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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Ann
Collis |
State Rep. Richard T.
Grucela |
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Grucela bill would establish adoption reporting system
HARRISBURG, April 17 – State Rep. Rich Grucela has introduced legislation that would establish a data collection and reporting system regarding all adoptions in Pennsylvania.
The measure (H.B. 1102) would require courts in each county to forward certain non-identifying information to the Department of Health on a monthly basis.
Grucela said the collection of basic information on adoptions would enable the state to specify the number of adoptions and types of adoptions finalized annually and understand trends and issues in adoption practices.
“The information would provide greater insight on the needs of the children and their families so they are given the support they require, and placed in loving, compassionate homes,” Grucela said. “If we have a clear picture as to what groups of children struggle the most, programs can be adapted to reflect their individual needs.”
Specifically, the adoption data form would include the following non-identifying information:
· Age and race of the adoptee, birth parents and adoptive parents.
· Gender of the adoptee.
· Any relationship between the adoptee and adoptive parent.
· Whether parental rights of each birth parent were terminated pursuant to a voluntary relinquishment, involuntary termination or consent to an adoption.
· Whether an adoption agency arranged for the adoption.
· The time the adoptee was in the custody of an agency or in private placement.
· Date of the adoption decree.
· Whether the adoptee received adoption assistance.
· Any other information deemed necessary by the department based on public input and in consultation with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and Department of Public Welfare.
Grucela said the measure was introduced as a result of recommendations made by the House Legislative Budget and Finance Committee in a 1991 report that identified a need for more comprehensive and reliable data on adoptions than currently exists. A similar recommendation was made in a 2001 Joint State Government Commission Report of the Advisory Committee on Adoption Law.
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