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Adoption - Results (21 Publications)

Title: Great Answers to Difficult Questions about Adoption: What Children Need to Know.
Author(s): Herlem, Fanny Cohen
Published: 2008
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This guide is designed to help foster dialogue between parents and children and to facilitate frank and open discussion of adoption. It addresses common questions that adopted children ask and provides candid answers in a way that children will be able to understand. Each chapter is devoted to a particular issue, including: reasons for abandonment; reasons for being chosen; how the adoption process works; becoming a family unit and sibling issues; coping with ethnic differences; the origins of a first name; birth parents; the country of origin; conflicts between adopted children and their adoptive parents; coping with adolescence; and feelings about adopting a child in adulthood. The text closes with a checklist of key points to communicate to a child about adoption and a list of additional resources.

Title: The Great Back-to-School Kit: 17 Simple and Effective Ways to Bring Adoption Into the Classroom.
Published: 2008
Available from: Adoptive Families
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com
PO Box 5159
Brentwood, TN 37024
Document available online at: http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/articles.php?aid=1455
Abstract: 17 ways to bring adoption into the classroom.

Title: Mother Me: An Adopted Woman's Journey to Motherhood.
Author(s): Phillips, Zara H.
Published: 2008
Available from: British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF)
http://www.baaf.org.uk/
Skyline House, 200 Union Street
London SE1 0LX
Abstract: This autobiographical book discusses the experiences of an adopted daughter of well-meaning and loving parents who feels out of place and grows up feeling insecure and alone. Her sense of isolation leads to rebellion and a downward spiral to a rock and roll lifestyle fuelled by addictions to drugs, alcohol, and destructive relationships. In the book, she discusses how a move to California, marriage, and the birth of her three children helped her to reach an understanding of her past and a final sense of compassion for both her adoptive and birth families. The book closes with a list of recommended adoption-related books, websites, and organizations in the United Kingdom and the United States. (Author abstract modified)

Title: The Family Business.
Author(s): Marsden, Robert.
Published: 2008
Available from: British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF)
http://www.baaf.org.uk/
Skyline House, 200 Union Street
London SE1 0LX
Abstract: This autobiographical book tells the story of the adoption of William, a little boy with cerebral palsy, by a middle-aged couple in the United Kingdom with three birth children. It describes the journey William and the other members of the family made to get to the point where they felt they were a whole family. It discusses the doubts of the parents in the early days, the confused feelings of William, and some of the frustrations and humorous adventures the family has had in the disability world. The growth of love between family members and the cementing of family bonds are highlighted. The book closes with tips and issues related to the adoption of children with disabilities. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Bridging the Divide: Openness in Adoption and Post-adoption Psychosocial Adjustment among Birth and Adoptive Parents.
Author(s): Ge, Xiaojia.;Natsuaki, Misaki N.;Martin, David.;Leve, Leslie.;Neiderhiser, Jenae.;Shaw, Daniel S.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Journal of Family Psychology
v. 22, 4, August 2008, p. 529-540
Available from: Pitt Parents and Children Laboratory (PPCL)
http://www.pitt.edu/ppcl/
Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh
210 S Bouquet Street, Room 4101

Pittsburgh, PA 15260-0001
Printable version (PDF): http://www.pitt.edu/ppcl/Publications/adoption/GE%20MISAKI%20ET%20AL%20Openness%20JFP%202-04-08.pdf
Abstract: Using 323 matched parties of birth mothers and adoptive parents, this study examined the association between the degree of adoption openness (e.g., contact and knowledge between parties) and birth and adoptive parents' postadoption adjustment shortly after the adoption placement (6 to 9 months). Data from birth fathers (N = 112), an understudied sample, were also explored. Openness was assessed by multiple informants. Results indicated that openness was significantly related to satisfaction with adoption process among adoptive parents and birth mothers. Increased openness was positively associated with birth mothers' postplacement adjustment, as indexed by birth mothers' self-reports and the interviewers' impression of birth mothers' adjustment. Birth fathers' report of openness was associated with their greater satisfaction with the adoption process and better postadoption adjustment. (Author abstract)

Title: Two to Tango, One in Limbo: A Comparative Analysis of Fathers' Rights in Infant Adoptions.
Author(s): Ryznar, Margaret.
Published: 2008
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/context/margaret_ryznar/article/1002/type/native/viewcontent
Abstract: Many American and English courts today permit infant adoptions without notifying or seeking the consent of biological fathers. However, children's best interests would be better served by recognizing their father-child relationship, instead of institutionally denying it. Any legal approach that ignores the biological father devalues the importance of a child's placement in the paternal family unit, the significance of the medical history on the father's side, the emotional link between a father and his child, and the father's legal right to his own child. This comparative law Article therefore argues, using the American and English legal systems as illustrative examples, that both the father and the child should have their father-child relationship protected, which must be properly severed and waived by informed consent before a child is placed for adoption. (Author abstract)

