Cherokee Nation Passes Law Giving Protection To Parents In Adoption Cases

The Cherokee nation passed a new law giving more protection to biological parents in adoptive and foster care cases.

According to the Associated Press, the new law gives first preference in adoptive and foster care cases involving Cherokee children to biological parents deemed fit.

Members of the child's extended family, other members of the Cherokee tribe or Native American families receive next priority of the child under the new law.

Baby Veronica Case

Chief Bill John Baker says the new law will help ensure Cherokee children live in a culturally appropriate home.

This law comes months after the Cherokee tribe and tribal member Dusten Brown dropped a legal fight over custody of Brown's biological daughter, who is now in the custody of her adoptive parents.

11/5/2013 Related Story: Adoptive Parents Sue Cherokee Nation, Dusten Brown For More Than $1M