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Adoption - Results (23 Publications)

Title: Difficulties in Development: The Impact of Loss and Trauma. (Chapter 4 in Nurturing Attachments : Supporting Children Who Are Fostered or Adopted)
Author(s): Golding, Kim S.
Published: 2008
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This chapter explores the way early attachment relationships and the experience of separation and loss can impact the emotional and cognitive development of a child. The impact of moving into foster and adoptive homes is discussed, and strategies for supporting children who have experienced loss and separation and children who are recovering from the trauma of early adverse parenting are explained.

Title: Creating a Feeling of Belonging for the Child. (Chapter 11 in Nurturing Attachments : Supporting Children Who Are Fostered or Adopted)
Author(s): Golding, Kim S.
Published: 2008
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Strategies foster and adoptive parents can use to create a feeling of belonging in children are described, including the use of family rituals and claiming behaviors. Additional parenting techniques are explained for helping children deal with anger. Examples are provided of putting the strategies into practice.

Title: Managing Special Difficulties: Lying, Stealing and Self-Harm. (Chapter 18 in Nurturing Attachments : Supporting Children Who Are Fostered or Adopted)
Author(s): Golding, Kim S.
Published: 2008
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Characteristics of children and youth who engage in self-harming behavior are described and strategies foster and adoptive parents can use to help children and young people who self harm are explained. Components of safety plans are listed to help youth identify triggers that lead to self-harm and consider coping strategies that could be used instead. In addition, parenting strategies are discussed for dealing with lying and stealing behavior.

Title: GLBT Communities and Adoption: Courting an Untapped Resource.
Author(s): Kahn, Ellen.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Adoptalk
Winter 2008,
Available from: North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
http://www.nacac.org/
970 Raymond Avenue, Suite 106
St. Paul, MN 55114
Document available online at: http://www.nacac.org/adoptalk/GLBTHRC.html
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses the high number of gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults who want to adopt, barriers to adoption of children by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) adults, and strategies for overcoming such barriers.

Title: Creating Foster Care Youth Biographies A Role for the Internet.
Author(s): Gustavsson, Nora.;MacEachron, Ann.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Journal of technology in human services.
v. 26, 1, 2008, p. 45-55
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Large numbers of youth continue to enter foster care despite federal and state efforts to minimize placement. Some youth will experience lengthy tenure in care with multiple placements and be at risk for adverse events. They are also at risk for losing an accurate biography of their childhoods. We suggest a two-tiered approach to help youth develop a personal history. Agencies can establish a digital depository of basic information including pictures that document the life course of the youth. Agencies can help youth procure e-mail accounts. These e-mail accounts are under the control of the youth and can function as an electronic diary. Thus, youth would have a portable life biography and sense of self over time. (Author abstract)

Title: Nurturing Attachments : Supporting Children Who Are Fostered or Adopted.
Author(s): Golding, Kim S.
Published: 2008
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Designed for adoptive parents, foster parents, and professionals, this volume provides an overview of attachment theory and then presents a House Model of Parenting to enable caregivers to develop resilience and emotional growth in foster and adopted children. Part 1 on attachment theory discusses why attachment relationships are important, what happens if attachment relationships are insecure, and characteristics of the attachment relationships. Information is provided on dimensions of caregiving, how attachment behavior changes through childhood, and patterns of attachment. Characteristics of secure and insecure attachment are described, and the impact of loss and trauma in forming secure attachment relationships is explained. Parenting strategies are then provided for children with an ambivalent attachment pattern of relating, an avoidant attachment pattern of relating, a disorganized/controlling attachment pattern of relating, and who have not learnt to selectively attach. Part 2 describes the House Model of Parenting and creating a secure base. Chapters discuss developing empathy and support, attunement and empathy, protecting the family atmosphere and the development of emotional regulation, creating a feeling of belonging for the child, and self-care for the caregiver. The final part provides a model for parenting that encourages children to build relationships and manage their behavior. Chapters discuss helping the child to enjoy being part of the family, learning to parent with PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy), providing structure and supervision, managing confrontation and coercive interactions, employing behavior management strategies, and managing lying, stealing, and self-harm. The book includes the stories of four fictional children in foster care or adoptive homes to illustrate key points. 35 figures and 34 references.

