child does not initiate sexual contact with an adult - Sandusky is a pedophile, despite what he said this morning on NBC ...Trace]

PENN STATE SCANDAL - Sandusky also an adopter

WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?



BLOG.AMYADOPTEE.COM published "WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?" on 11/15/2011 written by Amy Adoptee.





I have been paying attention to the "child molestation charges against Sandusky" news. I want to try and steer the negative implications away from the university, Penn State. The entire school isn't bad. Their athletic department leaves much to be desired. My concerns, however, have always been with The Second Mile charity established by Jerry Sandusky. They are a foster care type of agency that allowed a pedophile run amok with the children charged in their care. Sandusky and his wife even adopted a child from that agency. I find it hard to believe that no red flags came up at all. Ironically even the Westboro Baptist Church got it right this time.



Let's look at the characters involved in this melodrama. Sandusky is of course the disgusting perp in this mess. Paterno is the coach. McQueary is the grad student who saw Sandusky getting his kicks with a young boy. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz supposedly covered it up. Graham Spanier was President of the university at the time all of this happened. Jim Calhoun was another witness that has "dementia." Wendell Courtney worked as counsel for both the university and The Second Mile charity (DING DING DING).



Ironically the charity is now being represented by the former Philadelphia district attorney, Lynne Abraham to represent them because Wendell Courtney (see above DING DING DING) resigned last week.



Ray Gricar (DING DING DING) went missing and was recently declared dead this past July. However, his disappearance raises questions on a major level as another blogger suggested. Believe me, it entered my brain too. He did not prosecute this case when it could have been stopped but he also did not prosecute a football player, Scott Paxson,for rape either. It could have been for a lack of evidence but also his brother also committed suicide too.



Finally someone at the state level is looking into The Second Mile Charity. The heat brought about the resignation of Jack Raykovitz. The governor of Pennsylvania is a calling for an investigation into the agency. Finally! They need to be investigated fully and totally. Every one of their donors need to be investigated and fully vetted. This agency allowed a pedophile around children who needed protection not more abuse. He is rumored to have even pimped those children to some of the rich donors. Bad thing is that this agency probably had connections in Texas as well as New York.



Interestingly, another article points out a certain judge and her ties to The Second Mile organization. She let Sandusky post a $100,000 unsecured bail when the state was asking for $500,000 at least. He does not have to wear any kind of leg monitor or be monitored at all. She donated to The Second Mile Program and even participated in its events. Geez, I think that is a conflict of interest there, sweetie! According to news articles, she is now being investigated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to see if her capabilities as a judge and her involvement with the Second Mile might force her to recuse herself from the bench.



As far as NBC's interview with Sandusky, he admits to showering with these boys. Excuse me, that is even dangerously close to sexual abuse. I would be uncomfortable if my teacher or someone that I respected did that with me. He even sounds pervy in the interview with that soft voice. EWWWWWWW!



Permalink: blog.amyadoptee.com/2011/11/15/wtf-does-it-really-go-that-high-up-the-food-chain.aspx



[A 10-year-old child does not initiate sexual contact with an adult - Sandusky is a pedophile, despite what he said this morning on NBC ...Trace]

PENN STATE SCANDAL - Sandusky also an adopter

WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?

BLOG.AMYADOPTEE.COM published "WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?" on 11/15/2011 written by Amy Adoptee.


I have been paying attention to the "child molestation charges against Sandusky" news. I want to try and steer the negative implications away from the university, Penn State. The entire school isn't bad. Their athletic department leaves much to be desired. My concerns, however, have always been with The Second Mile charity established by Jerry Sandusky. They are a foster care type of agency that allowed a pedophile run amok with the children charged in their care. Sandusky and his wife even adopted a child from that agency. I find it hard to believe that no red flags came up at all. Ironically even the Westboro Baptist Church got it right this time.

Let's look at the characters involved in this melodrama. Sandusky is of course the disgusting perp in this mess. Paterno is the coach. McQueary is the grad student who saw Sandusky getting his kicks with a young boy. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz supposedly covered it up. Graham Spanier was President of the university at the time all of this happened. Jim Calhoun was another witness that has "dementia." Wendell Courtney worked as counsel for both the university and The Second Mile charity (DING DING DING).

Ironically the charity is now being represented by the former Philadelphia district attorney, Lynne Abraham to represent them because Wendell Courtney (see above DING DING DING) resigned last week.

Ray Gricar (DING DING DING) went missing and was recently declared dead this past July. However, his disappearance raises questions on a major level as another blogger suggested. Believe me, it entered my brain too. He did not prosecute this case when it could have been stopped but he also did not prosecute a football player, Scott Paxson,for rape either. It could have been for a lack of evidence but also his brother also committed suicide too.

Finally someone at the state level is looking into The Second Mile Charity. The heat brought about the resignation of Jack Raykovitz. The governor of Pennsylvania is a calling for an investigation into the agency. Finally! They need to be investigated fully and totally. Every one of their donors need to be investigated and fully vetted. This agency allowed a pedophile around children who needed protection not more abuse. He is rumored to have even pimped those children to some of the rich donors. Bad thing is that this agency probably had connections in Texas as well as New York.

