To The Editor:

Mr. Smith, I think that if you'll read the Adoptions and Safe Families Act of 1997, you'll be able to understand why DHS agencies are damaging so many children and destroying their families. IT'S ALL ABOUT BONUS MONEY!

The ASFA gives DHS agencies and courts Bonus Money when they can find a way to meet their adoption quota (mean adoption rate). Oklahoma's 'mean adoption rate' is about 350 children. Oklahoma is one of 30 states that has received Bonus Money EVERY YEAR since 1997. In 2005, DHS agencies were given more than $17 trillion dollars for adoptions finalized in 2004. Oklahoma received $12,000 for finalizing the adoption of my ONLY grandchildren to a NON-biological family. They were nine and 11 years old when they were adopted. The adoptive family changed ALL of their names. I'm really concerned about them having to learn completely new names at that age. I know my grandchildren have failed at least one grade in school since OKDHS took them into custody and I know that they're being home schooled now.

Oklahoma'S PRIORITY PLACEMENT laws state that OKDHS tries to place children (1) with the parent(s), (2) with the grandparent(s), (3) with other members of the biological family and (4) with the foster family. OKDHS never made even one attempt to place my granddaughter with any member of the family! She was placed with the non-biological family!

You can find most of this case posted on www.ripoffreports.com under CPS. You'll find response postings interesting. The mother, whose children were taken into custody with fragile bones, posted her story on the site. She said DHS wouldn't believe the diagnosis of her private physician! Evidently, DHS didn't pay him to diagnose them as THEY wanted them diagnosed.

Yes, indeed, the Adoptions and Safe Families Act of 1997 is promoting the destruction of families and as they permanently damaging our little children. The ASFA should be rescinded.