May 22, 2009

Bill to Help an Estimated 100 Families Signed Into Law

DOVER -- A bill that will eliminate the fear of uncertainty for as many as 100 Delaware families is now law in the First State. Gov. Jack Markell signed Senate Bill 55 into law at noon Friday in his Dover Office at the Tatnall Building.

On hand for the signing were members of the Reinhart Family, who inspired the legislation to clear a hurdle for legal guardians who wish to seek adoption of the children in their care. The Reinharts have been the legal guardians of Samantha (who is nearly four-years-old) for more than two years.

The new law adds “legal guardians” to the list of people that can petition Family Court to terminate parental rights and seek adoption. “This law does nothing more than allows guardians an opportunity to make their case,” said State Rep. Pam Thornburg (R-Dover West), who sponsored the bill with State Sen. Nancy Cook (D-Kenton).

“This law will provide a path forward for many Delaware families,” Rep. Thornburg said. “More importantly, it’ll lead to a stable, secure environment for dozens of children that have had to live with constant uncertainty.”

Markell said that while many of the bills he signs can be dry and institutional in nature, measures like this are especially gratifying because they allow him to see how the his actions are helping people in a very personal way. “I’ll never forget this bill signing,” he said as he handed a ceremonial copy of the legislation and the pen he used to sign the bill into law to the Reinharts.

“We’re lucky to live in a state that could move the process this fast,” said Tracie Reinhart, who hopes to soon be Samantha’s adoptive mother.
The family left the governor’s office on their way to the nearby Family Court building to exercise the new law and start the process to adopt Samantha.