Parents for Ethical Adoption Reform

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• 06/10  Guide to Researching US Adoption Agencies
• 04/10  Guide to Health Professional License Checks By State
• 03/10  PEAR Launches Ethiopia Survey
• 02/10  PEAR's Cambodia Blog launched
• 02/10  PEAR's Statement on Nepal
• 02/10  PEAR Petition for Investigation into Amelya Frances Kirkpatrick Adoption
• 01/10  PEAR Statement on Children in Haiti
• 01/10  PEAR Releases initial State-specific Adoption Resource Directories
• 01/10  PEAR Full Comments on Families for Orphans Act
• 11/09  Results of POSitive Study on Post Adoption Services
• 09/09  PEAR Adoptive Parents Bill of Rights
• 09/09  PEAR's position on Tuberculosis (TB) Management in International Adoptees
• 08/09  PEAR's position on Positions on SB 1376, SB 1359 (aka FACE), and HB 3070 (aka FOA)
• 07/09  PEAR's Nepal Blog launched
• 07/09  Independent Adoption: Implications for Parents and Providers under Hague Intercountry Adoption Act and Regulations
• 06/09  PEAR Prospective Adoptive Parent Bill of Rights - updated
• 05/09  PEAR Mental Health and Licensed Therapist Provider Survey begins
• 04/09  PEAR Prospective Adoptive Parent Bill of Rights
• 04/09  PEAR Open Records Statement
• 02/09  PEAR Adoption Ethics, Corruption and Reform Search Engine Released
• 01/09  PEAR Post-Adoption Services Survey (POSitive Study) begins
• 12/08  PEAR releases comprehensive International Adoption Doctor directory
• 12/08  PEAR becomes a 501(c)(3)
• 05/08  PEAR's Call to Action: Vietnam - Update
• 03/08  We become a member supported Non-Profit Organization
• 01/08  We support Ethica's Call for Input on JCICS Proposed Standards of Practice
• 12/07  PEAR's Blog launched
• 12/07  Our Comments on Proposed JCICS Standards of Practice for Vietnam
• 12/07  Our Comments on Proposed Regulations to the Hague Intercountry Adoption Act
• 11/07  PEAR's Call to Action: Vietnam
• 10/07  PEAR Sponsors: Adoption Ethics & Accountability Conference

PEAR supports unrestricted access to birth records for all adults adopted as minors. We do not believe any citizen should be discriminated against by removing the right to obtain their personal, official documents. We oppose the imposition of contact vetoes, court orders or third-party agency interference with an adoptee’s right to access his or her original birth certificate.

Adoption should be about the formation of a family for the benefit and best interests of children, not the destruction of identity. As an organization we will support clean legislation submitted in any state that seeks to achieve the goal of opening records.

Print Version of PEAR Open Records Statement (pdf)

Competent Providers: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to an adoption service provider with appropriate high-quality adoption services. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to receive a complete list of qualifications of all providers of adoption-related services. Qualifications include both adoption-related education and training.

Ethical Program: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to an ethical and economical adoption program. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to expect honest and complete program information, full fee disclosure, and fee amounts proportional to the complexity of the services provided. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to expect that all actions and payments by parties to the adoption process are legal and ethical in the United States and any other jurisdiction in which the payment or action is required.

Respect and Nondiscrimination: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to considerate, respectful treatment and communication from all members of the adoption system at all times and under all circumstances. An environment of mutual respect is essential to maintain quality adoption services.

Adoption Service Disclosure: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to receive accurate and clear information about their adoption plans, professional services, adoption options, risks and benefits, and cost implications to make an informed choice of services. Prospective adoptive parents also have a right to know how to reach adoptive service provider personnel and other necessary in-country service providers during and after business hours. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to receive information concerning the process of acceptance and refusal of a referred child or proposed match as well as the effect of refusing a referral or match prior to signing a contract for services. In the event that the adoption service provider challenges the competence of the prospective adoptive parent after a homestudy has been approved, a detailed, written statement regarding the challenge will be referred to the homestudy evaluator and a copy will be given to the clients. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to be free from threats of removing referrals during a challenge. They have the right to be treated in a professional manner throughout the challenge process. In domestic adoption placements, prospective adoptive parents have the right to clearly stated financial risks in case of denial of Medicaid or insurance for the placing mother's medicals bills. They have the right to know at the time of contract signing if delays or denial of finalization are tied to payment of after-the-fact denials of medical coverage.