Interestingly, another article points out a certain judge and her ties to The Second Mile organization. She let Sandusky post a $100,000 unsecured bail when the state was asking for $500,000 at least. He does not have to wear any kind of leg monitor or be monitored at all. She donated to The Second Mile Program and even participated in its events. Geez, I think that is a conflict of interest there, sweetie! According to news articles, she is now being investigated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to see if her capabilities as a judge and her involvement with the Second Mile might force her to recuse herself from the bench.

As far as NBC's interview with Sandusky, he admits to showering with these boys. Excuse me, that is even dangerously close to sexual abuse. I would be uncomfortable if my teacher or someone that I respected did that with me. He even sounds pervy in the interview with that soft voice. EWWWWWWW!

Permalink: blog.amyadoptee.com/2011/11/15/wtf-does-it-really-go-that-high-up-the-food-chain.aspx

[A 10-year-old child does not initiate sexual contact with an adult - Sandusky is a pedophile, despite what he said this morning on NBC ...Trace]

PENN STATE SCANDAL - Sandusky also an adopter

WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?

BLOG.AMYADOPTEE.COM published "WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?" on 11/15/2011 written by Amy Adoptee.


I have been paying attention to the "child molestation charges against Sandusky" news. I want to try and steer the negative implications away from the university, Penn State. The entire school isn't bad. Their athletic department leaves much to be desired. My concerns, however, have always been with The Second Mile charity established by Jerry Sandusky. They are a foster care type of agency that allowed a pedophile run amok with the children charged in their care. Sandusky and his wife even adopted a child from that agency. I find it hard to believe that no red flags came up at all. Ironically even the Westboro Baptist Church got it right this time.

Let's look at the characters involved in this melodrama. Sandusky is of course the disgusting perp in this mess. Paterno is the coach. McQueary is the grad student who saw Sandusky getting his kicks with a young boy. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz supposedly covered it up. Graham Spanier was President of the university at the time all of this happened. Jim Calhoun was another witness that has "dementia." Wendell Courtney worked as counsel for both the university and The Second Mile charity (DING DING DING).

Ironically the charity is now being represented by the former Philadelphia district attorney, Lynne Abraham to represent them because Wendell Courtney (see above DING DING DING) resigned last week.

Ray Gricar (DING DING DING) went missing and was recently declared dead this past July. However, his disappearance raises questions on a major level as another blogger suggested. Believe me, it entered my brain too. He did not prosecute this case when it could have been stopped but he also did not prosecute a football player, Scott Paxson,for rape either. It could have been for a lack of evidence but also his brother also committed suicide too.

Finally someone at the state level is looking into The Second Mile Charity. The heat brought about the resignation of Jack Raykovitz. The governor of Pennsylvania is a calling for an investigation into the agency. Finally! They need to be investigated fully and totally. Every one of their donors need to be investigated and fully vetted. This agency allowed a pedophile around children who needed protection not more abuse. He is rumored to have even pimped those children to some of the rich donors. Bad thing is that this agency probably had connections in Texas as well as New York.

Interestingly, another article points out a certain judge and her ties to The Second Mile organization. She let Sandusky post a $100,000 unsecured bail when the state was asking for $500,000 at least. He does not have to wear any kind of leg monitor or be monitored at all. She donated to The Second Mile Program and even participated in its events. Geez, I think that is a conflict of interest there, sweetie! According to news articles, she is now being investigated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to see if her capabilities as a judge and her involvement with the Second Mile might force her to recuse herself from the bench.

As far as NBC's interview with Sandusky, he admits to showering with these boys. Excuse me, that is even dangerously close to sexual abuse. I would be uncomfortable if my teacher or someone that I respected did that with me. He even sounds pervy in the interview with that soft voice. EWWWWWWW!

Permalink: blog.amyadoptee.com/2011/11/15/wtf-does-it-really-go-that-high-up-the-food-chain.aspx

[A 10-year-old child does not initiate sexual contact with an adult - Sandusky is a pedophile, despite what he said this morning on NBC ...Trace]

PENN STATE SCANDAL - Sandusky also an adopter

WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?

BLOG.AMYADOPTEE.COM published "WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?" on 11/15/2011 written by Amy Adoptee.


I have been paying attention to the "child molestation charges against Sandusky" news. I want to try and steer the negative implications away from the university, Penn State. The entire school isn't bad. Their athletic department leaves much to be desired. My concerns, however, have always been with The Second Mile charity established by Jerry Sandusky. They are a foster care type of agency that allowed a pedophile run amok with the children charged in their care. Sandusky and his wife even adopted a child from that agency. I find it hard to believe that no red flags came up at all. Ironically even the Westboro Baptist Church got it right this time.

