Yukon adoption agency faces complaint (link to story)
YUKON — Adoptive couples who used a Yukon agency could be owed thousands of dollars in refunds, a complaint to the state Department of Human Services alleges.
The complaint filed April 15 requests an investigation of ABC’s of Adoption. The agency’s former accountant filed it.
--------------------------------------------------------------
(OKLAHOMA CITY) State Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement in response to a story in today's Oklahoman ("Adoption agency faces complaint") detailing allegations that the ABC's of Adoption agency in Yukon has failed to refund money to adoptive parents.
"I believe this story represents the tip of the iceberg," said state Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. "Every time a news story runs regarding the adoption reform efforts at the Capitol, I receive calls and emails from people who have experienced what is wrong with the system. I think there must be many more people who have had terrible experiences, but are too concerned about potential negative consequences to their adoptions to speak up. These types of issues cause families to think twice about adoption, and that is not good for these vulnerable children.
"The Adoption Reform Task Force needs to hear these stories," said Nelson. "We are working to recommend changes in the state's adoption code that we hope will dramatically reduce, if not eliminate, these kinds of negative stories. There are many ethical adoption agencies and attorneys, but we have to address those bad actors who take advantage of families under the cloak of confidentiality and with the threat of losing a child."
Rep. Nelson and Sen. Steve Russell are the co-chairs of the Adoption Reform Task Force that began work earlier this year on a comprehensive review of state laws regarding adoption of minors in Oklahoma. The task force will make recommendations to the legislature for consideration in the 2010 and 2011 legislative sessions.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
