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Adoption - Results (8 Publications)

Title: Adopted Children with Special Health Care Needs: Characteristics, Health, and Health Care by Adoption Type.
Author(s): Bramlett, Matthew D.;Radel, Laura F.
Published: 2008
Available from: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)
http://aspe.hhs.gov/
Room 415F
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Av, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Document available online at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/CSHCN/rb.shtml
Printable version (PDF): http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/CSHCN/rb.pdf
Abstract: This research brief presents information on adopted children with special health care needs, using data from the 2005-2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN). The analysis takes advantage of questions in the NS-CSHCN that allow adopted children in the sample to be grouped and compared by adoption type, that is, foster care adoptions, international adoptions, and domestic adoptions through sources other than the public child welfare system (for convenience discussed below as "private domestic adoptions"). Findings provide a descriptive profile of adopted children with special health care needs (CSHCN); explore ways in which adopted CSHCN are similar to and different from other CSHCN; and describe their health status, health conditions and health care access and utilization across adoption types. The analysis excludes adoptive families in which a biological parent also resides in the household, which are primarily step-parent adoptions. The data presented are nationally representative of adopted CSHCN. Because only CSHCN are included in the sample, however, results may not be generalized to adopted children overall.

Title: Regulation of Private Domestic Adoption Expenses: Summary of State Laws (Formerly titled: State Regulation of Adoption Expenses: Summary of State Laws)
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare Information Gateway
http://www.childwelfare.gov
Children's Bureau/ACYF
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW
Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20024
Printable version (PDF): http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/expensesall.pdf
Abstract: Nearly all States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories have enacted statutes that provide some regulation of the fees and expenses that adoptive parents are expected to pay when arranging an adoptive placement. Some of the fees and expenses that are typically addressed in the statutes are placement costs, such as agency fees; legal and attorney expenses for adoptive and birth parents; and some of the expenses of the birth mother during pregnancy. This briefing provides general information on birth parent expenses, agency fees and costs, use of an intermediary, and reporting adoption-related expenses to the court.

Title: Transracial Adoption: It Will Change Your Family Forever.
Author(s): Berger, Carolyn.
Published: 2008
Available from: Infertility and Adoption Counseling Center
http://www.iaccenter.com/
Pennington Point West
2 Tree Farm Road, Suite A200
Pennington, NJ 08534
Printable version (PDF): http://www.iaccenter.com/TransracialAdoptionArticle.pdf
Abstract: This paper explores the adoption of children of color by white adults and strategies adoptive families can use to undergo transracialization, a change people can undergo when they take part in close, long-term relationships with people of other races. It explains that transracialization emerges when people develop a deep and sophisticated understanding of race and racism, and that adoptive parents can begin this process before they bring a child of another race home by immersing themselves in their child's culture. Recommendations are also made for adoptive parents following an adoption of a child of color. 1 reference.

Title: Make the Adoption Tax Credit Work for Waiting Foster Children.
Published: 2008
Available from: Voice for Adoption
http://www.voice-for-adoption.org
PO Box 2685
Washington, DC 20013
Printable version (PDF): http://www.voice-for-adoption.org/downloads/VFA%20tax%20credit%20principles.pdf
Abstract: This fact sheet encourages the U.S. Congress to make the adoption tax credit work better to promote adoptions of waiting children in foster care and to provide accessible support for families who adopt children from foster care. It cites data from a recent IRS report on the adoption tax credit reveal that the credit, as it is currently structured, is not meeting its original goal of promoting adoptions from foster care. It urges the adoption tax credit to be structured in a way that allows lower-income families to claim the credit, even if they do not have a high tax liability. 1 reference.

Title: Need for Adoption Among Infants Investigated for Child Maltreatment and Adoption Status 5 to 6 Years Later.
Published: 2008
Available from: ACF Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
Document available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/need_adoption/need_adoption.html
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/need_adoption/need_for_adoption.pdf
Abstract: This research brief examines adoption among infants involved in investigations of child maltreatment and addresses the following questions: (1) What percentage of infants who are involved with the CWS and who are potentially eligible for adoption are adopted? What are their characteristics and the characteristics of their families of origin? (2) What is the length of time between an infant's first out-of-home placement and placement with the adoptive family? (3) What are the developmental needs of adopted children? (4) What are the characteristics of adoptive families? (Author abstract)

Title: Same-Sex Adoptions.
Author(s): Smith, Alison M.
Published: 2008
Abstract: State laws concerning the eligibility of homosexuals to adopt vary. Some states statutorily prohibit such action, while others are silent on the issue, leaving interpretation to the courts. This report summarizes state laws concerning non-relative adoption by homosexual individuals and couples. (Author abstract)

Title: Preserving Connections: Helping Children and Youth Develop and Maintain Connections.
Published: 2007
Available from: Shaening and Associates
http://www.shaening.com/
2319 Old Arroyo Chamiso
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Printable version (PDF): http://www.shaening.com/projectDocs/Preserving%20Connections.pdf
Abstract: This booklet addresses some ways to preserve and build connections for children and youth in care in New Mexico, including open adoptions. It was written to support all those who work with foster youth to think creatively about how to maintain connections for children; how to help them preserve their life stories; how to ensure that they heal and grow in loving and connected environments; and how to help them have proud connections to their past. Information is provided on the types of connections that should be preserved and strategies are listed for preserving connections with birth parents, siblings, grandparents and other caregivers, foster families, schools, and cultural connections. The advantages of open adoptions in maintaining connections are discussed, as well as the development of Post-Adoption Contact Agreements (PACAs) between the adoptive parents, the adopted child, and the birth family. Misconceptions about open adoption are addressed and answers are provided to frequently asked questions. Finally, the importance of building connections for youth transitioning out of care is stressed and helpful strategies are described.

Title: Helping Classmates Understand Adoption: An Adoption and School Handout.
Published: 2005
Available from: Adoptive Families Magazine
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/
39 West 37th Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Printable version (PDF): http://www.adoptivefamiliesmagazine.com/pdf/Classmates.pdf
Abstract: This fact sheet provides parents with guidance for answering questions about a classmate's adoption. Answers to questions commonly posed by children are given, and myths about adoption are debunked and recommended books on adoption for children ages 2-11 are suggested.

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