House: Foster Kids Must Get Records Faster
Responding to a Texas Tribune article about young adults who age out of foster care being denied their records, House lawmakers passed a bill today to require the prompt release of case files following a child's discharge from foster care.
Houston Democratic Rep. Ana Hernandez Luna's bill would give the Department of Family and Protective Services 30 days to release case files and other information to a foster child once he or she ages out of care.
The bill follows reports from child welfare advocates, chronicled in The Texas Tribune, that young adults who age out of foster ...
Comments (5)
Wanda Farmer via Texas Tribune on Facebook
They won't release the record's, because the states had the children sign up until they turned 21. So they could keep getting their S. S. I payments. But they release the children, back to their families or where ever they want to go. With out any money. Because the State is keeping it. A girl I know, got out of foster care last year, and thats what TX did to her.
Donna Prothro Streetenberger via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Great news for foster children! Great job, Texas Tribune! Now, what about prompt release of case files for adult adoptees (medical and otherwise)? They are the only Americans still denied their civil rights to their own records.
Frances Stone via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Donna i was able to get mine just after TX passed a law that adoptees had to be 21 (it used to be 18 as far as i know prior to 1992). also depends on if you were adopted through a private or public adoption agency?
Donna Prothro Streetenberger via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Frances, I'm very happy for you. I'm glad you are one of the few. Currently, in the State of Texas, adoption records for adult adoptees are sealed. Only through mutual consent, of the biological mother and adult adoptee, and an intermediary can an adoptee have access to their own records in Texas. That leaves adoptees whose biological parents have died, don't know of mutual consent, or don't care that their biological children have information, out of luck. Only in the event of a dire medical condition can an adoptee have access to their own medical records and in many cases they are still denied.
Frances Stone via Texas Tribune on Facebook
i am sorry for your lack of access. i am familiar with that entire process. it took me 4 years to complete the mutual consent even after age 21, with intermediary requirements and counsel as well that is required to prove you are of stable mind to go through with reuniting. i did not realize what happens if that parent has already died. even though one of my parents had already died. and no, i did not receive any of his medical data either. in that, i feel i can empathize. all that i can do is extend my sorrow for your not having your records that yes, are dutifully yours to have for medical reasons. had i not had my records particularly in the essence of time that i did, i would not have had nearly the clue of the medical concerns that today i can fully put into context. i wish this closure for everybody. unfortunately that dire medical condition can always be too late.