Monday, May 21, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Delivering the Veronica Petition with 20,000 signatures -
Reporter Haley Hernandez followed @Save_Veronica to Columbia today, look who they spoke with about the Indian Child Welfare Act ... http://ping.fm/MWk43
Delivering the Petition with 20,000 signatures to South Carolina leaders -
By: | WCBD
Published: January 24, 2012
On New Year’s Eve, Jessica Munday watched helplessly as her close friends, Matt and Melanie Capobianco were forced to hand over their adopted little girl, Veronica, to her birth father.
Now Munday and Stephanie Brinkley (a Charleston adoption attorney) are on a mission to "save Veronica.”
“Rather than sit on the sidelines and just say ‘how sad’, I wanted to say ‘how sad, what can I do?’” Binkley said.
Tuesday they went from one government office to another, starting in Charleston and driving up to the State House in Columbia, delivering a petition from supporters of the organization.
Kathy Crawford, the district director at Congressman Tim Scott's office said it’s a shock that this could happen to a family, “a child could be taken away from the only mom and dad that they've ever known and you know, we hope that the courts will do the right thing.”
The organization delivered the petition to lawmakers with more than 20,000 signatures. In an unscheduled visit, Governor Haley spoke with Munday and Brinkley and empathized with the Capobiancos.
“If you have a child you know that's just like the precious part of your life and so my heart breaks for them, I will be happy to take this,” Gov. Haley said taking the petition. “The federal delegation and I communicate about a lot of things, because it is a federal issue doesn't mean I can't at least say "what are y’all doing about this?" so I'll be happy to ask the questions, be happy to see what's going on if anything.”
“I'm thankful that she was so receptive to us being there and so compassionate about what's happened,” Munday said after speaking with the governor.
“This is a matter that affects the people they represent, it represents a South Carolina couple and a South Carolina child and that child needs to be heard so it's great that they are receptive that we're trying to be a voice for Veronica when she can't represent herself,” Brinkley said about lawmakers listening to their concerns.
SaveVeronica.org is still taking signatures for their petition. Lawmakers said they will try to get a copy to the Senate committee that will hear the case.
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My Question: When is the Senate Committee going to hear it? I doubt they have any plans to put it on their agenda - we will need to do lots of pushing to get it there - and lots more to get a fair hearing!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
SC Supreme Court to hear case involving Indian Child Welfare Act
Two years ago Veronica’s Latina birth mother chose Matt and Melanie to love, nurture and raise her child. To this day, Veronica’s birth mother remains committed to her decision and Veronica has been a thriving child residing in a stable, nurturing environment.
On or around Jan. 4, 2010, the birth father signed papers agreeing to give up his daughter. However, he changed his mind and because he had a small amount of Cherokee heritage, the Cherokee Nation intervened in the adoption proceedings and argued that this happy, healthy two-year-old be transferred to her birth father. Because of the Indian Child Welfare Act, a family court judge ruled in his favor.
The ruling placed the wishes of the birth father and tribe above the best interests of this small child. Child-bonding experts agree that removing her from her home and family would be devastating and have long-lasting consequences. Yet on Dec. 31, 2011, Veronica was handed over
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Save Veronica AND other children like her!
s committed to her decision and Veronica has been a thriving, happy child residing in a stable, nurturing environment. On or around Jan. 4, 2010, the birth father signed papers agreeing to give up his daughter.However, because Veronica has some Cherokee heritage from her birth father’s side of the family, the Cherokee Nation intervened in the adoption proceedings and argued that this happy, healthy two-year-old be transferred to her birth father. Because of a federal law known as the Indian Child Welfare Act, a family court judge ruled that she be immediately transferred to her biological father.
Psychologist who witnessed Veronica's transfer comments on the detrimental effects -
Click Baby Veronica to hear an audio of the interview
The ruling placed the rights of the birth father and tribe above the best interests of this small child. Child-bonding experts agree that removing her from her home and family would be devastating and have long-lasting consequences. Numerous child psychologists stated this would be detrimental to any child. Yet on Dec. 31, Veronica was handed over to her biological father as if a possession without rights.