Let's look at the characters involved in this melodrama. Sandusky is of course the disgusting perp in this mess. Paterno is the coach. McQueary is the grad student who saw Sandusky getting his kicks with a young boy. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz supposedly covered it up. Graham Spanier was President of the university at the time all of this happened. Jim Calhoun was another witness that has "dementia." Wendell Courtney worked as counsel for both the university and The Second Mile charity (DING DING DING).

Ironically the charity is now being represented by the former Philadelphia district attorney, Lynne Abraham to represent them because Wendell Courtney (see above DING DING DING) resigned last week.

Ray Gricar (DING DING DING) went missing and was recently declared dead this past July. However, his disappearance raises questions on a major level as another blogger suggested. Believe me, it entered my brain too. He did not prosecute this case when it could have been stopped but he also did not prosecute a football player, Scott Paxson,for rape either. It could have been for a lack of evidence but also his brother also committed suicide too.

Finally someone at the state level is looking into The Second Mile Charity. The heat brought about the resignation of Jack Raykovitz. The governor of Pennsylvania is a calling for an investigation into the agency. Finally! They need to be investigated fully and totally. Every one of their donors need to be investigated and fully vetted. This agency allowed a pedophile around children who needed protection not more abuse. He is rumored to have even pimped those children to some of the rich donors. Bad thing is that this agency probably had connections in Texas as well as New York.

Interestingly, another article points out a certain judge and her ties to The Second Mile organization. She let Sandusky post a $100,000 unsecured bail when the state was asking for $500,000 at least. He does not have to wear any kind of leg monitor or be monitored at all. She donated to The Second Mile Program and even participated in its events. Geez, I think that is a conflict of interest there, sweetie! According to news articles, she is now being investigated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to see if her capabilities as a judge and her involvement with the Second Mile might force her to recuse herself from the bench.

As far as NBC's interview with Sandusky, he admits to showering with these boys. Excuse me, that is even dangerously close to sexual abuse. I would be uncomfortable if my teacher or someone that I respected did that with me. He even sounds pervy in the interview with that soft voice. EWWWWWWW!

Permalink: blog.amyadoptee.com/2011/11/15/wtf-does-it-really-go-that-high-up-the-food-chain.aspx

[A 10-year-old child does not initiate sexual contact with an adult - Sandusky is a pedophile, despite what he said this morning on NBC ...Trace]

PENN STATE SCANDAL - Sandusky also an adopter

WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?

BLOG.AMYADOPTEE.COM published "WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?" on 11/15/2011 written by Amy Adoptee.


I have been paying attention to the "child molestation charges against Sandusky" news. I want to try and steer the negative implications away from the university, Penn State. The entire school isn't bad. Their athletic department leaves much to be desired. My concerns, however, have always been with The Second Mile charity established by Jerry Sandusky. They are a foster care type of agency that allowed a pedophile run amok with the children charged in their care. Sandusky and his wife even adopted a child from that agency. I find it hard to believe that no red flags came up at all. Ironically even the Westboro Baptist Church got it right this time.

Let's look at the characters involved in this melodrama. Sandusky is of course the disgusting perp in this mess. Paterno is the coach. McQueary is the grad student who saw Sandusky getting his kicks with a young boy. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz supposedly covered it up. Graham Spanier was President of the university at the time all of this happened. Jim Calhoun was another witness that has "dementia." Wendell Courtney worked as counsel for both the university and The Second Mile charity (DING DING DING).

Ironically the charity is now being represented by the former Philadelphia district attorney, Lynne Abraham to represent them because Wendell Courtney (see above DING DING DING) resigned last week.

Ray Gricar (DING DING DING) went missing and was recently declared dead this past July. However, his disappearance raises questions on a major level as another blogger suggested. Believe me, it entered my brain too. He did not prosecute this case when it could have been stopped but he also did not prosecute a football player, Scott Paxson,for rape either. It could have been for a lack of evidence but also his brother also committed suicide too.

Finally someone at the state level is looking into The Second Mile Charity. The heat brought about the resignation of Jack Raykovitz. The governor of Pennsylvania is a calling for an investigation into the agency. Finally! They need to be investigated fully and totally. Every one of their donors need to be investigated and fully vetted. This agency allowed a pedophile around children who needed protection not more abuse. He is rumored to have even pimped those children to some of the rich donors. Bad thing is that this agency probably had connections in Texas as well as New York.

Interestingly, another article points out a certain judge and her ties to The Second Mile organization. She let Sandusky post a $100,000 unsecured bail when the state was asking for $500,000 at least. He does not have to wear any kind of leg monitor or be monitored at all. She donated to The Second Mile Program and even participated in its events. Geez, I think that is a conflict of interest there, sweetie! According to news articles, she is now being investigated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to see if her capabilities as a judge and her involvement with the Second Mile might force her to recuse herself from the bench.

As far as NBC's interview with Sandusky, he admits to showering with these boys. Excuse me, that is even dangerously close to sexual abuse. I would be uncomfortable if my teacher or someone that I respected did that with me. He even sounds pervy in the interview with that soft voice. EWWWWWWW!

