STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2018) — The House of Representatives supported State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation on Tuesday that would increase accountability and transparency during adoption proceedings.
Burton’s legislation would require an adoption agency to submit a report to prospective adoptive parents containing contact information of other agency employees, giving them a place to voice concerns, ask questions and receive feedback during the adoption process.
“Potential adoptive parents sacrifice so much to ensure a child can have a safe and loving place to call home,” Burton said. “The rigorous adoption approval process is put in place to protect a child from being placed in a potentially unsuitable home. In some cases, a prospective parent is not kept fully informed of vital details concerning their adoption application. This legislation gives them a clear path to voice concerns or ask questions. This is an issue near and dear to my heart, and I am working to help find all children waiting to be adopted a place to call home.”
According to the Department of Child Services, there are nearly 150 children up for adoption in Indiana at any given time.
House Bill 1091 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
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State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents a portion of Johnson County.
A high-resolution photo of Burton can be downloaded by clicking here.
