DOCSLIB.ORG

Policy for the Payment of Adoption Allowances

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Policy for the Payment of Adoption Allowances POLICY FOR THE PAYMENT OF ADOPTION ALLOWANCES Date of Ratification – 2nd October 2015 Next Review date – September 2016 Page 1 of 9 Next Review date: September 2016 1 Introduction 1.1 This Policy, procedures and financial assessment forms used in relation to the financial support available to Adopters, have been updated following a Review and consultation with Adopters. The Review was undertaken to consider changes following similar reviews that already taken place on a regional and national level. 1.2 A significant part of Adoption Support Services for many adopting and adoptive families is the provision of short term or longer term financial support. 1.3 The Adoption Support Regulation 2005 sets out the circumstances in which financial support may be paid to an adoptive family. Financial support is payable for the purpose of supporting the placement of an adoptive child or the continuation of adoption arrangements after an Adoption Order is made. 1.4 The regulations make a distinction between ongoing financial support that is paid on a regular basis and which was agreed before the making of an Adoption Order and other support needs (including financial) which may arise later in the child’s life. This is because the assessment and provision of financial support prior to the making of an Adoption Order will remain the responsibility of the local authority that agreed it for as long as the family in question qualifies for payments. 1.5 This policy refers to financial support that is paid on a regular basis and which is agreed prior to the making of an Adoption Order. 1 Legal Framework 2.1 Payment of ongoing Financial Support for Adopters is not automatic. The conditions for considering whether financial support should be paid or not, are laid out in the Adoption Support Regulations (Local Authorities) (England) Regulations 2005, Regulation 8. 3 Criteria 3.1 The circumstances in which provision of financial support may be paid are as follows: i. Where it is necessary to ensure that adoptive parents can look after a child; ii. Where the child needs special care which requires a greater expenditure of resources by reason of illness, disability, emotional or behavioural difficulties or the continuing consequences of neglect - and the child's condition is serious and long-term; iii. Where it is necessary for the local authority to make any special arrangements to facilitate the placement or the adoption by reason of the age or ethnic origin of the child or the desirability of the child being placed with siblings or a child with whom he/she has previously shared a home; Page 2 of 9 Next Review date: September 2016 iv. Where such support is to meet the recurring costs of travel for visits for the child to members of the birth family/significant others; v. Where the local authority considers it appropriate to contribute towards expenditure on legal costs, including Court fees (in cases where the adoption is supported by the local authority), or expenses associated with the child's introduction to adoptive parents or expenditure on accommodating the child (e.g. adaptations to the home, furniture, clothing or transport). 4 Types of Payments 4.1 Payment to adoptive parents may be made in the following ways: Regular payments - which will be based upon the developmental age of the child and calculated as agreed from time to time by the local authority. This is Means Tested (using the DFE Model) and is paid to prospective adopters / adopters on a Monthly basis; Lump sum payments (settling in costs, special needs and adaptations), which will cover items or adaptations that are required as a consequence of assessment of each child's individual needs. Payment may be in instalments and will end at a time specified by the local authority; Payments in special circumstances (for example, a child with additional needs or where foster carers adopt a child for whom they are already caring or where adopters incur legal expenses in contested cases). Payment may be in instalments and may end at a time specified by the local authority. 5 Foster Carers Applying to Adopt 5.1 Part of the viability discussions with foster carers who have expressed a wish to adopt will be around the financial support that may be available to them (see guidance for Foster Carers Wishing to Adopt). 5.2 Financial support cannot normally include any element of remuneration to the adoptive parent. However, the Adoption Support Regulation 9 (2005) provides that where an adoptive parent was previously the child’s foster carer, and they received an element of remuneration (skills based payment) as the child’s foster carer, they can receive an element of remuneration for up to two years from the date of the Adoption Order. It may be paid for longer in exceptional circumstances at the Local Authority’s discretion. 