Title: Adoption Guide 2008: Practical Information for Successful Adoption / From the Publisher of Adoptive Families Magazine.
Published: 2008
Available from: Adoptive Families Magazine
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/
39 West 37th Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Abstract: From the publisher of Adoptive families magazine, this annual guide provides information about all aspects of the adoption process, from selecting an attorney to developing parent-child relationships. Independent adoptions, international adoptions, and foster care adoptions are discussed. Timing, costs, requirements, and adoption agency listings for U.S. newborns, China, Vietnam, India, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Liberia, Colombia, Guatemala, and Korea are provided. The articles also address adoption expenses, tips for adoptive parents, adoption travel, and different perspectives of spouses. The guide includes directories of adoption attorneys, state adoption units, national adoption organizations, and adoption agencies.

Title: Questions and Answers: Intercountry Adoption Instructions: Post-Hague Adoption Convention Implementation.
Published: 2008
Available from: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://www.uscis.gov
Printable version (PDF): http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/Hague_31Mar08.pdf
Abstract: The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention) is an international treaty that provides important new safeguards to protect the welfare of children, birth parent(s) and adoptive parent(s) engaged in intercountry adoptions. The Hague Adoption Convention changes the immigration component of the intercountry adoption process. Previously, there was one procedure and one set of forms that governed the immigration component of the intercountry adoption process. One of the changes resulting from the implementation of the Hague Adoption Convention is that there are now two separate immigration processes for intercountry adoption, each with a distinct set of forms (Hague and non-Hague). The correct process to follow and the correct forms to use is determined by whether the country from which the child is to be adopted is a Convention country or a non-Convention country. Accordingly, prospective adoptive parent(s) must first determine the country from which they will adopt before they begin the immigration process. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Attachment Theory: Caregiving and its Impact on Attachment and Exploration. (Chapter 2 in Nurturing Attachments : Supporting Children Who Are Fostered or Adopted)
Author(s): Golding, Kim S.
Published: 2008
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This chapter explains the characteristics of the attachment relationship, attachment and exploratory behavior in children, dimensions of caregiving that impact attachment, and how attachment behavior changes through childhood. The development of internal working models that guide children's expectations of themselves and of others is described, including the impact of a change of caregiver.

Title: The New ICPC: Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children [Website].
Published: 2008
Available from: American Public Human Services Association
http://www.aphsa.org/
810 First Street, N.E., Suite 500

Washington, DC 20002
Document available online at: http://www.aphsa.org/Policy/icpc2006rewrite.htm
Abstract: This website provides information on the new Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC). Answers to frequently asked questions about private and independent adoption under the ICPC are provided, as well as proposed legislative language for the new ICPC. Additional information is provided on: the fiscal impact of the new ICPC; the history of the ICPC; answers to frequently asked questions about the proposed ICPC; the need for the ICPC; data on the out-of-State placement of children; ICPC State statute citations; the differences between uniform laws and interstate compacts; the intersection of interstate compacts and State law; a policy resolution on the ICPC by the American Public Human Services Association; the ICPC drafting team; and legislative materials for the new ICPC.

Title: Interjurisdictional Resources.
Published: 2007
Available from: Collaboration to AdoptUSKids
http://www.adoptuskids.org
8015 Corporate Drive
Suite C
Baltimore, MD 21236
Printable version (PDF): http://216.38.216.37/adoptusa/documents/IJ_resources/IJ_resources.pdf
Abstract: In response to the many concerns about the delays in and complexities of interjurisdictional placements for children in foster care, the Children's Bureau developed and conducted a national survey focused on identifying strategies and possible solutions for resolving these issues. A report was developed that describes the survey's findings and presents ten recommendations for improving the overall process. Recommendation 3 was identified for immediate action by AdoptUsKids: Create a national Web site with either State pages or links to State Web sites containing information on the following State requirements: criminal background checks, coverage of medical and educational expenses as a sending and as a receiving State, a list of Purchase of Service (POS) agencies with active contracts and POS requirements within the State, home study requirements, and post-placement standards for supervision. This chart details State-by-State resource information. (Author abstract)