Title: Expanding Resources for Waiting Children II: Eliminating Legal and Practice Barriers to Gay and Lesbian Adoption from Foster Care.
Author(s): Howard, Jeanne.;Freundlich, Madelyn.
Published: 2008
Available from: Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/
525 Broadway, 6th floor
New York, NY 10012
Document available online at: http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/research/2008_09_expand_resources.php
Printable version (PDF): http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/publications/2008_09_Expanding_Resources_Legal.pdf
Abstract: This report builds on the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute's 2006 Policy & Practice Perspective, Expanding Resources for Waiting Children: Is Adoption by Gays and Lesbians Part of the Answer? and, like that initial paper, focuses on meeting the needs of waiting children. It provides an overview of current law and policy, and offers recommendations for expanding the pool of qualified adoptive families for these children by removing legal and practice barriers to gay and lesbian adoption. (Author abstract)

Title: The Effect of Family Communication Patterns on Adopted Adolescent Adjustment.
Author(s): Rueter, Martha A.;Koerner, Ascan F.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Journal of Marriage and Family
v. 70, 3, August 2008, p. 715-727
Available from: Blackwell Publishing
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Abstract: Adoption and family communication both affect adolescent adjustment. We proposed that adoption status and family communication interact such that adopted adolescents in families with certain communication patterns are at greater risk for adjustment problems. We tested this hypothesis using a community-based sample of 384 adoptive and 208 nonadoptive families. Adolescents in these families were, on average, 16 years of age. The results supported our hypothesis. Adopted adolescents were at significantly greater risk for adjustment problems compared to nonadopted adolescents in families that emphasized conformity orientation without conversation orientation and in families that emphasized neither conformity nor conversation orientation. Adolescents in families emphasizing conversation orientation were at lower risk for adjustment problems, regardless of adoption status. (Author abstract)

Title: Forms: Indian Child Welfare Act.
Published: 2007
Available from: North Dakota Department of Human Services
http://www.nd.gov/dhs/
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325

Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Document available online at: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/triballiaison/forms/
Abstract: These forms are helpful for social work professionals, tribal workers, attorneys, and others dealing with adoptions or placements involving American Indian children.

Title: Briefing on the Multiethnic Placement Act: Minority Children in State Foster Care and Adoption.
Author(s): Atwood, Thomas C.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Council for Adoption
http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/
225 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2561
Printable version (PDF): http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/documents/MEPAtestimony.pdf
Abstract: On September 21, 2007, NCFA president Tom Atwood testified at a briefing on the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The commission called the briefing to explore the issue of minority children in foster care, and to examine the effectiveness of the Multiethnic Placement Act in facilitating permanency for minority children in state care. In his testimony, Atwood explained both the benefits and challenges of transracial adoption, and outlined the ways in which MEPA serves the best interests of children in need of families by preventing the delay or denial of adoptive placements based on the race of the child or prospective parents. Atwood also acknowledged some of the flaws in the interpretation of MEPA, as well as its limitations. (Author abstract)

Title: Testimony before United States Commission on Civil Rights, September 21, 2007.
Author(s): Kroll, Joe.
Published: 2007
Available from: North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
http://www.nacac.org/
970 Raymond Avenue, Suite 106
St. Paul, MN 55114
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nacac.org/policy/Sept07CivilRightsTestimony.pdf
Abstract: Discusses the implementation of Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) of 1994 and the 1996 Interethnic Adoption Provisions (IEAP) that amended MEPA.

Title: Medical Issues in Adopting from China (Formerly titled "Adopting the Orphanage Child").
Author(s): Ochs, Todd.
Published: 2006
Available from: Thinking of Adoption
http://www.thinkingofadopting.com/index.html
6030 Marshalee Drive, #177
Elkridge, MD 21075
Abstract: Discusses adoption from China, orphanage life, risk factors in orphans, referrals, and common post adoption issues in children adopted from orphanages. ?Medical Issues in Adopting from China? has two parts: a recorded webinar and an audio recording of the live Q&A session Dr. Ochs held with adoptive parents by teleconference on 10/15/06. There is a charge for this webinar, and you must register to access this material. http://www.thinkingofadopting.com/html/medissueschina.html (Author abstract, Modified)

Title: Post-Adoption Sibling Contact: Some Issues to Consider.
Published: 2006
Available from: Association for Children of New Jersey
http://www.acnj.org/
35 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acnj.org/admin.asp?uri=2081&action=15&di=863&ext=pdf&view=yes
Abstract: This policy brief considers the issues surrounding sibling contact after an adoption. It begins by noting the recommendation of the New Jersey Supreme Court to conduct a legislative review to consider importance of maintaining sibling relationships in the post-adoption context against the need for protecting parental autonomy, the harmony of the new family unit, and ensuring the success of the New Jersey adoption system. The importance of the sibling relationship is then discussed, as well as the complications of sibling visitation, New Jersey adoption law that give the adoptive parents exclusive responsibility for and authority over their child, and the conscious exclusion of adopted families from New Jersey's Grandparent Visitation Statute. The case is then made that compelling visitation over the objection of the adoptive parent could result in the undermining of their authority and ability to make parental decisions in other areas of the child's life, and that it may cause potential adoptive parents to think twice about getting involved with the child welfare system. The brief concludes with a call for a task force to solicit input from young adults who have aged out of the foster care system, adoptive families, foster families, those who recruit adoptive homes, and psychological experts regarding the pros and cons of post-adoption contact between siblings coming out of foster care and other members of the child's birth family. 33 references.