5.3 The Local Authority MAY pay foster carers who are adopting a child placed with them an allowance equal to the skills based payment and child allowance they were previously receiving, minus Child Benefit deductions. Page 3 of 9 Next Review date: September 2016 This can be paid for a period of no more than 2 years. The threshold criteria for this are: Where it is necessary to ensure that the foster carer parent can look after the child; The child is over 12 months of age, unless there are specific health or disability issues to be considered; The desirability of the child being placed with the same adoptive parent as his brother or sister, or another child with whom he has previously shared a home; The foster carers require this transitory arrangement to help them adjust to the new circumstances. 5.4 The Head of Service has delegated authority to agree to fund up to two years. In exceptional circumstances the child allowance may be extended subject to financial assessment and the skills based payment may also be extended. This will need to be authorised by the Head of Service, as part of the Adoption Support Plan. 5.5 Financial support to Foster Carers must be agreed by the Head of Service, prior to the re- approval and match being placed before the Adoption and Permanence Panel. 5.6 Foster Carers may apply to be assessed for ongoing financial support the same as any other adopter, if they do not meet the threshold criteria or do not qualify for an extension period to their remuneration. 5.7 Foster Carers are not entitled to a settling in grant or introduction costs as the child is already living with them. 6 Assessment 6.1 In relation to proposed financial support for a new placement, the Adoption Support Plan will be submitted to the Adoption Panel with the Adoption Placement Report when a matching recommendation is being considered. See Placement for Adoption Procedure. 6.2 If, following the match and Adoption Support Plan being agreed, regular Financial Support is considered appropriate, the amount to be paid to adoptive parents will be determined by an assessment of their means. This will take account of the adopters' income and resources (excluding their home), reasonable outgoings and commitments, and the financial needs and resources of the child (N.B. Support provided under Section 9.2 (v) to assist with legal costs or expenses associated with the child's introduction to the placement will not be subject to an assessment of means). Page 4 of 9 Next Review date: September 2016 6.3 To increase equality, a cap on eligible maximum mortgage contributions, personal pension scheme contributions and child care costs have now been introduced. The following cap / maximum rates will be applied to the means test:- Mortgage payments: Capped at 33% of net income; Personal Pension contributions: Capped at 10% of net income; Childcare costs: linked to equivalent national childcare tax credits. For 15/16 this was set at £122.50 per week. 6.4 As part of this assessment, prospective adopters / adopters will be asked to complete a Financial Assessment Form (See Appendix 1), which should be returned to the Finance Department. The Finance Department will complete the Financial Assessment (Means Test) within 2 weeks of receipt of the Financial Assessment Form. 6.5 It is important that prospective adopters are helped to access benefits to which they are entitled. As part of the financial assessment process and preparation of the Adoption Support Plan Plan, the child’s social worker should ensure that the family is enabled to apply for all benefits and tax credits to which they are entitled, this may include DLA for children who have emotional and behavioral difficulties as well as illness or disability. Under the Adoption Support Services Regulations 2005, any financial support agreed by the Local Authority cannot duplicate any other payment available to Adopters. 6.6 If at the time of the initial financial assessment, applicants have applied, but are not yet in receipt of benefits, they will be financially re-assessed in a further 3 months. If evidence of Tax Awards is not received within 3 months, payments will be suspended. If applicants are not eligible to receive benefits, they must still provide evidence to confirm this. 6.7 If applicants are eligible to receive Tax Awards, a further financial assessment will be completed after 3 months and the allowance will be adjusted accordingly. If applicants have been overpaid, they will be required to reimburse the Local Authoriity. 7 Decision Making 7.1 Once all the relevant information has been collected and the Financial Assessment (Means Test) has been completed, the information will be sent to the Head of Service, who will make all decisions in relation to the approval of Financial Support for Adopters.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Adoption Policy
