Judge Nan G. Waller
Multnomah County Juvenile Justice Division
1401 NE 68th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97213

Dear Judge Waller,

I am writing to you regarding the adoption hearing of Kofiante Owen,(age 7) and CLynn Black, (age 4) scheduled for October 30, 2008. I am asking that you delay the decision to permanently place the children with an adoptive family. The childrens grandmother, Carollyn Smith is currently raising the childrens five siblings and has applied to adopt Kofi and CLynn so that the family may stay together.

I am supporting Ms. Smiths request for a stay in this adoption procedure to give the Department of Human Services an opportunity to review their decision. I am concerned that all issues regarding the welfare of these children may have not been given adequate attention, in particular whether they will be raised in an environment that is sensitive and competent to address their cultural needs.

There are also concerns about whether these children will be adequately prepared for the issues they will face as adults. While trans-racial adoption is an appropriate option under some circumstances, in this case it seems clear that a biological family member who has been deemed a suitable adoptive parent by an independent adoption agency is the more preferable placement for these children.

Please consider delaying the hearing so that Ms. Smiths case can be adequately heard. Once the adoption is finalized, this grandmother will be completely severed from her grandchildren whom she loves very much. It would be a tragic outcome for her, for Kofi and CLynn and their five siblings.

Sincerely,