My mom works with a woman who's mother-in-law works for the state of Alaska, like in family services. She knows a woman who works with a native Alaskan tribe. A birthmom belonging to the tribe, 17 years old and due in three weeks, wants to give her baby to adoption. Hearing all this, my mom suggested us. Alaskan family services likes to place children in the lower 48, so they were interested in us. I think my mom mentioned it to me a week or so ago. She called me Thursday to tell me that they were interested in us. I went right to work learning about Alaskan adoption law and Alaskan tribes and Alaskan everything. I had never given Alaska much thought before. Besides the fact that Palin was from there. Anyway, we started praying and thinking it all over. Adoption law is very different in Alaska. I've mentioned in past posts about the birthmom signing "surrender" which means her parental rights. In Alaska it is termed "consent". Birthmoms can sign consent anytime after delivery but they have 10 days to change their minds. Also, there was very little paternity rights. And finally the tribes play a very big role when it concerns one of their members. Adoptive parents must have their approval as well. In addition, many of their programs are lacking federal funding and some of their "employees" aren't properly trained and certified. So, considering the legal risks, the emotional risks, and the financial risks we decided not to go through with it. It isn't easy to turn down such a possiblity, even with all of that. We think its best however.
We are still waiting.
Thanks for your prayers!