Permalink: blog.amyadoptee.com/2011/11/15/wtf-does-it-really-go-that-high-up-the-food-chain.aspx

[A 10-year-old child does not initiate sexual contact with an adult - Sandusky is a pedophile, despite what he said this morning on NBC ...Trace]

PENN STATE SCANDAL - Sandusky also an adopter

WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?

BLOG.AMYADOPTEE.COM published "WTF? Does it really go that high up the food chain?" on 11/15/2011 written by Amy Adoptee.


I have been paying attention to the "child molestation charges against Sandusky" news. I want to try and steer the negative implications away from the university, Penn State. The entire school isn't bad. Their athletic department leaves much to be desired. My concerns, however, have always been with The Second Mile charity established by Jerry Sandusky. They are a foster care type of agency that allowed a pedophile run amok with the children charged in their care. Sandusky and his wife even adopted a child from that agency. I find it hard to believe that no red flags came up at all. Ironically even the Westboro Baptist Church got it right this time.

Let's look at the characters involved in this melodrama. Sandusky is of course the disgusting perp in this mess. Paterno is the coach. McQueary is the grad student who saw Sandusky getting his kicks with a young boy. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz supposedly covered it up. Graham Spanier was President of the university at the time all of this happened. Jim Calhoun was another witness that has "dementia." Wendell Courtney worked as counsel for both the university and The Second Mile charity (DING DING DING).

Ironically the charity is now being represented by the former Philadelphia district attorney, Lynne Abraham to represent them because Wendell Courtney (see above DING DING DING) resigned last week.

Ray Gricar (DING DING DING) went missing and was recently declared dead this past July. However, his disappearance raises questions on a major level as another blogger suggested. Believe me, it entered my brain too. He did not prosecute this case when it could have been stopped but he also did not prosecute a football player, Scott Paxson,for rape either. It could have been for a lack of evidence but also his brother also committed suicide too.

Finally someone at the state level is looking into The Second Mile Charity. The heat brought about the resignation of Jack Raykovitz. The governor of Pennsylvania is a calling for an investigation into the agency. Finally! They need to be investigated fully and totally. Every one of their donors need to be investigated and fully vetted. This agency allowed a pedophile around children who needed protection not more abuse. He is rumored to have even pimped those children to some of the rich donors. Bad thing is that this agency probably had connections in Texas as well as New York.

Interestingly, another article points out a certain judge and her ties to The Second Mile organization. She let Sandusky post a $100,000 unsecured bail when the state was asking for $500,000 at least. He does not have to wear any kind of leg monitor or be monitored at all. She donated to The Second Mile Program and even participated in its events. Geez, I think that is a conflict of interest there, sweetie! According to news articles, she is now being investigated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to see if her capabilities as a judge and her involvement with the Second Mile might force her to recuse herself from the bench.

As far as NBC's interview with Sandusky, he admits to showering with these boys. Excuse me, that is even dangerously close to sexual abuse. I would be uncomfortable if my teacher or someone that I respected did that with me. He even sounds pervy in the interview with that soft voice. EWWWWWWW!

Permalink: blog.amyadoptee.com/2011/11/15/wtf-does-it-really-go-that-high-up-the-food-chain.aspx

[A 10-year-old child does not initiate sexual contact with an adult - Sandusky is a pedophile, despite what he said this morning on NBC ...Trace]

Effects of American Indian boarding schools still linger today

archival photo

At a conference at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center last month, more than 140 health and human service workers listened to Anderson’s presentation on the boarding schools and the negative effects they still have on Indian people today. Anderson was one of more than 120 to present at the 2011 St. Louis County Health & Human Service Conference October 10 and 11.
By: Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff, for the Budgeteer News (Duluth, Minnesota)
Duluth News Tribune