Comprehensive Adoption Preparation: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to comprehensive pre-adoption education. Adoptive families need to understand the psychological, developmental, behavioral, emotional and medical challenges that adopted children may experience. This information is integral for being to make a fully informed decision about adoption, developing appropriate expectations, recognizing issues and finding appropriate resources to address the needs of the adopted child.

Broad-Based Consultations: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to consult adoption specialists, physicians, attorneys, adoption advocates, consumer advocates and others to help them better understand the process and their options. Prospective adoptive parents also have the right, without fear of retribution or retaliatory actions from the adoption service provider, to discuss their adoption plans and process with family, friends, consumer advocates, internet support groups, adoption advocates, physicians, attorneys, and governmental institutions through any communicative means as long as such disclosure does not violate the law or the privacy rights of a referred child.

Confidentiality of Information: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to communicate with adoption service providers in confidence and to have the confidentiality of their individually identifiable information protected. Information should not be transferred, sold or otherwise utilized without express written consent of the prospective adoptive parents. Prospective adoptive parents also have the right to review and copy their own records, request amendments, and transfer their records and information to other adoption service providers and governmental institutions as necessary to efficiently complete the adoption process as allowed by all jurisdictions involved. In the case of termination of the adoption service provider contract, the adoption service provider shall agree to return or destroy the confidential information and all copies, if so requested by the prospective adoptive parents unless prohibited by state law.

Fair appeal and grievance process: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to a fair and efficient process for resolving differences with their adoption service providers and the institutions that serve them, including a rigorous system of internal review and an independent system of external review. Prospective adoptive parents have the right to receive information prior to entering the service agreement/contract about the methods they can use to submit complaints or grievances regarding provision of services to their adoption service provider, the provider’s regulatory board, and any professional association. Prospective adoptive parents also have the right to be provided information about the procedures they can use to appeal decisions made through the adoption service provider’s internal grievance process. Prospective adoptive parents have a right to a fair and impartial external appeal process.

Provider Accountability: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to expect that adoption service providers may be held accountable and liable to prospective adoptive parents for any injury caused intentionally or through negligence or gross incompetence on the part of the adoption service provider and any of its subcontractors, associates and agents.

Complete Child Information: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to full and accurate information regarding the health, social and familial history of any child referred to them to adopt.

Legally Available Children: Prospective Adoptive Parents have the right to expect that the referred child was not made available for adoption through coercion, fraud, kidnapping, trafficking or other unethical practices from the family of origin or any third party to the adoption.

Lawful Process: Prospective adoptive parents have the right to expect that the process of adoption is in conformance with all applicable local, state, federal and international laws, including those of the child’s native jurisdiction. Respect for the family of origin and the laws of all involved jurisdictions are necessary for the integrity of adoption.

Print Version of PEAR Prospective Adoptive Parents Bill of Rights (pdf)

Child History Information:  Adoptive parents have the right at any time during the placement of a child to receive full and complete child history information. Adoptive parents have the right to any new or additional information that becomes available during or after the placement and/or finalized adoption. Child history information includes general behaviors, known or suspected behavioral problems, health or medical history, educational status, cultural and family background, religion, possible siblings, numbers and reasons for any prior placements, court or legal decisions and any other issues known about the child. Adoptive parents have the right to complete access to all written reports, psychological evaluations, and diagnoses. Information regarding the relationships between the child and known siblings and between child and other previous caregivers shall also be disclosed to adoptive parents. In addition, adoptive parents have the right to independently seek out additional information about their children including, but not limited to history and medical information without coercion or harassment from placing agencies or their agents. Adoptive Parents have the right to be free from restriction, censure, prohibition or moderation by adoption service providers concerning contact and/or exchange of information between themselves and families of origin when such contact and/or exchange of information is mutually agreed upon by the family of origin and the adoptive family.

