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Adoption - Results (14 Publications)

Title: Adaptation and Transformation: The Transition to Adoptive Parenthood for Gay Male Couples.
Author(s): Gianino, Mark.;
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Journal of GLBT Family Studies.
v. 4, 2, 2008, p. 205-243
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This study explored the experiences of adoptive gay male couples in their transition to parenthood through qualitative in-depth interviews with eight gay male couples (N=16). Data analysis revealed unique journeys to parenthood traveled by study participants during three phases of the adoption process. At pre-adoption, couples successfully overcame negative stereotypes about gay parenting in preparation for the vicissitudes of heterocentric adoption they would encounter. Couples adopted new parenting and partner roles which sometimes challenged the relationship, while they spoke of parenting as transformative of their identities as gay men and as a couple. Implications for practice with adoptive gay couples are also discussed. (Author abstract)

Title: Making and Breaking Family Life: Adoption, the State and Human Rights. (Chapter 2 in Children, Family Responsibilities, and the State.)
Author(s): Harris-Short, Sonia.
Published: 2008
Available from: Wiley-Blackwell
www.wiley.com
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Abstract: This article explores the extent to which the State's duties and responsibilities in the context of adoption are framed and reinforced by a rights-based discourse. It argues that while the human rights paradigm plays an invaluable role in the pre-adoption process by identifying and imposing more exacting obligations on the State, the application of a rights-based discourse proves more problematic in the post-adoption context. 108 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Untold Stories: A Discussion of Life Story Work.
Author(s): Baynes, Polly.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Adoption and Fostering.
v. 32, 2, Summer 2008, p. 43-49
Available from: British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF)
http://www.baaf.org.uk/
Skyline House, 200 Union Street
London SE1 0LX
Abstract: This article by Polly Baynes focuses on life story work with looked after children and is based on her 20 years' experience as a practitioner, independent life story work trainer and mentor, independent reviewing officer and children's guardian. The article traces the history of life story work and considers how changes within social work have affected practice, and are played out within the narratives that we create for children who cannot live with their birth families. The re-emergence of life story work within the current 'target-led, evidence-based' culture of social work is discussed and the impact of attitudes to gender, poverty and professional accountability is considered. Finally, there is a discussion of respectful practice with children and the issue of social work power, as manifested in the writing of children's stories. (Author abstract)

Title: An Exploration of Adopters' Views Regarding Children's Ages at the Time of Placement.
Author(s): Brind, Katherine.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child and Family Social Work
v. 13, 3, August 2008, p. 319-328
Available from: Blackwell Publishing
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Abstract: This paper describes a project undertaken as part of a masters degree at Kingston University that looked at factors which influence adopters' decisions about the ages of children that they want to adopt. This subject is topical because currently many adoptive parents want to adopt very young children, but many of the children waiting for placements are older. Relevant literature is reviewed to place the project in context and to provide a theoretical perspective on adopters' decision-making on the preferred ages of children at the time of placement. The views of adopters and adoption social workers were sought using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The majority of adopters who responded wanted to adopt children who were as young as possible. Adoption social workers who responded reported difficulties finding placements for older children. Data obtained suggests that the strategies designed to encourage adopters to consider adopting older children may have limited effect. In the conclusion, tentative suggestions are made about the implications of this project for adoption practice. (Author abstract)

Title: Social Support and Psychological Well-Being in Lesbian and Heterosexual Preadoptive Couples.
Author(s): Goldberg, Abbie E.;Smith, JuliAnna Z.;
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Family Relations
v. 57, 3, July 2008, p. 281-294
Available from: National Council on Family Relations
http://www.ncfr.org
3989 Central Avenue, NE
Suite 550
Minneapolis, MN 55421
Abstract: This study examines predictors of social support and mental health among 36 lesbian and 39 heterosexual couples who were waiting to adopt. Lesbian preadoptive partners perceived less support from family than heterosexual partners but similar levels of support from friends. Lesbian and heterosexual partners reported similar levels of well-being. Aspects of the adoption process were associated with anxiety, whereas couples' conception history was associated with depression. Adoption practitioners should acknowledge these distinct pathways in prevention efforts. (Author abstract)

