House Republican Press Release

March 15, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Ruwet: Expediting Adoptions is a Priority

The state legislature is moving toward expediting the process of adopting a child, a step strongly supported by State Rep. Anne L. Ruwet, R-65^th, Torrington.

Rep. Ruwet said legislation dealing with adoption has been approved by the legislature Children’s Committee, where she is the ranking House member who helps to shape the committee’s action.

“The Children’s Committee has focused attention with informational hearings throughout the state on children who are in foster care for many years and who would benefit from adoption,” Rep. Ruwet said.

She added,  “Connecticut is behind other states in expediting adoptions. Parents too often go out of state and out of the country to adopt a child, yet children are in foster care as long as nine years.”

“This has to end. We have to expedite the process,” said Rep. Ruwet.

Rep. Ruwet noted that the Children’s Committee has approved 34 pieces of legislation and moved them forward for further action by the legislature.

Though all well meaning, Rep. Ruwet said, some of the proposed new laws have generated differing points of view.

She noted one bill to open up adoption records to adult adopted children. However, it would apply retroactively and open up records that birth mothers had wanted to be kept sealed, such as in cases of rape.

Rep. Ruwet also said a bill to eradicate childhood lead poisoning may be too far reaching in its requirements for older housing units. She said owners of multi-family homes may decide against doing the costly remediation required under the bill before renting an apartment unit. “The end result may be fewer affordable housing units available for rent, at a time when reasonably priced housing is in short supply,” said Rep. Ruwet.

Rep. Ruwet serves the 65^th Assembly District of Torrington in the state House of Representatives.