While giving her talk, Susan Anderson, a student in the social work department at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, projected historical images of American Indian children who had been taken from their parents and placed in boarding schools. This photo was taken four months after the children first arrived at the school.
Susan Anderson projected the slide of an American Indian boarding school onto a screen. She looked out into the audience and asked, “Who of you would enjoy going to school here? You can just imagine what these young children experienced.”
At a conference at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center last month, more than 140 health and human service workers listened to Anderson’s presentation on the boarding schools and the negative effects they still have on Indian people today. Anderson was one of more than 120 to present at the 2011 St. Louis County Health & Human Service Conference October 10 and 11.
Anderson, who has researched the topic as part of her master’s of social work concentration at the University of Minnesota Duluth, presented a slideshow with interviews and photos of the schools. She said her mother attended one of schools, which she described as militaristic and run like prisons.
"I knew my mom loved me,” she said, “but she didn’t know how to show it. She didn’t know how to hug me.”
Anderson went on to illustrate how children as young as five were torn from their families and placed in the schools. The boarding school philosophy, she said, was “kill the Indian, save the man,” the legacy of which continues to affect Indian people today.
“Even if you are a native person and you don’t understand historical trauma, you are still affected by it,” she said. “It’s intergenerational.”
Anderson said that the U.S. government hoped American Indians would abandon their culture and assimilate. She said that brainwashing techniques were used at the schools.
“On the fateful day of Oct. 6, 1869, Col. Richard Pratt opened the first boarding school in Carlyle, Penn.,” Anderson said. “It was modeled after a prison,” she said, projecting a slide of it on a screen, “And it looks like a prison.”
Anderson showed a short film about how American Indian children were forcibly separated from their families and punished whenever they spoke their native language, even if they didn’t know English.
But Pratt showed off his work, using before-and-after photographs to raise money for Indian schools, pronouncing that he took the Indian children from barbarian to civilization.
“Four months later, they don’t even look like the same kids,” Anderson said. “They’ve had their haircuts; stripped of their Indian names….They just lost everything within four months.
She then showed an interview with an American Indian man who attended boarding schools in North Dakota between the mid-1960s and early 1970s.
“I got hit so much I lost my tongue ... I lost my native tongue,” the man said as he wept. “They beat me. Every day they beat me. They cut off my hair…”
Anderson added that there was physical and sexual abuse at the schools. “They were degraded,” Anderson said.
Of herself, she said, “I’m proud to be who I am, and…..you know that impression, what we receive from the outside is bad.” But, she added, “I know that I have some internalized depression. It’s a shame and disowning of our individual and cultural reality. We take what they say and make it a part of us.”
Charles Lussier, a job counselor for the Minnesota Chippewa tribe whose grandmother was sent to the boarding school, attended her talk.
“I suffer from historical trauma,” he said. “I connected the dots one day and realized what had happened.”
He said that he was two generations removed from the boarding school experience, going back to the 1920s, but that it “had such a profound effect on our family.”
Lussier said that the boarding school experience of previous generations may be the cause of current day problems for some individuals. “The native guy may not be able to put his finger on what is wrong,” he said. “Learning to heal the wounds began a generation or two previously might be a start.”
SOURCE: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/214447/

Privacy and Adoptees

Privacy and Adoptees: Middle School
From Joy's Division on 11-9-11:
...I can’t believe I am making another post. I can’t believe after the kajillion words I have posted in the last few days that I am so compelled to post again.


My days have been so argumentative and didactic and I hate didactic, I am a party-girl at heart and cocktail parties thrive on funny jokes and a complete lack of moral teachings. Fuck moral teachings, but man God has laid plenty on my heart about this, and by God I mean, accountability and responsibility.

Some agro-adoptive parents have noted that I have criticized them a lot and not noted how they could better improve their standard.

Okay, this is key: PRIVACY

Read the rest here:

http://joy21.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/privacy-and-adoptees-middle-school/

Adoption Truth: NO Vember

 This list I totally agree with! Adoption Truth: "No" Vember

As part of Adoption Awareness Month, here is another blog ADOPTION TRUTH you must read. There are many amazing adoption-related blogs out there now in cyberspace!  Check out my favorites in the left column. Sign up for our blogs by email and RSS feeds. Please COMMENT, too! It really helps me and other bloggers when you share it on Twitter and Facebook - we LOVE you when you do this...
Thank you everyone for reading... Trace

Blue Hand Books: 11-11-11 - Interview with our author JOHN CHRISTIA...

Blue Hand Books: 11-11-11 - Interview with our author JOHN CHRISTIA...: Author John C. Hopkins (Narragansett) TWILIGHT OF THE GODS published on11-11-11 on Kindle Welcome to our first interview with John Chri...

North Carolina reunion of mother and son

Family reunited after decades

http://www.myfox8.com/videogallery/65980732/News/Adopted:-Family-Reunited-After-Decades

November 9, 2011


Three years after North Carolina changed its laws to give adoptees access to more information about their parents, families are still reuniting at a steady pace.

In the video above, Sheeka Strickland introduces us to a mom and her son who had lived completely separate lives for decades.

Before 2008, state laws prohibited most information from being released to either party, even with consent. The law changed again a year ago to allow people to get a death certificate from relatives who passed away.

Thursday night at 10, Sheeka will introduce us to a woman who used an Internet search angel to find her birth mother. Copyright © 2011, WGHP-TV

What strikes me is how expensive it is in North Carolina for an adoptee or natural parent to make connections - and there is a backlog of those requesting reunion. This has to be corrected - it should cost us NOTHING - we need reunion to heal....Trace

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...: Jandali and Jobs
Before his death earlier this week, Steve Jobs and his natural father never met, according to news reports.

Since it is Adoption Awareness Month, let's read more ADOPTEE BLOGS and FIRST MOTHER FORUMS!  Check out my favorite blogs in the left hand column!
Rest in peace, Steve Jobs...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...: Jandali and Jobs

Before his death earlier this week, Steve Jobs and his natural father never met, according to news reports.



Since it is Adoption Awareness Month, let's read more ADOPTEE BLOGS and FIRST MOTHER FORUMS!  Check out my favorite blogs in the left hand column!