Title: Becoming Parents: Lesbians Mothers' Adoption Experience.
Author(s): Ryan, Scott.;Whitlock, Courtney.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
v. 19, 2, 2007, p. 1-23
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Ninety-six lesbian adoptive parents were part of a crosssectional study to explore their adoption experiences, specifically focusing on their sources of consultation/information and possible bias, adoption timeframes and costs, and their satisfaction with the adoption experience.Questions within each of these domains were tested for significant differences across international, private domestic and child welfare adoption venues. While their overall experiences were positive, several key significant findings are discussed, with practice considerations suggested for adoption professionals and other lesbians seeking adoption. Lastly, a call for future research is made to further our understanding of lesbian mothers' transition to adoptive parenthood. (Author abstract)

Title: Projects to Develop Programs to Strengthen Marriages Final Evaluation Report.
Published: 2007
Available from: Children's Bureau
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Abstract: This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of a 3-year federally funded project designed to strengthen marriages of adoptive couples. The Project to Develop Programs to Strengthen Marriages provided the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) with an opportunity to strengthen post-adoption services and supports and incorporate a strong marriage education component. The funding allowed OKDHS to build upon current collaborations developed through their national program model, the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI). These collaborations offered marriage education services to OKDHS adoptive couples in a variety of doses and settings in order to strengthen marriage relationships and successfully promote the safety, permanency, and welll-being of adopted children. Specifically, the project funded retreats to provide an intensive dose of marriage education adapted for adoptive couples and administered in a couple-friendly setting; local community-based workshops with adoption-specific components delivered by specifically trained personnel; and community-based workshops available to the general public with no special emphasis on the needs of adoptive couples. Through the course of the project, it was determined that of the three service delivery approaches, the on-site retreats were most effective and preferred by adoptive couples. Couples who attended the retreats (n=339) reported the retreats helped them to identify strengths in their marriages that they had neglected or failed to recognize. Post retreat evaluations were very high for PREP Training and one-on-on couple feedback on ENRICH Results. The report includes background information on the need for marriage education services, participant characteristics, program model, and program evaluation. Numerous tables.

Title: Social Work with Lesbian Parent Families: Ecological Perspectives.
Author(s): Mercier, Lucy R.;Harold, Rena D.;Ryan, Scott.;Whitlock, Courtney.;Wall, Misty L.;Jones, Barbara L.;Voss, Tanya M.;Anderson, Sandra C.;Holliday, Mindy.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
v. 19, 2, 2007, p. 1-100
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This journal issue explores and describes a variety of social systems with which lesbian parent families interact, with a focus on implications for improved, diversity-affirming service delivery and policy. The first article shares findings from a cross-sectional study of 96 lesbian adoptive parents that found their overall experiences were positive. Practice considerations are suggested for adoption professionals and other lesbians seeking adoption. The following article discusses a study of 21 lesbian parents that found 70% were satisfied with their employment situations and characterized the relationships between their households and the workplace as positive. The case of Goodridge vs. Department of Public Health, in which the Supreme Court of Massachusetts granted same sex couples the right to legally recognized marriage within Massachusetts, is discussed and a new model for analyzing judicial decisions is proposed that includes a value critical approach. The fourth article discusses the impact of lesbian mothers' activism on legislation and personal well-being. A case study of one community where lesbian mothers formed a local coalition in response to a statewide proposition to ban same-sex marriage in Texas is described. The final article reports on the prevalence of heterosexism and homophobia among mental health practitioners. Results indicate that of the 25 practitioners in the study, 48% knew personally of incidences of professional bias against lesbian clients. Of the 98 lesbian families who participated in the study, only 26% reported heterosexual bias from their providers. Numerous references.