Title: Member Directory / American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.
Published: 2007
Available from: American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
http://www.adoptionattorneys.org
PO Box 33053
Washington, DC 20033
Document available online at: http://adoptionattorneys.org/information/agency_directory.htm
Abstract: This directory includes a clickable map, State list, and alphabetical list of members.

Title: Talking About Adoption to Your Adopted Child: A Guide for Parents by Adoption. 4th ed.
Author(s): Morrison, Marjorie.
Published: 2007
Available from: BAAF Publications
Skyline House
200 Union St.
London
Abstract: Designed for prospective or existing adoptive parents, this book highlights key aspects of helping a child understand his or her history and the circumstances that lead to his or her adoption. It begins by discussing changing attitudes about adoption and guidelines about disclosure. Chapters then address: strategies for starting to talk about adoption; types of information adoptive parents need; information children need at different developmental stages; difficulties in communicating distressing facts; helping children cope with memories and creating life story books; contact with birth parents; fostering sibling relationships; foster carers who adopt and differences between fostering and adoption; ethnically different parents and adopted children; adopting step-children; the need for parents to disclose information about themselves; feelings of adopted children; feelings of birth parents; and tracing birth parents. At the end of each chapter reflections of adoptive parents, children, and birth parents are shared. The book closes with a narrative of one family's experience and a list of useful organizations in the United Kingdom and relevant books.

Title: Adoption and Foster Care by Gay and Lesbian Parents in the United States.
Author(s): Gates, Gary J.;Badgett, M.V. Lee.;Macomber, Jennifer Ehrle.;Chambers, Kate.;
Published: 2007
Available from: Urban Institute
http://www.urban.org
2100 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Document available online at: http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=411437
Printable version (PDF): http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411437_Adoption_Foster_Care.pdf
Abstract: Discussion and debate about adoption and foster care by gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) parents occurs frequently among policymakers, social service agencies, and social workers. Three states currently restrict GLB people from adopting and more are considering similar policies. This report provides new information on GLB adoption and foster care from several government data sources. It offers a demographic portrait of the estimated 65,500 adopted children and 14,100 foster children living with gay and lesbian parents. It also assesses the costs to child welfare systems of proposed bans on allowing GLB people to foster. (Author abstract)

Title: DFPS Rapid Response Team Investigation of Child Placing Agency Foster Homes: Summary of Activities from December 2006 - March 2007.
Published: 2007
Available from: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/
701 W. 51st Street
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/documents/about/pdf/2007-04-04_Mesa.pdf
Abstract: Three child fatalities over a 16-month period, between August 2005 and December 2006, raised serious concerns about safety in foster homes verified by Mesa Family Services, a child placing agency (CPA) in Texas. After the first two child fatalities in Mesa foster homes, the CPA relinquished its license and contract with the Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Its foster homes transferred to other CPAs, the majority to Therapeutic Family Life. In December 2006, DFPS formed a Rapid Response Team to investigate and review risk factors in all foster homes previously verified by Mesa Family Services to ensure the safety of foster children in these homes. The executive-directed Rapid Response project entailed placement suspensions, statewide onsite investigations of 126 foster homes within a two-week period, reverification of detailed background and criminal history check information, additional FBI and local law enforcement checks, and a final review by trained risk assessment staff of all of the gathered information. Although the Rapid Response Teams found the majority of foster homes to be providing safe and adequate care, some homes had minor compliance concerns and some had major safety concerns. There were four general areas of concern identified in the course of the Rapid Response: (1) The quality of home studies, or detailed social histories of family dynamics that assess whether a family is appropriate for foster parenting; (2) Children's placements mismatched with the abilities and expectations of foster parents; (3) The degree to which financial risk factors were properly assessed and mitigated in the verification and ongoing management of foster homes; and (4) The degree to which required background check information was obtained and used to ensure child safety The findings of the Rapid Response Team led to the closure of 17 foster homes formerly licensed by Mesa and the movement of 22 children to other homes. Since the review period, additional closures and placement changes have occurred. DFPS continues to use its contracting and regulatory mechanisms to address remaining concerns. The Department offers recommendations to improve the processes by which foster homes are verified and managed by CPAs and areas for internal DFPS improvements. Further, DFPS details improvements that can be achieved through a legislative agenda designed to heighten contract and licensing oversight of foster care providers. (Author abstract)

