WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, December 18, 2007Rules limit connection between kids and biological parents
By TONY TAGLIAVIA
GRAND RAPIDS -- Bonnie Baker Harris has witnessed some remarkable reunions, like the one between Steve Flaig and Chris Tallady.
"Sometimes it can get quite emotional," Harris said.
She is the post-adoption specialist for the Bethany Christian Services Adoption Agency. As part of that work, she helps adopted children and biological parents connect.
"I would say we get several calls every week," Harris told 24 Hour News 8.
Those calls can result in a connection, especially for children whose biological parents ended their parental rights after September 1980. In those cases, as long as a parent hasn't asked not to be identified, his or her child can get the parent's name and last known address through the adoption agency.
For the children of parents whose rights were terminated before September 1980, information can only be released if a biological parent specifically allows it.
So what if there is no permission or denial on file?
"That is a very, very common outcome," Harris said. "The state has put into place what's called confidential intermediary services."
That person works as a go-between without telling either party who the other one is.
As Steve Flaig and Chris Tallady's story shows, sometimes an intermediary can be helpful, even when names and addresses are available. In their case, it led to a happy result.
"Best Christmas present ever," Chris Tallady said.
Her son's response?
"I can't wait to get to know each other better."
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