Five years ago, little Adrianna was beaten to death after being placed in Mexican foster care by the Oregon Department of Human Services. The move was made to ensure that Adrianna stayed with biological family members, rather than be adopted by non-family in the U.S.
Today, Tausha Cram, Adrianna’s biological mother, is fighting state efforts to place any Oregon foster child in a foreign country where state officials cannot effectively monitor the situation. In Adrianna’s case, she was beaten and abused by family members in Mexico and Oregon officials did not know of any problems until the little girl’s death was reported.
“That was my baby,” said Cram, who spearheaded a rally in Salem. “The lack of accountability makes me sick.”
Cram says she signed off on the Mexican placement because she was a methamphetamine user and couldn’t care for her child. She claims, however, that she warned authorities that her husband’s family was abusive. Months later, her child was dead.
Two bills are going through the legislature that relate directly to foreign foster care for American children, Senate Bill 10 and House Bill 3471. One of the bills would give the US State department authority to help monitor foster care in Mexico and other countries. Cram opposes both bills.
Cram says the abuse was reported to Mexican authorities many times and nobody in that country responded.“Yet, we still want to count on Mexican authorities which is disgusting. If they didn’t save my child, are they are going to save anyone else’s?”
Oregon’s DHS spokesman disagrees. “It would allow Oregon to have more authority through the U. S. State Department to keep kids safe,” said Gene Evans, spokesman.
Biological reunification is always the first goal in American foster care. But is it always the best option? Cram doesn’t think so -- especially when the child will leave the country and be out of direct supervision by American officials. What do you think?
Thinking about adopting through the foster care system? Learn about foster parent requirements and PRIDE classes.
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