Pubdate: Sat, 17 Apr 2010
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2010 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Page: 16
Author: Shannon Montgomery

MOM BATTLES TO GET SON

A Calgary mother hopes increasing public awareness about her two-year 
fight to regain custody of her son from a series of Oregon foster 
homes will put pressure on a U.S. judge to finally let him come home.

Lisa Kirkman went on CNN on Friday to explain she hasn't been able to 
regain custody of her 12-year-old son, Noah, since he was stopped in 
an Oregon town in the summer of 2008 for riding his bike without a 
helmet. He was apprehended because he was staying with his 
stepfather, who the state did not consider his legal guardian.

She has also been speaking regularly with MPs from different parties 
who all agree it's time for U.S. authorities to return Noah to Canada.

"This is a sovereignty issue. This is the U.S. taking one of our 
citizens, a child, and saying, 'we're not sure Canada can handle 
their own social services', " she said.

Kirkman said Oregon authorities became concerned when they discovered 
Noah had social services files in Canada, including in B.C. She said 
the files were open to enable the boy, who has special needs, which 
include a severe form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, to 
access special mental health programs.

The most recent ruling by Lane County Circuit Judge Kip Leonard said 
he wouldn't consider sending Noah home until the school year ends. 
That wait is excruciating to Kirkman, who wasn't even allowed to call 
her son on his birthday, but it offers a glimmer of hope to her lawyers.

"He said in court that he was not going to consider Noah's return 
until the school year is concluded and at least that indicates he's 
thinking about Noah's return," said Tony Merchant, her Regina-based lawyer.

Calgary Conservative MP Rob Anders said he has volunteered to escort 
the boy back to Canada if asked and has discussed the return with 
people from Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office.

Kirkman said she thinks the judge might be hung up on her personal 
beliefs. She has edited marijuana-related magazines and calls herself 
an anti-prohibition activist.
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