Additional commentary by
Timothy Horrigan
(member of the House Petitions & Redress
Committee)
This complainant wanted to adopt two siblings, one of whom she had been foster parenting— but someone else got both kids. There must be a sad story behind this petition.
Patterson's 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 are even higher than those for a temporary placement (such as foster care.) Some names have been redacted here: nothing was reacted from the original petition.
See Also:
PETITION 5
PETITION FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCE
TO: The Honorable House of Representatives
FROM: Petitioner Representative Peter Silva, Hills. 26
DATE: September 24, 2009
SUBJECT: Grievance of Patricia Patterson, Nashua, 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 Silva on behalf of Patricia Patterson, 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:
Patricia Patterson was the foster mother of [foster child] for 19 months, but was refused placement of [foster child's sibling] because it exceeded the legal number of placements in her home. [foster child's sibling] was placed with [adoptive mother]. After her older children moved out, Patricia Patterson sought open adoption of [foster child] with the consent of their parents [biological parents].
After Patricia Patterson sought adoption of both children, [foster child] was removed from her home against the express opinion of the children's Guardian Ad Litem, and her parents and contrary to court orders, the Division of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) removed [foster child] from her placement with Patricia Patterson.
DCYF is proceeding with the adoption of both children by [adoptive mother].
[foster child] and [foster child's sibling] are being denied a relationship with their natural parents and extended family, which would have been provided in the adoption plan of Patricia Patterson.
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 the circumstances hereof; and following such hearings and examination, recommend to the full House of Representatives that it:
Amend the laws of the State to prohibit and punish the removal of children from their home without a court order except in exigent circumstances.
Respectfully Submitted by Petitioner Representative Silva on behalf of Patricia Patterson.
Co-Petitioner:
Rep. Itse, Rock. 9
September 24, 2009
See Also:
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)
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