About IDA HUTCHERSON Expertise What are my options? How do I deal with an uncooperative birth father? What rights do the birth parents have? What is involved in an open adoption? How will I live with my decision afterward? How do I find the right adoptive family? What would Jesus want me to do when I find myself in a crisis pregnancy?
Experience Placed a child for open adoption in 2001 and it was the best thing I've ever done. I could have used someone like me to talk to. My approach to unplanned pregnancy is Christ-based and I would love to help those in need.
Organizations I am a speaker for Bethany Christian Adoption Agency and an advocate for adoption rights, etc.
Expert: IDA HUTCHERSON Date: 3/7/2005 Subject: concern grandparent
Question What rights do i have as a grandparent of a child who is being put up for adoption. I want to know if I as the grandparent have the right to keep to child
Answer Hi Nell,
My heart goes out to you and what you must be experiencing right now. My parents have gone through the same. If nothing else, I respect and admire your plight and the way you are no doubt struggling to deal with all that it entails.
Unfortunately, as far as the legalities of adoption, grandparents do not have any real rights. You can try to voice your opinion through your child but that's about it. It's a shame too as willing grandparents are insignificant in the scheme of things when it comes to rearing a child. I would advise you to consult a lawyer - preferably one free of monetary attachments and maybe a Christian one. Women have far more empathy in this situation for the most part too, so I'd try to attain the services of a female if possible. All that said, pray and pray. Search your heart and ask for clarity as to why you want to intervene. Is it purely emotion that motivates you? What is best for the child? There is no easy answer, but the fact that you are searching for one period is the key to resolution.
I wish I could be of more help but adoption is tricky business regardless of your place in it.
Let me know if I can help - I am happy to utilize my sources if you'd like.
