Some of my most satisfying work in public service has been assisting
with the adoption of 11 children into loving Alaska families. Carolyn
and I have three children and I know the joys and challenges that
children bring. Few things are as rewarding as supporting and guiding
a child.
I am saddened by the case in Wasilla involving five adopted children
allegedly abused by their adoptive parents and grandparents. Children
who are separated from their biological parents for whatever reason
deserve our protection, love and concern.
While attention is focused on the allegations of abuse made against
the adults in the Wasilla case, we should not lose sight of the
many adults who have lovingly embraced children into their families.
Adoption is difficult, tedious and expensive for prospective parents.
For the children, who have been abandoned at least once, adoption
can seem like a house of cards – ready to fall down at any
moment until that happy day when they hear the adoption is final.
In 2003, President Bush signed the Adoption Promotion Act to continue
tax incentives for families to adopt and to add incentives for parents
to adopt older children.
I am pleased to see many Alaska families look to adoption. It is
heartening to see Native leaders encouraging adoption to keep children
with their extended families. Other cultures have similar concerns.
Children need love and support and often can get it from those close
to them.
To increase awareness of adoption, I will be hosting an adoption
email discussion list and offering information and links to adoption
resources on my web site.
For more information about adoption, visit the Office of Childrens
Services website at http://hss.state.ak.us/ocs/Adoptions/default.htm
and the National Adoption Month web site: http://national-adoption-month.adoption.com/
On these pages you will find:
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If you would like to participate in my adoption discussion group
you can subscribe to our listserv at this
site or contact my Juneau office at 465-3520 or by email
for assistance.
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