The Alabama Access to Justice Commission announces a new partnership with the Alabama Department of Human Resources to assist foster parents in filing petitions to adopt children.

The Alabama Access to Justice Commission was created by the Alabama Supreme Court in April 2007 to serve as a coordinating entity for the legally underserved, the legal community, social service providers, and the private and public sectors. The commission’s mission is to coordinate resources to expand and promote legal services for economically disadvantaged citizens in need. Thus, this partnership brings together the Alabama State Bar and the Alabama Department of Human Resources to help foster parents with the legal procedures in adopting children.  

In May, at the annual Foster and Adoptive Parents Association Conference, Alabama Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner announced the coordinated effort to “sustained applause of appreciation and a few tears of joy.” This initial focus on services to help foster parents with legal issues regarding adoption is “Phase I.” The Alabama Access to Justice Commission and the Alabama Department of Human Resources’ partnership has future plans for assisting with legal issues regarding children.

Director Paul Butler (Department of Human Resources –Children and Family Services), Chief Counsel Sharon Ficquette (Department of Human Resources), Alabama State Senator Roger Bedford, Commissioner Nancy Buckner (Alabama Department of Human Resources), President Tom Methvin (Alabama State Bar), President Buddy Hooper (Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parents Association), Chairman Ted Hosp (Access to Justice Commission) in Montgomery on the occasion of signing the Partnership Letter.