Dear Editor,

As it’s almost time to cast your vote, we wanted to share our personal experience with Rebecca Kubacki, as her commitment to advocate for the voiceless children made a difference in our lives.

My wife and I decided to walk the path of adoption through the Indiana “foster to adopt,” program, with the intention of adopting a sibling group. Many children in the “foster to adopt” programs are considered “at risk” because of the trauma they may have experienced – some form of neglect and/or abuse.

Through our journey we have faced many trials and tribulations. The blessings these children have brought in our lives, and the lives around us, are indescribable and nothing short of incredible. The special moments we’ve shared with the children have given us strength to face the difficult times with courage.

In adoption, there are many unknowns (especially in foster to adopt) – and even though we have faith – there is still a judicial system that decides the fate of all neglected and abused children.

In Indiana, regarding foster children, the decision is whether or not the children should be “reunified,” with the birth family or if it is in the best interest of the child to be permanently removed from the birth family and placed for adoption. For the children we fostered, the decision was to be placed for adoption. Our children were given a new life where they could be safe, fed, loved on – and a chance to be thriving citizens in our community.

During all the unknowns we faced, we reached out to Rebecca Kubacki asking her to be an advocate not just for our children, but all families who are going through the adoption process – especially “at risk,” children.

Rebecca is the chairman for the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committees and we felt she genuinely listened with an attentive ear – and created an action plan. She took our suggestions to the governor’s desk, and filed for the adoption bill HB 1222, and also took our suggestions to the committee. We can not take full credit for her doings, but its amazing how voicing your opinion can make such a difference. Rebecca is looking to make real changes in Indiana.

There are many children not just in our state, but in our county that endure unimaginable abuse and neglect … But on the other end, there are many families in our state and county that would do anything to love these children and this bill may help. On behalf of all the voiceless and “at risk,” children, thank you, Rebecca, for being an advocate for their future.  We support you. Please know the label you been given as the “Mother of Indiana,” should be worn as a badge of honor.

Joe and Gina Clevenger
Warsaw