    Adoption Policy West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Children and Families Office of Children and Adult Services Jane McCallister, Director, Children and Adult Services Carla Harper, Program Manager II, Children and Adult Policy Revised September 16, 2015 Contents 1.0 Introduction and Overview ............................................................................................................ 7 1.1 Mission and Vision ........................................................................................................................ 7 1.2 Philosophy ..................................................................................................................................... 8 1.3 Legal/Regulatory Basis .................................................................................................................. 8 2.0 Definitions ...................................................................................................................................... 10 3.0 How Children Enter the State’s Custody .................................................................................. 12 3.1 How Children Enter Foster Care ............................................................................................ 12 3.2 Legal Authority for Adoptive Placement ................................................................................ 12 3.3 Permission to Accept Guardianship ...................................................................................... 13 3.4 Required Consents
    [Show full text]
  • Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
    STATE STATUTES Current Through March 2019 WHAT’S INSIDE Defining child abuse or Definitions of Child neglect in State law Abuse and Neglect Standards for reporting Child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal Persons responsible for the child and State laws. At the State level, child abuse and neglect may be defined in both civil and criminal Exceptions statutes. This publication presents civil definitions that determine the grounds for intervention by Summaries of State laws State child protective agencies.1 At the Federal level, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment To find statute information for a Act (CAPTA) has defined child abuse and neglect particular State, as "any recent act or failure to act on the part go to of a parent or caregiver that results in death, https://www.childwelfare. serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, gov/topics/systemwide/ or exploitation, or an act or failure to act that laws-policies/state/. presents an imminent risk of serious harm."2 1 States also may define child abuse and neglect in criminal statutes. These definitions provide the grounds for the arrest and prosecution of the offenders. 2 CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-320), 42 U.S.C. § 5101, Note (§ 3). Children’s Bureau/ACYF/ACF/HHS 800.394.3366 | Email: [email protected] | https://www.childwelfare.gov Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect https://www.childwelfare.gov CAPTA defines sexual abuse as follows: and neglect in statute.5 States recognize the different types of abuse in their definitions, including physical abuse, The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Build a Healthy Stepfamily How Well Do You Keys to A
    TheHealthy Keys to a Successful MarriageHandbook IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TEAMWORK! Establishing a marriage mission Helpful marriage resources How well do you GOT TOUGH ISSUES? know your spouse? TAKE THE QUIZ ON PG. 10 How to build a Healthy Stepfamily ARCHIVEYOU CAN DO IT ALL! Myths about How to Manage 4domestic money, children, violence in-laws & MORE! TheHealthy Handbook Support for this handbook was provided by The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention/ The Children’s Trust Fund • Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University • Alabama Cooperative Extension System • The Family Assistance Division, Alabama Department of Human Resources Project Managers – Carol Whatley and Glenda Freeman, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Editor – Joanna Acorn Corley Graphic Design – Mary Ferguson Written and compiled by Francesca Adler-Baeder, Ph.D., CFLE Director, Center for Children,Youth, and Families, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Brian Higginbotham, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Utah State University David Schramm, Ph.D. State Specialist, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Columbia Amber Paulk, M.S. Center for Children Youth and Families, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University Acknowledgments: We gratefully acknowledge our colleagues in other states who are working to build strong, healthy marriages in their
    [Show full text]
  • The Family Edited by Caroline Sweetman
