Question:
Dear Nancy,
I have adopted a child, and the adoption has started to go bad. I have been told adoptions are not reversible, and if they were it would be considered an abuse or neglect case and I might lose my nursing license. Can you give me any information regarding this issue or recommend an attorney to advise me?
Nancy Brent replies:
Dear Donna,
Your question is difficult to respond to because of the lack of details concerning how “the adoption has started to go bad” and what reason there would be for a “reversible” adoption to have an impact on your license.
It is true that if a nurse licensee is named as a perpetrator in a child abuse or neglect case, a state board of nursing can take disciplinary action against the nurse licensee. However, in the question submitted, it is unclear if this basis for discipline would apply to you.
It is hoped that you had an attorney who represented you in the adoption proceedings. If so, he or she should be contacted immediately for specific advice about your current situation. If you did not have an attorney, retaining a nurse attorney or an attorney to represent you at this point is vital. He or she can analyze the difficulties you are experiencing, then give you specific advice concerning your legal rights and responsibilities, including the licensing issues you reference.
You might want to take advantage of established resources for adopting parents. As examples, your state might have a Web page addressing adopting parents' rights and responsibilities there, as might state bar associations. Reviewing any such information might help with supplying initial information you need before meeting with your attorney.
Additionally, if you need help in the form of support for the stresses of adjusting to your role as a new parent with your adopted child, there are many resources for you to consider. Try an Internet search for the associations in your state, check the yellow pages under social service organizations and adoption services, or seek out the information from your attorney.
Dear Nancy,
I have adopted a child, and the adoption has started to go bad. I have been told adoptions are not reversible, and if they were it would be considered an abuse or neglect case and I might lose my nursing license. Can you give me any information regarding this issue or recommend an attorney to advise me?
Donna
Nancy Brent replies:
Dear Donna,
Your question is difficult to respond to because of the lack of details concerning how “the adoption has started to go bad” and what reason there would be for a “reversible” adoption to have an impact on your license.
It is true that if a nurse licensee is named as a perpetrator in a child abuse or neglect case, a state board of nursing can take disciplinary action against the nurse licensee. However, in the question submitted, it is unclear if this basis for discipline would apply to you.
It is hoped that you had an attorney who represented you in the adoption proceedings. If so, he or she should be contacted immediately for specific advice about your current situation. If you did not have an attorney, retaining a nurse attorney or an attorney to represent you at this point is vital. He or she can analyze the difficulties you are experiencing, then give you specific advice concerning your legal rights and responsibilities, including the licensing issues you reference.
You might want to take advantage of established resources for adopting parents. As examples, your state might have a Web page addressing adopting parents' rights and responsibilities there, as might state bar associations. Reviewing any such information might help with supplying initial information you need before meeting with your attorney.
Additionally, if you need help in the form of support for the stresses of adjusting to your role as a new parent with your adopted child, there are many resources for you to consider. Try an Internet search for the associations in your state, check the yellow pages under social service organizations and adoption services, or seek out the information from your attorney.
Cordially,
Nancy
Nancy J. Brent, RN, MS, JD, is an attorney in private practice in Wilmette, Ill. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or any other advice. The reader is encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney or other professional when an opinion is needed.