We believe that children need protection and should not be removed from loving, nurturing environments. We understand the premise of this law is to protect children; however, in Veronica’s case it has been used inappropriately.
Former U.S. senator Jim Abourezk (SD) authored ICWA. According to the Charleston Post and Courier, after reviewing Veronica's story, Abourezk called the interpretation in this case "something totally different than what we intended at the time."
"That's a tragedy," he said. "They obviously were attached to the child and, I would assume, the child was attached to them."
According to the 2000 census, approximately 75% of people claiming to have American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry live outside the reservation. Further, interracial marriages are a fact of life. It is must be recognized that most children of heritage live off the reservation and have extended family that are non-tribal. Though supporters of the Indian Child Welfare Act say it has safeguards to prevent misuse, Veronica and numerous other multi-racial children across the U.S have been hurt by it. Children who have never been near a reservation nor involved in tribal customs are affected. The Cherokee Nation alone is currently tied up in about 1,100 active Indian Child Welfare cases involving some 1,500 children.
Tragically, under the Indian Child Welfare Act:
1) Some children have been removed from safe, loving homes and placed in danger
2) Equal opportunities for adoption, safety and stability are not always available to children of all heritages
3) The Constitutional right of parents to make life choices for their children, for children of Indian heritage to associate freely, and for children of Indian heritage to enjoy Equal Protection has in some cases been infringed upon.
We want more than anything for Veronica to be allowed to come home. As our elected representatives, we urge you to protect Veronica’s rights in all possible ways as well as make legislative changes that will prevent this from happening to any other child again. While we understand you are unable to interfere in court proceedings, we ask you to speak out on this issue and let your constituents know clearly where you stand. We also ask you to sponsor legislation and encourage fellow Congressmen to support the amending of the Indian Child Welfare Act to:
1. Guarantee protection for children of Native American heritage equal to that of any other child in the United States.Save Veronica Supporters Worldwide
2. Guarantee that fit parents, no matter their heritage, have the right to choose healthy guardians or adoptive parents for their children without concern for heritage.
3. Recognize the "Existing Indian Family Doctrine” as a viable analysis for consideration and application in child custody proceedings. (See In re Santos Y, In Bridget R., and In re Alexandria Y.)
4. Guarantee that United States citizens, no matter their heritage, have a right to fair trials.
• When summoned to a tribal court, parents and legal guardians will be informed of their legal rights, including USC 25 Chapter 21 1911 (b)“…In any State court proceeding for the foster care placement of, or termination of parental rights to, an Indian child not domiciled or residing within the reservation of the Indian child's tribe, the court, in the absence of good cause to the contrary, shall transfer such proceeding to the jurisdiction of the tribe, absent objection by either parent…”
• Under the principles of comity: All Tribes and States shall accord full faith and credit to a child custody order issued by the Tribe or State of initial jurisdiction consistent within the UCCJA – which enforces a child custody determination by a court of another State – unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2 of the UCCJA.
5. Include well defined protections for Adoptive Parents.
6. Mandate that a "Qualified expert witness" be someone who has professional knowledge of the child and family and is able to advocate for the well being of the child, first and foremost.
7. Mandate that only parents and/or legal custodians have the right to enroll a child into an Indian Tribe. Because it is claimed that tribal membership is a political rather than racial designation, we are asking that parents, as U.S. citizens, be given the sole, constitutional right to choose political affiliation for their families and not have it forced upon them.
• Remove the words “or are eligible for membership in” 1901 (3)
• Remove the words "eligible for membership in" from 1903 (4) (b), the definition of an ‘Indian child’ and replace with the words "an enrolled member of”
www.saveveronica.org
www.facebook.com/saveveronicarose
www.twitter.com/save_veronica
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Protect Indian Kids from being exploited by Corrupt Tribal Leaders - Sign White house Petition!
The fruit of my womb does not belong to tribal government!! My husband and I did not give birth to our children to benefit Tribal leaders! Our family does not care about Tribal sovereignty. We do not want our children to be used to garner more federal funds for corrupt tribal government. We are US citizens, who are supposed to have rights!
The Indian Child Welfare Act is unconstitutional law. Children are being hurt by it. It needs to be changed.
We have 30 days to get 25,000 signatures in order for our petition to be reviewed by the White House.
