Relative Adoption

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephanie Serrano
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  
Throughout the year, the Airman and Family Readiness Center does as much as they can to support Airmen and their families at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

The A&FRC sponsors a new workshop called Relative Adoption Dec. 16, 2015, from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Walters Community Support Center.

This class is geared toward helping grandparents, stepparent's, aunts and uncles, siblings or other family members wanting to pursue adopting a relative child in the state of Arkansas.

"Relative adoptions provide greater continuity for the children because they have ready access to their genetic, medical and family history. In addition, they have typically been already living with the relative and this just provides more stability to what is typically a chaotic situation," said Stacy Fletcher, Center for Arkansas Legal Services attorney.

"With stepparent adoptions, the stepparent has usually provided the primary care and support of the child [in some cases] and the non-custodial parent has not had much to do with the child," Fletcher said. "Being adopted really allows the child a feeling of safety and belonging with the person who has taken over that role."

Since the relative adoption process is different from normal adoption due to  specific state requirements, Fletcher, will be present to answer questions about the legal process specific to those assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base.

"We are very lucky to have such a knowledgeable attorney to come and provide information about relative adoption to our Airmen and their families," said Katherine Milligan, 19th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "An attorney's time and expertise are very valuable, and Ms. Fletcher is volunteering her time to inform and assist our Little Rock AFB community."

"The court's main concern is the best interest of the child," Fletcher said.

Milligan will also be attending the workshop to get a solid understanding of the rules and laws so the A&FRC can continue to have this class in the future for those who will miss this meeting.

For more information about relative adoption or to register, call (501) 987-2667.