Additional commentary by
Timothy Horrigan
(member of the House Petitions & Redress
Committee)
See Also:
The Clarkson Petitions:
It looks like Debra Adams' family ran into a conundrum which has befallen many other families, including the Clarkson Family of Kingston, NH. The standards you have to meet to be approved as an adoptive parent (or in this case, a guardian) are much higher than those for a temporary placement (such as foster care.) It is probably not much consolation that the standards for foster parents are much higher than those birth parents have to meet to get their children back.
PETITION 4
PETITION FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCE
TO: The Honorable House of Representatives
FROM: Petitioner Representative Daniel Itse, Rock. 9
DATE: September 24, 2009
SUBJECT: Grievance of Debra Ann Adams, Milford, New Hampshire
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 2, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "All men have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights - among which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting, property; and, in a word, of seeking and obtaining happiness. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state on account of race, creed, color, sex or national origin;" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 12, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "Every member of the community has a right to be protected by it, in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property:" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 32, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "The people have a right, in an orderly and peaceable manner, to assemble and consult upon the common good, give instructions to their representatives, and to request of the legislative body, by way of petition or remonstrance, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer;" and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Bill of Rights at Article 31, Part First of the New Hampshire Constitution provides that "The legislature shall assemble for the redress of public grievances and for making such laws as the public good may require;"
Now, Therefore, your Petitioner, Representative Itse on behalf of Debra Ann Adams, hereinafter presents the particulars of her grievance against the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Children, Youth, and Families and invokes the constitutional authority and duty of the Honorable House of Representatives pursuant to said Articles 31 and 32 to bring about their redress:
Debra Ann Adams was held to a higher standard in the Home Study for guardianship (3 bedrooms, separate bedrooms for each child) than if she were applying for a foster placement.
Debra Ann Adams is currently being denied guardianship and visits.
Wherefore, your Petitioner prays that the House of Representatives:
Accept the within Petition for Redress of Grievance for enrollment and by vote of the House of Representatives appoint a committee to hold public hearings and examine into the circumstances hereof; and following such hearings and examination, recommend to the full General Court that it:
Amend the laws of New Hampshire so that a Home Study for guardianship is held to a standard no higher than for Fostering. Respectfully Submitted by Petitioner Representative Itse on behalf of Debra Ann Adams.
Respectfully Submitted by Petitioner Representative Itse on behalf of Debra Ann Adams.
Co-Petitioners:
Rep. Ingbretson, Graf. 5
Rep. Hinkle, Hills. 19
September 24, 2009
See Also:
June 5 & June 12, 2011 commentaries by Judge Edwin Kelly & Rep. Paul Mirski
Judge James J. Barry's Hudson School District vs. State ruling
2010 New Hampshire House Petition pages:
Grievance of the voters of the of town of Hudson school district (actually filed without their permission by Rep. Lars Christiansen)
|
|