The conference is seeking proposals for presentations and papers emphasizing the following themes:
- The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Families
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to: available funding for subsidies, decisions to delay adoption, role of the extended family, and impact on the number of children placed for adoption.
- The Impact of Artificial Reproduction on Families
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to: the state’s role in regulating artificial reproduction, the right not to procreate, legal issues involving unused embryos, and resolution of rights and responsibilities in embryo donation and adoption.
- Overcoming Barriers to the Creation of Families for Members of the GLBT Community
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to: laws and public policies limiting adoption by GLBT parents, the impact of these laws from the perspective of the child's right to permanence, empirical studies on outcomes for children, and alternatives available when second parent adoptions are not permitted.
Participants are asked to a lead a panel discussion on one of the topics above. Each topic will have 3-4 panel members who will present 30-45 minutes each, with discussion to follow. In addition, participants are requested to prepare an article associated with their presentation for publication in the Capital University Law Review next year. The article would be due on September 1, 2010.
Capital University Law School is home to the National Center for Adoption Law & Policy. In light of the University’s strong focus on child welfare and adoption law, the Capital University Law Review initiated the Wells Conference on Adoption Law in 2005. The First Annual Wells Conference was entitled “Illuminating the Child’s Perspective,” and highlighted speakers such as Barbara Bennett Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bartholet, and Martin Guggenheim. Subsequent topics have included Father’s Rights in Adoption, Hearing the Child’s Voice, and Challenges to Permanency, and have highlighted presentations by Lynn D. Wardle, Katheryn D. Katz, Mary Beck, Cynthia Mabry, and Jini L. Roby.
Please send your proposals to the Wells Conference Committee Chair, Alisa Hardy ( ahardy@law.capital.edu) by October 16, 2009.