Title: Flying the Coop: ICWA and the Welfare of Indian Children. (Chapter 13 in Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption.)
Author(s): Stark, Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik.;Stark, Kekek Jason Todd.
Published: 2006
Available from: South End Press
http://www.southendpress.org/
7 Brookline Street #1
Cambridge, MA 02139-4146
Abstract: The history of child welfare policy relating to American Indians is traced, including the removal of children from their homes beginning in the 1880s and the Indian Adoption Project in the 1950s. The passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), procedural elements of the ICWA, and efforts by tribes to reclaim and reassert jurisdiction over American Indian child welfare are discussed. 57 references.

Title: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption.
Author(s): Trenka, Jane Jeong.;Oparah, Julia Chinyere.;Shin, Sun Yung.
Published: 2006
Available from: South End Press
http://www.southendpress.org/
7 Brookline Street #1
Cambridge, MA 02139-4146
Abstract: This anthology includes essays, poems, and writings from transracially adopted writers and artists from around the world that explore the experience of interracial adoption. It begins with a discussion on the paucity of information from interracially adoptees on their experiences, and the debate over the ramifications of interracial adoption. Writings are then organized into six parts. In Part 1, transracial adoptees share their struggles to come to a sense of belonging and identity despite the racism and cultural dislocation they have experienced. Part 2 considers ways in which current social and economic policies fuel transracial adoption and includes critiques of the systemic racial inequality in the child welfare and criminal justice system, exploration of the international adoption industry, and discussion on the complicity of the international adoption industry in providing a market for trafficked children. Part 3 explores the colonial roots of transracial adoption, and Part 4 includes writings on the pain of loss and unbelonging felt by many transracial adoptees. The following part includes essays on journeys home, reunions, and building connections with other adoptees. The book closes with essays on the emergence of a transnational movement of transracial adoptees who have come together to heal and to speak out. Numerous references.

Title: Adoption Myths and Racial Realities in the United States. (Chapter 6 in Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption.)
Author(s): Roberts, Dorothy.
Published: 2006
Available from: South End Press
http://www.southendpress.org/
7 Brookline Street #1
Cambridge, MA 02139-4146
Abstract: This chapter focuses on the racial politics that are critical to understanding transracial adoption in the United States, and examines how the racialized U.S. child welfare system creates the conditions under which transracial adoption seems a necessary and even benevolent act. It argues that far from healing the wounds of racism, advocacy for transracial adoption often contributes to the racist ideologies and practices that devalue Black family ties. Racial biases in the child welfare system are discussed, and a just approach to transracial adoption that recognizes the link between the availability of Black children for adoption and systemic inequities is urged. 28 references.

Title: Parents in Prison, Children in Crisis. (Chapter 8 in Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption.)
Author(s): Barry, Ellen M.
Published: 2006
Available from: South End Press
http://www.southendpress.org/
7 Brookline Street #1
Cambridge, MA 02139-4146
Abstract: This chapter questions the belief that parents who go to prison or jail are bad parents. It discusses the racism in the criminal justice system and the removal of children from incarcerated parents, the consequences of incarceration on the parent-child bond, and the ethical and legal ramifications of parental rights termination. 38 references.

Title: Orphaning the Children of Welfare: "Crack Babies," Race, and Adoption Reform. (Chapter 9 in Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption.)
Author(s): Briggs, Laura.
Published: 2006
Available from: South End Press
http://www.southendpress.org/
7 Brookline Street #1
Cambridge, MA 02139-4146
Abstract: This chapter explores the deep-rooted societal belief that impoverished families are toxic to their children that has resulted in the removal of children from impoverished families. It discusses the impact of the concept of a culture of poverty, the mythical crack baby, and welfare reform and adoption reform on the rise of impoverished children in foster care. 46 references.

Title: Shopping for Children in the International Marketplace. (Chapter 10 in Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption.)
Author(s): Nelson, Kim Park.
Published: 2006
Available from: South End Press
http://www.southendpress.org/
7 Brookline Street #1
Cambridge, MA 02139-4146
Abstract: This chapter explores the industry of transnational adoption. It discusses the rise in international transracial adoptions in the United States, reasons parents seek foreign adoptions, and the heightened competition in the international adoption marketplace. Findings from a review of three transnational adoption guides are shared and indicate racial and cultural literacy is not viewed as a prerequisite for parenting children of color. 38 references.

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