Bill to Aid Adoption of Ill Child Advances

Legislation to help a Yorba Linda couple adopt a chronically ill child has been approved by the state Senate and sent to the Assembly.

The measure by Sen. Edward R. Royce (R-Anaheim), passed by the Senate Wednesday on a 37-0 vote, would allow Tim and Lesly Bird to adopt their foster child, Brianna, 4.

Brianna was born three months prematurely and has suffered many ailments. Her $25,000-a-month medical bills--including private nursing care, equipment, medication, food and speech therapy--are paid by the county.

But under current law, almost all of that aid would cease if the Birds adopt the child. Because she would then no longer be a ward of the county, the Birds would be financially responsible for her care.

While current law provides for state aid to parents who adopt foster children, that aid is limited to social services and does not cover medical costs.

Without a change in the law, the Birds have said they could not bear the costs of adopting Brianna and thus would be forced to continue caring for her as a foster child.

State Would Pick Up Costs

Under Royce’s measure--which he introduced on behalf of the Birds, but, if passed, would apply statewide--the state would pick up the same medical costs being paid by a government agency while the child was in foster care.

“The circumstances do not change--the child is critically ill, the parents are there to care for her, along with nursing and medical needs--so why shouldn’t the money needed for her care be continued?” Royce said in a statement.

Royce said the bill would encourage the adoption of handicapped children, relieving the government of the counseling and court costs associated with foster care. In Brianna’s case, there would also be important benefits to the child, he added.

“A foster child will be placed with a permanent family--a family who cares for this child--both emotionally and physically,” he said.