    Women • and the Family Edited by Caroline Sweetman Oxfam Focus on Gender The books in Oxfam's Focus on Gender series were originally published as single issues of the journal Gender and Development (formerly Focus on Gender). Gender and Development is published by Oxfam three times a year. It is the only British journal to focus specifically on gender and development issues internationally, to explore the links between gender and development initiatives, and to make the links between theoretical and practical work in this field. For information about subscription rates, please apply to Carfax Publishing Company, PO Box 25, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3UE, UK; Fax: +44 (0) 1235 553559. In North America, please apply to Carfax Publishing Company, 875-81 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139; Fax: (+1) 617 354 6875. In Australia, please apply to Carfax Publishing Company, Locked Bag 25, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia; Fax: +61 (0) 6282 3299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the Publisher. Front cover: Off to school at Kwa Ngema, Eastern Transvaal. GILL DE VLIEG, AFRAPIX © Oxfam (UK and Ireland) 1996 Published by Oxfam (UK and Ireland), 274 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DZ, UK. Designed and typeset by Oxfam Design Department OX 808/MCA/96 Oxfam is a registered charity No. 202918 Oxfam (UK and Ireland) is a member of Oxfam International ISBN 0 85598 352 3 This book converted to digital file in 2010 Contents
    [Show full text]
  • Surrogacy and Japan: a Case for Regulation
    UCLA UCLA Pacific Basin Law Journal Title Surrogacy and Japan: A Case for Regulation Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/56b7g9qh Journal UCLA Pacific Basin Law Journal, 38(1) Author Spaulding, Sachi Publication Date 2021 DOI 10.5070/P838153632 eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California SURROGACY AND JAPAN: A Case for Regulation Sachi Spaulding Abstract Within the last few decades, assistive reproductive technology (ART) has had high levels of usage, particularly artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The advent of IVF opened a host of additional possibilities, including the recruitment of women who have no genetic link to the child to serve as surrogates. Over the past several decades, the average age of a woman who has her first child in Japan has climbed to 30.7.1 Couples have increasingly found themselves unable to bear children and have turned to IVF. Yet Japan has no statutory pro- visions regulating surrogacy, and the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology flatly bans the practice. As a result, many infertile couples have gone abroad to arrange surrogacy. But in 2007 the Supreme Court ruled that the legal mother in a surrogacy birth is the surrogate, even if a foreign court had ruled otherwise. This case is translated in full in this Article, along with an exploration of the state of ART and surrogacy in Japan and potential routes for regulation. This analysis is done mainly through the lens of comparison with the United States and the recent Child-Parent Securities Act (CPSA) in New York.
    [Show full text]
  • Students' Experience with Money and Their Performance in Financial Literacy”, in PISA 2015 Results (Volume IV): Students' Financial Literacy, OECD Publishing, Paris
    5 Students’ experience with money and their performance in financial literacy This chapter describes students’ experience with money, and in particular how frequently they discuss money matters with parents and friends, whether they hold basic financial products and whether they receive or earn money from various sources, including family and work. The chapter identifies which students are more likely to have had these kinds of experiences, and investigates the relationship between having a practical understanding of money and financial literacy. PISA 2015 RESULTS (VOLUME IV): STUDENTS’ FINANCIAL LITERACY © OECD 2017 105 5 STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCE WITH MONEY AND THEIR PERFORMANCE IN FINANCIAL LITERACY Are direct experiences with money and financial products associated with 15-year-old students’ knowledge and skills in financial literacy? Do parents transmit financial skills to their children by giving them pocket money and talking to them about how to manage money? Studies on students’ access to money and to financial products, and on their financial behaviour, show that they develop financial and economic understanding, skills and habits not only through talking to parents and observing their behaviour, but also via personal experiences and learning by doing (CFPB, 2016; Furnham, 1999; Otto, 2013; Schug and Birkey, 1985; Shim et al., 2010; Whitebread and Bingham, 2013). Chapter 2 shows that in some countries and economies, many 15-year-old students are already engaged in money matters through their use of basic financial products, such as a bank account and a prepaid debit card, and by earning money through part-time and occasional jobs. This chapter describes in greater detail students’ relationship with money in three main areas: discussing money matters with parents, holding basic financial products, and receiving money from various sources, including family and work.