Title: Child Laundering As Exploitation : Applying Anti-Trafficking Norms to Intercountry Adoption Under the Coming Hague Regime.
Author(s): Smolin, David M.
Published: 2007
Available from: Berkeley Electronic Press
http://www.bepress.com/
2809 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 202
Berkeley, CA 94705
Document available online at: http://works.bepress.com/david_smolin/4
Abstract: Child laundering occurs when children are illicitly obtained by fraud, force, or funds, and then processed through false paperwork into "orphans" and then adoptees. Child laundering thus involves illegally obtaining children by abduction or purchase for purposes of adoption. My prior work has documented and analyzed the widespread existence of child laundering in the intercountry adoption system. This article argues that child laundering is a form of exploitation, and hence qualifies as a form of human trafficking. Once child laundering is understood as an exploitative form of child trafficking, legal and ethical norms currently applied to human trafficking become applicable. Thus, the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption should be implemented according to its intent as an anti-trafficking Convention. (Author abstract)

Title: Preparing School Age Children for Adoption: Perspectives of Successful Adoptive Parents and Caseworkers.
Author(s): Hanna, Michele D.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Adoption Quarterly
v. 9, 4, 2007, p. 1-32
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an exploratory study that examined the preparation of children for adoption from the perspective of 55 adoptive parents and 26 caseworkers. Results indicate little consistency in practice and highlight the pivotal role of the adoptive parent. From the caseworker perspective, preparation for adoption is often seen as a process that ends at placement with the adoptive family. Adoption issues often arise at developmentally significant times in a child's life and adoptive parents may need to continue working with the child, building on the foundation of preparation work done by the child's caseworker or therapist. If the preparation work is insufficient or ineffective, adoptive parents may face greater challenges as they help the child resolve issues related to their past, present and future. (Author abstract)

Title: Choices, Challenges, and Tensions: Perspectives of Lesbian Prospective Adoptive Parents.
Author(s): Goldberg, Abbie E.;Downing, Jordan B.;Sauck, Christine C.;
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Adoption Quarterly
v. 10, 2, 2007, p. 33-64
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: No research has examined the challenges faced by lesbian women seeking to adopt from the perspective of lesbian couples themselves. The current qualitative study utilized data from 70 women (from 35 same-sex couples) who were in the process of adopting to explore how lesbian women experience and navigate the challenges they encounter during this critical life transition. Ecological, minority stress, and feminist perspectives informed our analysis. Results indicated that many women experienced tensions between their desire to be "out" in the adoption process and the legal and social realities of adoption. Based on their reports, women in this sample faced numerous barriers to adopting but engaged in multiple forms of resistance to legal and social inequities. Women also identified supportive practices by agencies that facilitated the adoption process. Findings suggest the importance of considering lesbian women's experiences as a starting point in understanding how heteronormative social practices shape the experiences of same-sex couples striving to adopt. (Author abstract)

Title: State Law Comparison Chart: State-Funded Adoption Assistance.
Published: 2006
Available from: Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (AAICAMA)
http://aaicama.aphsa.org/
1133 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Document available online at: http://aaicama.aphsa.org/Stateinfo/docs/State_Law_Comparison_on_State_Funded_AA.doc
Abstract: Includes criteria to extend state-funded adoption assistance beyond age 18 for each state, which states fund adoption assistance beyond age 18, and the maximum age in each state for adoption assistance extensions.

