Protecting Adoption and Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2012

Article here. Excerpt:

'Today, Congresswoman Laura Richardson introduced the Protecting Adoption and Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2012. The legislation will create a National Responsible Father Registry, giving unwed fathers the chance to register and be notified of court proceedings involving the child and relieving birth mothers of the burden of notifying the birth fathers.

Congresswoman Richardson’s legislation has been endorsed by the National Council for Adoption and the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.

“Too often, a child misses a critical window of opportunity to be adopted simply because there is a lengthy and cumbersome process of locating the father and adjudicating his parental rights,” said Congresswoman Richardson.

California is not one of the 34 states that already have father registries. It’s for this reason that Congresswoman Richardson introduced this legislation to encourage the state to participate in a national responsible father registry. Registered men are entitled to notice of court proceedings involving a particular child, such as adoption or state custody proceedings. Congresswoman Richardson’s legislation will “protect the rights of responsible fathers, protect the rights of mothers, and help secure the prompt and stable placement of children,” said Denise Bierly, President of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.'