November is National Adoption Month - Let's do this Petition as our part in helping children this month. We need 6250 signatures a week to meet that goal. Let's pray for God's help and get started.
On Nov 19, Nat'l Adoption Day, families, adoption advocates, policymakers, judges and volunteers will come together and celebrate adoption in communities across the nation. We are setting a goal of 10,000 signatures by that date.
Please Sign the Petition and Use every method you have to share this link - http://wh.gov/bvZ - If everyone could get just 10 people to sign the petition and share it with at least 3 of their friends, we'll have it made!
Thank you friends!
TEXT OF PETITION:
We petition the Obama Administration to:
Ensure that Children of tribal heritage are guaranteed protection equal to that of any other child in the United States
Across America, children who had never been near a reservation nor involved in tribal customs have been taken from homes they know and love and placed with strangers chosen by tribal social services. This includes MULTI-racial children with minimal heritage.
Because of poorly thought out law called the 'Indian Child Welfare Act';
2) Some families, Indian and non-Indian, have felt threatened by tribal gov't and have had no money to get legal help.
3) Equal opportunities for adoption, safety and stability are not always allowed to children of all heritages.
4) Constitutional right of parents to make choices for their families is being interfered with. Some tribal families don't want to be on the reservation.
SIGN AT http://wh.gov/bvZ
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
In a Matter of Seconds, all Your Hard Work Can Be Gone.
This post brought to you by Carbonite. All opinions are 100% mine.
I know - it has happened to me - TWICE - this year.
I lost my hard drive twice this year - having to buy a new computer the first time, then cash in on its warranty the next. Neither time is there any explanation - all that computer techs have told me is that the hard drive, in both situations, had a major crash. I don't peruse dangerous websites and my teenagers aren't allowed to use my computers - so we have no idea why it happened, other than the suggestion that as I travel frequently, the laptops might have been jarred or dropped.
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Saturday, September 10, 2011
Upromise Celebrates its 10th Anniversary!
This post brought to you by UPromise. All opinions are 100% mine.
$20,000 Giveaway!!
Upromise is celebrating its 10th Anniversary by giving away $20,000 to users who share a story that tells how a parent supported a child's dream!
Upromise members have received more than $600 million in college savings through their rewards program and wants to celebrate all of the ways it has helped children to grow into the people they are today and the adults they will become tomorrow.
Users can participate in the sweepstakes by submitting a story, and can vote on their favorite stories by “liking” them. Upromise will give away $1,000 to 10 winners and a grand prize winner for $10,000 will be selected from the participants as well.
Upromise invites you to join the movement, share experiences and give a spark to help fuel the flame of future dreams.
My dream is that my children and grandchildren grow to be Godly men and women of character - so I am praying that they will be able to afford a good Biblical education at a Christian institution.
Click on the UPromise to share your dream for your children! Comment on the blog post as well!!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Come Learn How ICWA is Hurting Kids -
Dr. William B. Allen will be their main speaker; the information and material offered to be exceptional.
Remember – the Christian Alliance for Indian Child Welfare (CAICW) is the ONLY national organization focused on advocating for families who have lost or are at risk of losing children due to application of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and has been advocating for families since 2004.
Contact Lisa if you would like one or would like a few to share some with friends!
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Bloggers Giving Away Walgreen Gift Cards!
This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.
For the month of June - certain SocialSpark Bloggers are giving away Walgreen Giftcards! Check out the sites for giveaways at http://socialspark.com/WalgreensBrandSweeps
At my age, Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are essential - the wonder drug 'Aspirin' being most essential, followed closely by the 'acetaminophen.' You can't beat Walgreen's for value. They carry all the health and wellness products necessary for you and your growing family!
Further, Walgreen's gives back to the community in special ways. Every purchase of Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products supports preventive wellness services in local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™
Walgreens contributes up to $3 million annually to the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ . The Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ provides free preventive health tests as well as many other health and wellness services and education to local communities. Some of the free services include preventive health tests through the 'National Urban League Health & Wellness Tour.' They also offer great vouchers redeemable in select stores. With the current economy as it is - we all need that!
You can find more details at http://walgreens.com/waytowell. 
Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products