Title: International Adoption. (Transcript from The Diane Rehm Show November 30, 2006)
Author(s): Rehm, Diane.;Krebs, Madeleine.;Difilipo, Thomas.
Published: 2006
Available from: WAMU 88.5 FM American University Radio
http://wamu.org/
4000 Brandywine Street, NW

Washington, DC 20016-8082
Abstract: This transcript of the November 30, 2006 Diane Rehm Show features Madeleine Krebs, Clinical Coordinator for the Center for Adoption Support and Education, Inc., and Thomas Difilipo, President of the Joint Council on International Children's Services. The show discusses the increase in international adoptions over the past 10 years, the tightening of adoption policies overseas, reasons why families choose to adopt internationally, The Hague Convention, barriers to adopting overseas, difficulties older children have adjusting to adoption and the United States, obtaining citizenship, adopting siblings, and cross-racial adoptions. During the show, obstacles to domestic adoptions are also addressed.

Title: International Adoption. (The Diane Rehm Show November 30, 2006)
Author(s): Rehm, Diane.;Krebs, Madeleine.;Difilipo, Thomas.
Published: 2006
Available from: WAMU 88.5 FM American University Radio
http://wamu.org/
4000 Brandywine Street, NW

Washington, DC 20016-8082
Abstract: The November 30, 2006 Diane Rehm Show features Madeleine Krebs, Clinical Coordinator for the Center for Adoption Support and Education, Inc., and Thomas Difilipo, President of the Joint Council on International Children's Services. The show discusses the increase in international adoptions over the past 10 years, the tightening of adoption policies overseas, reasons why families choose to adopt internationally, The Hague Convention, barriers to adopting overseas, difficulties older children have adjusting to adoption and the United States, obtaining citizenship, adopting siblings, and cross-racial adoptions. During the show, obstacles to domestic adoptions are also addressed.

Title: Special Needs Adoptions: How States Define Special Needs.
Published: 2004
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Adoption
http://www.nrcadoption.org
16250 Northland Drive
Suite 120
Southfield, MI 48075
Document available online at: http://www.nrcadoption.org/resources/emerge.htm
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nrcadoption.org/resources/prac/SpecialNeedsAdoption.pdf
Abstract: This policy brief reviews how States determine which children are considered to have special needs for the purposes of adoption. Consideration of ethnic background or membership in a minority group, age, membership in a sibling group, disability, or other factor is summarized. State profiles are then provided that list each State's criteria for special needs populations. 4 references.

Title: Families for Teens: A Toolkit for Focusing, Educating and Motivating Staff.
Author(s): Heffernan, Maureen S.;Lewis, Robert G.
Published: 2004
Available from: The Toolkit
http://www.thetoolkit.org
4 Mayflower Lane
Gloucester, MA 01930-4321
Abstract: Designed to provide on-going support to child welfare workers, this toolkit addresses major concepts and problem areas in building an effective teen permanence program. It presents 41 discussion topics to use in staff meetings to support and re-energize staff. Unit 1 consists of nine topics addressing resistance to adoption and family reconnection for adolescents, why teens need families, the necessity of believing adoption for teens is possible, the difference between placement and permanence, and the hidden messages given to teens in concepts such as after care and independent living. Unit 2 consists of eight topics dealing with the meaning of the Adoption and Safe Families Act, steps in the adoption process and how they can be derailed, and dealing with siblings. The feelings adolescents experience relating to foster care and loss are addressed in the six topics in Unit 3, and Unit 4 focuses on shared parenting and using both birth and foster parents as resources. The six topics covered in Unit 5 provide guidance on how to bring up permanence to teens, why they often reject permanence and what to do about it, and preparing teens for family reconnections. The last unit consists of six topics presenting concepts and strategies to help find families for teens, including what kind of families work for adolescents, child specific recruitment, kin adoption, and staff adoption. Each topic is presented with a discussion of the relevant issues, a case study, and discussion questions. 47 references.

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