Parenting Education:  Adoptive parents have the right to comprehensive, on-going training and support for the purpose of enhancing the ability to effectively parent the child. They have the right to be educated about meeting the health, educational, vocational, legal, and cultural needs of the child. Adoptive parents also have the right to have access to and openly participate in local, statewide, national, cultural, health, advocacy and other support groups.

Post Adoption Support:  Adoptive parents have the right to request and receive post placement support including, but not limited to referrals for qualified specialists, educational programs, licensed treatment centers, and assistance in clarifying or gathering additional information regarding the child’s diagnoses, behaviors or other concerns. They have the right to honest, complete and timely responses to their post-adoption questions. Adoptive parents have the right to high-quality post placement services in meeting the needs of their children including reasonable relief and respite care if needed. They have the right to access these services without fear of questioning their parental abilities. They have the right to contact any social service organization or state resource without fear of retribution or a child protective services investigation based solely on seeking out such help. Adoptive parents also have the right to assistance in dealing with family loss and separation issues when a child leaves their home for respite care, residential treatment or dissolution of the adoption. In all cases, adoptive parents have the right to be treated in a caring and compassionate manner.

Educational Support:  Adoptive parents have the right to seek out Early Intervention and other school based resources for their children. They have the right to assistance in accordance with federal, state, and local laws for the unique educational issues and confounding factors that adopted children may have including, but not limited to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues, attachment issues, subtractive bilingualism and other speech and language issues, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), visual issues, auditory issues, post-malnutrition issues, kinesthetic issues, learning challenges and other health issues. Adoptive parents have the right to provide input about these issues and how it affects the plan of services for the child. Adoptive parents also have the right to express his or her opinion, provide outside references and resources that may benefit the child and have it treated respectfully.

Advocates and Services for Education, Health and Behavioral Issues:  Adoptive parents have the right to access available advocacy services. They have the right to consultation and assistance in evaluating, identifying, and accessing services to meet their needs. Adoptive parents have the right to a comprehensive list of options for professional therapy, health care and educational support and other resources. They also have the right to express their opinions and be treated respectfully by all professionals. Adoptive parents have the right to complete information and direct answers to questions about choices, services, and decisions. They have the right to request support and services directly from any professional providing them.

Recourse:  Adoptive parents have the right to report misconduct by agencies and service providers to any governing entity and to have such reports investigated thoroughly and appropriately in a timely manner. Adoptive parents also have the right to be free from acts of harassment and retaliation by agencies and service providers. They have the right to legal recourse in the event of a wrongful adoption including, but not limited to fraud or misrepresentation of child’s health or orphan status.

Print Version of PEAR Adoptive Parents Bill of Rights (pdf)

• Guide to Researching US Adoption Agencies
  
  
• Independent International Adoption: Implications for Parents and Providers under Hague Intercountry Adoption Act and Regulations
  
  
• Comprehensive Directory of International Adoption Medical Doctors (updated quarterly) (pdf 735kb)
  
  
• US State-specific Adoption Resource Directories
  • Participate in the Survey of Licensed Therapists and Mental Health Providers
  
  
• Guide to Health Professional License Checks By US State
  
  
• POSitive Study Survey
  • Results of POSitive Study on Post Adoption Services
  
  
• Homestudy Providers with Missing Russia Post Placement Reports (April 2010)
• USA Only Homestudy Providers with Missing Russia Post Placement Reports (April 2010)
  
  
• Vietnam Birthfamily Search contacts - request via Contact form
  

Board of Directors (pdf) PEAR Corporate registration Open Records Statement (pdf) Prospective Adoptive Parents Bill of Rights (pdf) Adoptive Parent Bill of Rights (pdf) PEAR Brochure (pdf) PEAR Badges for your website or blog Contact Form

On-line Membership Application Email Membership Application (pdf) Print Membership Application (pdf) Donation form (pdf)

Parents for Ethical Adoption Reform (PEAR)
A 501(c)(3) Pennsylvania Non-Profit Organization
526 N. President Ave.  Lancaster, PA 17603  
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