Baby Girl Update 4

Updates in the Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl Ongoing Adoption Case

Here is the latest update in the Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl legal battle. On August 5, 2013 the South Carolina Family Law Court issued an order for the immediate transfer of Baby Girl Veronica to the adoptive parents and suspension of the Transition Order. The order was issued as a result of the father’s and his representatives’ failure to attend a transition meeting held on August 4, 2013. According to the court, the Transition Order provides that if any party fails to comply with the order, the court retains jurisdiction to suspend the order and take further action in the case. In light of the final Decree of Adoption, the court found that Baby Girl Veronica is being unlawfully withheld from her lawful parents and referred the matter to the County Solicitor’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for prompt action. The order is also being referred to the father’s National Guard commanding officer. The court requests that the appropriate court in the State of Oklahoma order the father and any person having physical custody of Veronica to appear in an Oklahoma proceeding with the child. Finally, the court has directed legal counsel for the father to submit a letter to the court informing it of the whereabouts of the father and Veronica, the father’s intent to comply with the order, and their personal efforts to enforce compliance.

There has been no update on the status of the South Carolina Federal District Court action filed by the Native American Rights Fund action on behalf of Veronica seeking to protect her rights to due process.

California Indian Legal Services will continue to keep you updated on the development in the Baby Girl case.