    [Show full text]
  • The EFC Formula, 2020-2021
    THE EFC FORMULA, 2020–2021 What is the EFC? The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a number that determines students’ eligibility for certain types of federal student aid. This number is calculated with the EFC formulas, which use the information that students provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Financial aid administrators (FAAs) subtract the EFC from students’ cost of attendance to determine their need for the following federal student financial assistance offered by the U.S. Department of Education (the Department): • Federal Pell Grants, • Subsidized Loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and • Federal Work-Study (FWS). The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant) is a non-need-based federal program for which a student must also use the FAFSA to apply. The methodology for determining the EFC is found in Part F of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). Tables used in the computation of the EFC for the 2020–2021 Award Year were published in the May 31, 2019 Federal Register (ifap.ed.gov/fregisters/attachments/FR053119.pdf) (84 FR 25244). What is the source of data used in EFC calculations? All data used to calculate a student’s EFC comes from the information the student provides on the FAFSA. A student may submit a FAFSA: • by using FAFSA on the Web, • by using the myStudentAid mobile application, • by filing an application electronically through a school, or • by mailing a FAFSA to the Central Processing System (CPS).
    [Show full text]
  • Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: a Technical Package for Policy, Norm, and Programmatic Activities
    Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: A Technical Package for Policy, Norm, and Programmatic Activities National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Division of Violence Prevention Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: A Technical Package for Policy, Norm, and Programmatic Activities Developed by: Beverly L. Fortson, PhD Joanne Klevens, MD, PhD, MPH Melissa T. Merrick, PhD Leah K. Gilbert, MD, MSPH Sandra P. Alexander, MEd 2016 Division of Violence Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, Georgia Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: A Technical Package for Policy, Norm, and Programmatic Activities 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, Director National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Debra E. Houry, MD, MPH, Director Division of Violence Prevention James A. Mercy, PhD, Director Suggested citation: Fortson, B. L., Klevens, J., Merrick, M. T., Gilbert, L. K., & Alexander, S. P. (2016). Preventing child abuse and neglect: A technical package for policy, norm, and programmatic activities. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2 Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: A Technical Package for Policy, Norm, and Programmatic Activities Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................................ 5 External Reviewers ..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Supporting Stepfamilies Workbook
    Tvqqpsujoh! Tufqgbnjmjft Xpslcppl!xjui!Mfttpot!boe Bdujwjujft!gps!Qbsfout!boe!Dijmesfo Lbuiz!S/!Cptdi-!Fyufotjpo!Gbnjmz!Mjgf!Fevdbujpo!Tqfdjbmjtu Dzouijb!S/!Tusbtifjn-!Fyufotjpo!Fevdbups UQBKPFLKFP>FSFPFLKLCQEB KPQFQRQBLCDOF@RIQROB>KA>QRO>IBPLRO@BP>QQEBKFSBOPFQVLC B?O>PH>¨ FK@LIK@LLMBO>QFKDTFQEQEBLRKQFBP>KAQEBKFQBAQ>QBPBM>OQJBKQLCDOF@RIQROB KFSBOPFQVLCB?O>PH>¨ FK@LIKUQBKPFLKBAR@>QFLK>IMOLDO>JP>?FABTFQEQEBKLKAFP@OFJFK>QFLK MLIF@FBPLCQEBKFSBOPFQVLCB?O>PH>¨ FK@LIK>KAQEBKFQBAQ>QBPBM>OQJBKQLCDOF@RIQROB Supporting Stepfamilies Table of Contents Supporting Stepfamilies Workbook. 1 What is a Stepfamily?. 3 Supporting Stepfamilies: What Do the Children Feel?. 26 Activity Sheets. 31 Five Stages of the Grief Cycle . .60 Evaluation Sheet © The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved. w Supporting Stepfamilies 60 Supporting Stepfamilies Workbook Do any of these questions sound familiar? Money, housework, and sex are often the Do you ask some of these questions? three major topics couples fight about. Other major conflict areas are time spent • How should we handle discipline? together and issues regarding children. These challenges are often more pronounced • How do I set clear boundaries? when children from previous relationships are brought into a new partnership. These • Can I be friends with my stepchildren? potential challenges, as well as the many benefits of living in a stepfamily, will be • What should I do when my stepchild does discussed in this course. not talk to me? Supporting Stepfamilies may be used as a • How do I interact with my stepchildren’s learn-at-home course for self-study or may other parent? be taught in small groups with a facilitator or teacher.
