Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on June 26, 2008, to allow a former parent of an adopted individual to submit to the central state adoption registry a contact preference form. The form would specify whether the individual would or would not like to be contacted by the grown child (directly or through an intermediary), and whether he or she does or does not want their identity to be made known to the grown child. The form would allow for an updated medical history to be filed that could be released to the grown child regardless of the other options selected

The vote was 99 in favor, 10 opposed and 1 not voting

(House Roll Call 715 at House Journal 73)

Click here to view bill details.

Adoptees must have the same rights as non-adopted citizens. We should not be reduced to pleading in front of a judge or asking for permission to see our birth records!

Why was the age 21 chosen over 18? Emancipation can be at the age 14. Independent living can be at 16. One can vote at 18. One can join the military at 18. For the possible benefit of family reunification (social, psychological, medical, emotional) after a foster child has aged-out, perhaps the age should be lowered to 18. Perhaps, the ability to reconnect with one's birth family may become untapped resources for foster youth transitioning into adulthood. Do I smell the beginning of "reinstatement" of parental rights? Beverly Tran