Title: Finding Forever Families [Video].
Published: 2006
Abstract: This 35-minute DVD highlights the thousands of children that are legally freed for adoption in the United States and Canada. It dispels the myth that any child is unadoptable because of their age, race, physical, or emotional disability or their desire to be placed with siblings. The DVD provides best practices on how to recruit families for children based on the child's desires and needs.

Title: Matching Children's Needs to Family Strengths: Training Materials.
Published: 2005
Available from: Child Welfare Partnership
http://www.ccf.pdx.edu/cwp/pgCWP.php
520 S.W. Harrison Suite 440
Portland, OR 97201
Document available online at: http://www.cwpsalem.pdx.edu/netlink/matching/index.html
Abstract: These are training materials for a course that provides strategies and tools to: Identify a child's key needs; Identify an adoptive family's strengths; Systematically read, retain information and prioritize adoptive family studies; Understand the paperwork and process for adoption selection; Obtain an update on policies pertaining to adoption selection; and Learn to ask the adoption worker clarifying questions about their adoptive families. (Author abstract)

Title: Adoption and Guardianship Preparation Training for Alaska's Resource Families. Section Four, Core Issues in Adoption.
Published: 2005
Available from: Alaska Center for Resource Families
http://www.acrf.org/
815 Second Avenue, Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acrf.org/education/Current/AdoptFour.pdf
Abstract: In this section the resource family will learn the core issues of adoption: Loss, Rejection, Guilt and Shame, Grief, Identity, Intimacy and Control. (Author abstract)

Title: Adoption and Guardianship Preparation Training for Alaska's Resource Families. Section One, The State of Alaska Child Protection System and Permanency Through Adoption and Guardianship.
Published: 2005
Available from: Alaska Center for Resource Families
http://www.acrf.org/
815 Second Avenue, Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acrf.org/education/Current/AdoptOne.pdf
Abstract: This self study course will help to prepare you for and teach you about basic processes of adoption and guardianship of children who are in the custody of the State of Alaska, due to child abuse and neglect. (Author abstract)

Title: Adoption and Guardianship Preparation Training for Alaska's Resource Families: Section Six: State of Alaska Adoption or Guardianship Subsidy Program.
Published: 2005
Available from: Alaska Center for Resource Families
http://www.acrf.org/
815 Second Avenue, Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acrf.org/education/Current/AdoptSix.pdf
Abstract: The State of Alaska Adoption and Guardianship Subsidy program can seem to be very complex. There are many intricacies when discussing subsidies. Ultimately, subsidy negotiations happen between the social worker and the adoptive family who together define the subsidy agreement. The subsidy agreement is then approved by the OCS Regional Adoption Specialist and the OCS Director. This section is an overview of the elements of an adoption subsidy and should not be considered the authority on Alaska adoption subsidy but as a guide to help you through this process. (Author abstract)

Title: Adoption and Guardianship Preparation Training for Alaska's Resource Families. Section Three, Special Needs Children and Legal Risk Placement: Open or Closed Adoptions.
Published: 2005
Available from: Alaska Center for Resource Families
http://www.acrf.org/
815 Second Avenue, Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acrf.org/education/Current/AdoptThree.pdf
Abstract: In this section the resource family will learn: (1) An understanding of the term "special needs" children; (2) An overview of "legal risk" placement and concurrent planning; (3) The differences between open and closed adoption. (Author abstract)

Title: Adoption and Guardianship Preparation Training for Alaska's Resource Families. Section Two, The Home Study Process.
Published: 2005
Available from: Alaska Center for Resource Families
http://www.acrf.org/
815 Second Avenue, Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acrf.org/education/Current/AdoptTwo.pdf
Abstract: In this section the resource family will understand what a home study is (also called resource family assessment) and the basic components of a home study. (Author abstract)

Title: Open Adoption: The Exception - Not The Rule.
Author(s): Coogan, Mary E.
Published: 2000
Available from: Association for Children of New Jersey
http://www.acnj.org/
35 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acnj.org/admin.asp?uri=2081&action=15&di=81&ext=pdf&view=yes
Abstract: This policy brief focuses on open adoption and discusses perspectives of proponents and opponents of the practice. The need for long-term research on the impact of open adoption is noted, and guidelines are presented for protecting the interests of children who may be involved in an open adoption arrangement. Guidelines include: both the birth parents and the prospective adoptive parents must fully understand and accept their future roles in the child's life prior to entering into an open adoption arrangement; any continuing contact between the birth family and the child must be subject to the best interests of the child; consideration should be given to limiting open adoption to specific types of cases or placing parameters on the type of contact; and discussions for post-adoption contact with siblings and extended family members may have to be handled separately from the birth parent. The brief emphasizes that open adoption should be the exception and not the rule. 13 references.

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