A statewide registry for putative fathers is being considered by the SC House of Representatives. The Responsible Fathers Registry, H.3311, would provide an effective method for identifying unknown or putative fathers about a pending adoption or Termination of Parental Rights action.

Currently, the SC Department of Social Services must publish a "John Doe" advertisement in newspapers once a week for three consecutive weeks to try to find "rumored" fathers when considering terminating parental rights. This notification process can slow down an adoption for months or years.

By establishing an on- line father's registry, a man placing his name on his registry is assured adoption notice in the future. Eliminating the publishing process will save DSS thousands of dollars in advertising costs and helps speed up the adoption process.

"Often, an unidentified father does want to be found, despite the ads. The registry gives the earnest father a mechanism to be found and notified about the adoption, said Rep. Joan Brady, District 78 (Richland County), sponsor of the registry legislation.

The bill is pending on the House calendar and will be considered the week of March 24.