Rest in peace, Steve Jobs...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...: Jandali and Jobs
Before his death earlier this week, Steve Jobs and his natural father never met, according to news reports.

Since it is Adoption Awareness Month, let's read more ADOPTEE BLOGS and FIRST MOTHER FORUMS!  Check out my favorite blogs in the left hand column!
Rest in peace, Steve Jobs...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...: Jandali and Jobs
Before his death earlier this week, Steve Jobs and his natural father never met, according to news reports.

Since it is Adoption Awareness Month, let's read more ADOPTEE BLOGS and FIRST MOTHER FORUMS!  Check out my favorite blogs in the left hand column!
Rest in peace, Steve Jobs...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...: Jandali and Jobs
Before his death earlier this week, Steve Jobs and his natural father never met, according to news reports.

Since it is Adoption Awareness Month, let's read more ADOPTEE BLOGS and FIRST MOTHER FORUMS!  Check out my favorite blogs in the left hand column!
Rest in peace, Steve Jobs...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...: Jandali and Jobs
Before his death earlier this week, Steve Jobs and his natural father never met, according to news reports.

Since it is Adoption Awareness Month, let's read more ADOPTEE BLOGS and FIRST MOTHER FORUMS!  Check out my favorite blogs in the left hand column!
Rest in peace, Steve Jobs...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...

[Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum: Like father, like son...John Jandali and Steve Job...: Jandali and Jobs
Before his death earlier this week, Steve Jobs and his natural father never met, according to news reports.

Since it is Adoption Awareness Month, let's read more ADOPTEE BLOGS and FIRST MOTHER FORUMS!  Check out my favorite blogs in the left hand column!
Rest in peace, Steve Jobs...

The Daily Bastardette: Michele Bachman Wants to Adopt You

The Daily Bastardette: Michele Bachman Wants to Adopt You

Another great post on another great blog! It's Adoption Awarenesss Month!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!: Apparently, there are official prompts for those of us participating in nablopomo . Today's prompt is : "If you knew that whatever you a...



Warning: this blog post will make you think!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!: Apparently, there are official prompts for those of us participating in nablopomo . Today's prompt is : "If you knew that whatever you a...

Warning: this blog post will make you think!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!: Apparently, there are official prompts for those of us participating in nablopomo . Today's prompt is : "If you knew that whatever you a...

Warning: this blog post will make you think!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!: Apparently, there are official prompts for those of us participating in nablopomo . Today's prompt is : "If you knew that whatever you a...

Warning: this blog post will make you think!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!: Apparently, there are official prompts for those of us participating in nablopomo . Today's prompt is : "If you knew that whatever you a...

Warning: this blog post will make you think!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!

Real Daughter: Flesh peddling for Joseph Smith!: Apparently, there are official prompts for those of us participating in nablopomo . Today's prompt is : "If you knew that whatever you a...

Warning: this blog post will make you think!

STUDY on Adoption Reunions by Eileen Skahill

Master Thesis Project on Adoption Reunions by Eileen Skahill

Date: 21 Oct 2011

As part of a Master Thesis in Sociology, the principal researcher is looking for adoptees who have been in reunion for longer than four years. The researcher would like to obtain participants who are currently in an adoption support group, and participants who currently are not.  The research is qualitative in design and would require participation in open ended interviews roughly 30-90 minutes in length. The research focus relates to the participants' experiences/relationships with their natural siblings and other extended family members, rather than their experiences with their natural parents. This study is IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved requiring a signed consent form. All participants will be guaranteed anonymity.  If you are willing to participate, please contact Eileen Skahill at:  eileenskahill@yahoo.com or 719-510-5109. 

Good news in New York State

Assemblyman David Weprin calls for change in state to give adoptees access to their birth records                                                                                                            

Change would help track family and medical issues

BY Jennifer H. Cunningham

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, November 6 2011, 6:38 PM

 

Norman Y. Lono/NORMAN Y. LONO

Nov 6, 2011 - Manhattan, NY

State Assemblyman David I. Weprin on Sunday called for a change in state law that bars adoptees from seeing to their birth records.

Weprin said he is sponsoring the “Adoptees Bill of Rights” bill to give adoptees access to their birth certificate and medical records once they turn 18. Weprin said birth records are sealed and kept by the state Department of Health once someone is adopted.

"This bill would allow adoptees, when they turn 18, access to their original birth certificate,” Weprin, joined by adoptive advocates, said Sunday on the steps of City Hall. “It is time these archaic laws be amended to reflect our current reality.”

Adult adoptees must go through the courts to get their records - a costly move with no guarantee of success, adoptive advocates said.

“They are the only classification of persons that have no right to their birth information,” said Ellyn Essig, legal advisor for Unsealed Initiative, a group fighting for adoptee access to birth records. “All we’re looking for is equal footing with everybody else.”

Larry Dell, 63, of Maplewood, N.J., discovered he was adopted four years ago, and said changing the law would help him find his family.

“I would get my original birth certificate with the names of my parents,” Dell said. “That’s what I need. That’s the missing piece.”

