So...

[kandrathe]

This one has been niggling at me a bit. I am unsure of the technicality of this in other jurisdictions, but there is something I want to briefly address. I don't think you meant to imply that the State should choose strangers when family is available.

Sometimes. I was thinking of cases where children are removed from their parents, rather than of an untimely accident claiming them both. The best environment for the child is what is desired, and if a relative is willing to commit to being a surrogate parent that might work. Of course it would cause some stress in that family, and you risk that the relative might agree as a cover to place the child back with the unfit parents.

Prior Relationship of Adoptive Parent(s) to Child in US States (October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001)

We have some close friends who have done a thing which I don't think I could put myself through. They wanted to adopt a child, so they went to the State and registered and trained in a program to be foster parents to children at risk. The children that have been placed with them all have been under 4 years of age and taken from thier parents because the parents have been deemed unfit. If the parents through the legal system lose their rights and no suitable relative can be found they have the opportunity to adopt the child. They have their 3rd child now, with the first two being each with them a year before being put back with a relative. It has been heart wrenching as you can imagine, and the children have some very profound emotional issues to deal with. This third child now they have had for eight months, and there is still a year of court hearings before his final status will be determined.

In the event of the death of my spouse and I, we have chosen some close friends who are excellent parents and they have agreed. When I looked at my family I saw no place for my children to go where it would work out well. They are all muggles. :D