    [Show full text]
  • Au Pair & Host Family Household Guide
    Au Pair & Host Family Household Guide Family Name: _________________ Household Guide Contents ! Host Information & Welcome 3 ! Host Children Information 4 ! Host Children Information 5 ! Our Family at A Glance 6 ! Emergency Information 7 ! Safety & Health Instructions 8 ! Childcare Supervision & Safety 9 ! Injury Report 10 ! Au Pair Compensation 11 ! Weekly Stipend Payment Log 12 ! Au Pair Dietary Preferences 13 ! Technology & Household Amenities 14 ! Vehicle & Driving Policy 15 ! Driving Practice 16 ! Driving Practice Log 17 ! Au Pair Duties Guidelines 18 ! Au Pair Duties List 19 ! Daily Childcare Plan 20 ! Meal Planning for Children 21 ! The Au Pair & Host Child Relationship 22 ! Child Behavior & Discipline 23 ! Child Behavior Plan 24 ! Au Pair Scheduling Guidelines 25 ! Au Pair Weekly Schedule 26 ! Vacation & Travel 27 ! Holidays & Sick Days 28 ! Language & Cultural Exchange 29 ! Etiquette, Dress Code, Hygiene 30 ! Guest Policy, Curfew & Dating 31 ! Our Community & Public Transportation 32 ! Weekly Meeting Checklist 33 ! Conflict Resolution 34 ! Problem Solving Sheet 35 ! Education Requirement 36 ! Monthly Meetings 37 ! Certificate of Monthly Meeting Attendance 38 ! Au Pair Online Resources 39 ! ______________________________________ 40 ! ______________________________________ 41 2 Host Information & Welcome Home Address: _______________________ City, State: _______________________ Zip Code: _______________________ HOST Name: ____________________ Name: ____________________ Birthday: __________________ Birthday: ___________________ WORK
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Standing Committee Report
    REPORT NO. 102 PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ONE HUNDRED SECOND REPORT The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 (Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 10th August, 2017) (Laid on the Table Lok Sabha on 10th August, 2017) Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi August, 2017/ Shravana, 1939 (Saka) Website : http://rajyasabha.nic.in E-mail : [email protected] Hindi version of this publication is also available PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ONE HUNDRED SECOND REPORT The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 (Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 10th August, 2017) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 10th August, 2017) Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi August, 2017/ Shravana, 1939 (Saka) CONTENTS PAGES 1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE........................................................................... (i)(ii) 2. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... (ii)-(iv) 3. ACRONYMS......................................................................................................... (V) 4. REPORT.............................................................................................................. 1-54 5. RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS — AT A GLANCE................................................... 55-73 6. MINUTES...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Leigh Babineaux Project 107 UNIV 100 21 November, 2017 Genetic
    Leigh Babineaux Project 107 UNIV 100 21 November, 2017 Genetic Editing ABSTRACT This paper explores the medical ethics of the manipulation of the human genome in fetuses with CRISPR-Cas 9, more commonly know to the public as designer babies. Now there are several factors that must be looked at to determine the efficacy of genetic editing. The major factors this essay explores are: how is it done, what are the side effects, what are its uses, and what are its alternatives. Through scientific inquiries, and not science fiction based fear, this paper explores the ethical standpoints on the alteration of the human genome. Babineaux1 What if there was a way to change the one thing that truly made us physically human? To manipulate the very genes that separate the human species from any other living organism? To alter DNA and eradicate certain genetic disease forever? Imagine a world where not only could a parent ensure that their child was free from the burden of any genetic abnormalities but have the ability to theoretically determine any and every traits of their offspring. Within this decade this idea, once only believed to be science fiction, is being developed and utilized through the gene selection process formally known as CRISPR-Cas 9 1. For now this groundbreaking tool is being used in laboratory settings but as capitalism pushes its ever present head into the scientific community, one must be prepared to argue the ethics of genetic manipulation for non-medical purposes. Commercialization of such a powerful and historic innovation raises several questions.
    [Show full text]