Weprin said the bill has wide bipartisan support, and he anticipates a vote when the assembly goes back into session in January. Seven other states have passed similar legislation.

Weprin said access to birth records wasn't only a human right, but it allows adoptees to find out their family medical history.

Adoptee Joel Vergun, 51, agreed. Vergun said finding his birth mom, Jill Auerbach, 68, of Poughkeepsie, was the difference between life and death.

“There's a serious history of heart disease in my family,” Vergun said. “Because she found me eight years ago, I went and had some tests done that I wouldn't have known to do otherwise. They found a couple of conditions, which were treated, which would have caused me to have an arrhythmia, which would have caused my heart to suddenly stop like it did my birth father. She saved my life.”

November is National Adoption Month.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/assemblyman-david-weprin-calls-change-state-give-adoptees-access-birth-records-article-1.973061#ixzz1d2Nz424j

Good news in New York State

Assemblyman David Weprin calls for change in state to give adoptees access to their birth records                                                                                                            

Change would help track family and medical issues

BY Jennifer H. Cunningham
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, November 6 2011, 6:38 PM

 

Norman Y. Lono/NORMAN Y. LONO

Nov 6, 2011 - Manhattan, NY

State Assemblyman David I. Weprin on Sunday called for a change in state law that bars adoptees from seeing to their birth records.

Weprin said he is sponsoring the “Adoptees Bill of Rights” bill to give adoptees access to their birth certificate and medical records once they turn 18. Weprin said birth records are sealed and kept by the state Department of Health once someone is adopted.

"This bill would allow adoptees, when they turn 18, access to their original birth certificate,” Weprin, joined by adoptive advocates, said Sunday on the steps of City Hall. “It is time these archaic laws be amended to reflect our current reality.”

Adult adoptees must go through the courts to get their records - a costly move with no guarantee of success, adoptive advocates said.

“They are the only classification of persons that have no right to their birth information,” said Ellyn Essig, legal advisor for Unsealed Initiative, a group fighting for adoptee access to birth records. “All we’re looking for is equal footing with everybody else.”

Larry Dell, 63, of Maplewood, N.J., discovered he was adopted four years ago, and said changing the law would help him find his family.

“I would get my original birth certificate with the names of my parents,” Dell said. “That’s what I need. That’s the missing piece.”

Weprin said the bill has wide bipartisan support, and he anticipates a vote when the assembly goes back into session in January. Seven other states have passed similar legislation.

Weprin said access to birth records wasn't only a human right, but it allows adoptees to find out their family medical history.

Adoptee Joel Vergun, 51, agreed. Vergun said finding his birth mom, Jill Auerbach, 68, of Poughkeepsie, was the difference between life and death.

“There's a serious history of heart disease in my family,” Vergun said. “Because she found me eight years ago, I went and had some tests done that I wouldn't have known to do otherwise. They found a couple of conditions, which were treated, which would have caused me to have an arrhythmia, which would have caused my heart to suddenly stop like it did my birth father. She saved my life.”

November is National Adoption Month.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/assemblyman-david-weprin-calls-change-state-give-adoptees-access-birth-records-article-1.973061#ixzz1d2Nz424j

Good news in New York State

Assemblyman David Weprin calls for change in state to give adoptees access to their birth records                                                                                                            

Change would help track family and medical issues

BY Jennifer H. Cunningham
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, November 6 2011, 6:38 PM

 

Norman Y. Lono/NORMAN Y. LONO

Nov 6, 2011 - Manhattan, NY

State Assemblyman David I. Weprin on Sunday called for a change in state law that bars adoptees from seeing to their birth records.

Weprin said he is sponsoring the “Adoptees Bill of Rights” bill to give adoptees access to their birth certificate and medical records once they turn 18. Weprin said birth records are sealed and kept by the state Department of Health once someone is adopted.

"This bill would allow adoptees, when they turn 18, access to their original birth certificate,” Weprin, joined by adoptive advocates, said Sunday on the steps of City Hall. “It is time these archaic laws be amended to reflect our current reality.”

Adult adoptees must go through the courts to get their records - a costly move with no guarantee of success, adoptive advocates said.

“They are the only classification of persons that have no right to their birth information,” said Ellyn Essig, legal advisor for Unsealed Initiative, a group fighting for adoptee access to birth records. “All we’re looking for is equal footing with everybody else.”

Larry Dell, 63, of Maplewood, N.J., discovered he was adopted four years ago, and said changing the law would help him find his family.

“I would get my original birth certificate with the names of my parents,” Dell said. “That’s what I need. That’s the missing piece.”

Weprin said the bill has wide bipartisan support, and he anticipates a vote when the assembly goes back into session in January. Seven other states have passed similar legislation.

Weprin said access to birth records wasn't only a human right, but it allows adoptees to find out their family medical history.

Adoptee Joel Vergun, 51, agreed. Vergun said finding his birth mom, Jill Auerbach, 68, of Poughkeepsie, was the difference between life and death.

