De Facto Parentage

My name is Michael Rihtarich. I am a social service worker contracted with the Office of Public Defense and a lived-experience expert. In 2017, I became a dad to my daughter who is not biologically mine, but I gave her my last name and embraced her fully. In 2018, her mother passed away. In 2022, the department removed her from my care because she wasn’t biologically mine. Thanks to my friend and coworker, Tonia McClanahan, who contacted the Office of Public Defense, I fought and was recognized as a De Facto parent. Without that, I would not still be her dad. Since then, I work in the same role as Tonia McClanahan, advocating daily so parents never feel defeat. Panel will be available to disuss this important topic. Thank you!