Adoptee Access to Records
Adoptee Access to Records The existence of
Bastard Nation: The Adoptee Rights Organization and its work was acknowledged frequently and with high regard throughout the two days by symposium participants across the spectrum of interest, making it clear that the group is both well-known and a recognized advocate for adult adoptees.
Marley Greiner, BN's National Executive Chair, presented the case for adult adoptee access to original birth records. While most are familiar with Ms. Greiner's written work, which is necessarily blunt and often confrontational in her position as an activist, in person, she surprised many of us. She is soft-spoken with a keen sense of humor and very approachable.
Her presentation clarified for many what "open records" means to Bastard Nation. According to Ms. Greiner:
- "open records" is unconditional access by adult adoptees to their government/state held birth records. These records include a copy of the original birth certificate and possibly the adoption decree and court docket. These records do not include homestudies, social workers' personal reports, agency records, attorneys' records or any other records that may come under an agency's purview;
- "open records" is not about search and contact.
Kathy Ledesma of Oregon's Office for Services to Children and Families, confirmed that if/when Measure 58 goes into effect,
adult adoptees will receive only a photocopy (not certified) of their original birth certificates. No other records are included under the terms of the Measure. (Measure 58 was
enacted at the end of May, 2000.)
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