“There's a serious history of heart disease in my family,” Vergun said. “Because she found me eight years ago, I went and had some tests done that I wouldn't have known to do otherwise. They found a couple of conditions, which were treated, which would have caused me to have an arrhythmia, which would have caused my heart to suddenly stop like it did my birth father. She saved my life.”

November is National Adoption Month.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/assemblyman-david-weprin-calls-change-state-give-adoptees-access-birth-records-article-1.973061#ixzz1d2Nz424j

Good news in New York State

Assemblyman David Weprin calls for change in state to give adoptees access to their birth records                                                                                                            

Change would help track family and medical issues

BY Jennifer H. Cunningham
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, November 6 2011, 6:38 PM

 

Norman Y. Lono/NORMAN Y. LONO

Nov 6, 2011 - Manhattan, NY

State Assemblyman David I. Weprin on Sunday called for a change in state law that bars adoptees from seeing to their birth records.

Weprin said he is sponsoring the “Adoptees Bill of Rights” bill to give adoptees access to their birth certificate and medical records once they turn 18. Weprin said birth records are sealed and kept by the state Department of Health once someone is adopted.

"This bill would allow adoptees, when they turn 18, access to their original birth certificate,” Weprin, joined by adoptive advocates, said Sunday on the steps of City Hall. “It is time these archaic laws be amended to reflect our current reality.”

Adult adoptees must go through the courts to get their records - a costly move with no guarantee of success, adoptive advocates said.

“They are the only classification of persons that have no right to their birth information,” said Ellyn Essig, legal advisor for Unsealed Initiative, a group fighting for adoptee access to birth records. “All we’re looking for is equal footing with everybody else.”

Larry Dell, 63, of Maplewood, N.J., discovered he was adopted four years ago, and said changing the law would help him find his family.

“I would get my original birth certificate with the names of my parents,” Dell said. “That’s what I need. That’s the missing piece.”

Weprin said the bill has wide bipartisan support, and he anticipates a vote when the assembly goes back into session in January. Seven other states have passed similar legislation.

Weprin said access to birth records wasn't only a human right, but it allows adoptees to find out their family medical history.

Adoptee Joel Vergun, 51, agreed. Vergun said finding his birth mom, Jill Auerbach, 68, of Poughkeepsie, was the difference between life and death.

“There's a serious history of heart disease in my family,” Vergun said. “Because she found me eight years ago, I went and had some tests done that I wouldn't have known to do otherwise. They found a couple of conditions, which were treated, which would have caused me to have an arrhythmia, which would have caused my heart to suddenly stop like it did my birth father. She saved my life.”

November is National Adoption Month.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/assemblyman-david-weprin-calls-change-state-give-adoptees-access-birth-records-article-1.973061#ixzz1d2Nz424j

Good news in New York State

Assemblyman David Weprin calls for change in state to give adoptees access to their birth records                                                                                                            

Change would help track family and medical issues

BY Jennifer H. Cunningham
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, November 6 2011, 6:38 PM

 

Norman Y. Lono/NORMAN Y. LONO

Nov 6, 2011 - Manhattan, NY

State Assemblyman David I. Weprin on Sunday called for a change in state law that bars adoptees from seeing to their birth records.

Weprin said he is sponsoring the “Adoptees Bill of Rights” bill to give adoptees access to their birth certificate and medical records once they turn 18. Weprin said birth records are sealed and kept by the state Department of Health once someone is adopted.

"This bill would allow adoptees, when they turn 18, access to their original birth certificate,” Weprin, joined by adoptive advocates, said Sunday on the steps of City Hall. “It is time these archaic laws be amended to reflect our current reality.”

Adult adoptees must go through the courts to get their records - a costly move with no guarantee of success, adoptive advocates said.

“They are the only classification of persons that have no right to their birth information,” said Ellyn Essig, legal advisor for Unsealed Initiative, a group fighting for adoptee access to birth records. “All we’re looking for is equal footing with everybody else.”

Larry Dell, 63, of Maplewood, N.J., discovered he was adopted four years ago, and said changing the law would help him find his family.

“I would get my original birth certificate with the names of my parents,” Dell said. “That’s what I need. That’s the missing piece.”

Weprin said the bill has wide bipartisan support, and he anticipates a vote when the assembly goes back into session in January. Seven other states have passed similar legislation.

Weprin said access to birth records wasn't only a human right, but it allows adoptees to find out their family medical history.

Adoptee Joel Vergun, 51, agreed. Vergun said finding his birth mom, Jill Auerbach, 68, of Poughkeepsie, was the difference between life and death.

“There's a serious history of heart disease in my family,” Vergun said. “Because she found me eight years ago, I went and had some tests done that I wouldn't have known to do otherwise. They found a couple of conditions, which were treated, which would have caused me to have an arrhythmia, which would have caused my heart to suddenly stop like it did my birth father. She saved my life.”

November is National Adoption Month.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/assemblyman-david-weprin-calls-change-state-give-adoptees-access-birth-records-article-1.973061#ixzz1d2Nz424j