Abstract
The paper presents a study to compare families that have adopted pre-teens and teen-aged children with those who are still with their birth parents, in order to understand how generational boundaries develop. The paper outlines the research problem and relates the hypothesis that children from adoptive families will demonstrate a higher degree of parental or mate-like qualities than those who are still with their birth parents. The paper also presents the research design as well as a literature review on attachments, relationships and adoption. The paper contends that the study will contribute to an overall understanding of generational boundary dissolution and will play an important role in the development of future therapy techniques.

Outline:
The Research Problem
Literature Summary
Research Design
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Generational boundary dissolution presents as a crisis in many families. Generational boundaries are important for the development of the individual, within the framework of the family system. The area of generational boundaries is a relatively new concept in the field of family therapy. At this point, many of the techniques used are based on theory, rather than empirically tested ideals. Research into this area is young, presenting many avenues for exploration and research.
"Much of the research into generational boundaries is based on the two-parent family model (Madden-Derdich, Estrada, Ulloa, & Updegraff, et al., 2002). This research will utilize theory and methods developed to date, only it will apply it to a unique situation within the family structure. This research will utilize interactional analysis to examine generational boundary dissolution among families of adoptive children. The premise is based on the theory that parental boundaries are established early in life (Barber, 2001). By adolescence, these patterns are destined to have a dramatic impact on the development of adolescents."

Tags:adoption, attachment, parents, mate, relationship, intrusions, identity, development

Abstract
This research paper addresses the historical and social situation in Eastern Europe that resulted in an increase in the number of children from this region that were adopted by American families. More importantly, this paper looks at the early research on the implications this influx had upon education and, in particular, special education.

From the Paper
"Due to the young age upon adoption and the lack of comprehensive medical records for these children many adoptive families are under the impression that the children they welcome into their homes will certainly have a period of adjustment, but for the most part will develop normally, educationally and socially. (Hollingsworth, 2003, pg. 209) Yet, findings have not always indicated this to be the case and many experts and families are demanding greater attention be paid to the early lives of these children and the implications of their impoverished backgrounds upon future growth. Though language acquisition is usually the most profound issue when dealing with international adoption the situations within many orphanages including but not limited to overcrowding, abhorrent resources and a simple lack of appropriate staff and care providers to nurture and stimulate these children at these crucial early developmental stages."

Tags:adoption, institutions, orphans, orphanages, adoptive, families, homes, educationally

Abstract
This paper will look at attachment disorders, and will consider the role that it plays in adopted children as well as the effect that is has on the adopted family. The children under consideration will be especially those who are part of the international adoption setting.

Abstract
The paper reveals that compared to their biological counter-parts, adopted children tend to have better educated parents, more family income, and are less likely to be African-American or Hispanic. The paper discusses, however, how adopted children tend to have a higher level of behavioral problems than biological children and they therefore need intermediary resources. The paper then looks at how a disrupted marriage of the adopted parents is detrimental to an adopted child and how a caregiver for the child must be well suited financially and mentally. The paper reaches the conclusion that the effects of adoptions are largely those of opportunity, however the interplay between the children and parents alongside their environment are the ultimate determinants of the adopted child's upbringing and its effects.

Outline:
Introduction
The Adoption Position
The Effects of the Parental Marriage Upon Adopted Children
The Conclusive Attachments of Adoption

From the Paper
"Children who are adopted are considered by some to be lucky, in that they are given a chance at a traditional family or potential attempt thereof. Adopted children grow into adopted adults, and so understanding the lifelong process for the adopted person is important, considering both their birth family and the adoptive family. (Payne 26)
For the sake of this discussion those who are adopted will be considered primarily, while comparing the potential effects of children growing up in a life such as this with those children who have biological parents, however are similarly in a family environment. Given that adoption is at times superior to foster care, a more communal style living situation in which the individual child may stand to receive far less personal attention and encounter far more problems, it is apparent that adoption has its positive aspects."

Tags:attachment, fostering, divorce, behavior, stability

Abstract
This paper looks at what happens to the people involved when an adopted child tries to find his/her birth parents. The paper shows how, despite it being a difficult decision, and sometimes an unsuccessful process, the outcome is usually positive.

Contents
Poem
Introduction
Statistics on Adoption
Adoption Facts
Positive/Negative Aspects of Adoption
Personal Accounts of Adoptive Families
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The majority of studies that have been conducted however related to adoption research have indicated that the effects of finding one's birthparents are often positive in nature, not only for the adoptee but for the birthparent as well. Much evidence also indicates that finding one's birthparents may solidify gaps in the relationship for adoptive families and strengthen unions between adopted parents and children. There is also a great deal of information that shows that most adopted children do at some point seek out their birthparents, and many birthparents readily make available identifying information about themselves."

Tags:parent, natural, relatives, reunion

Abstract
This paper proposes a study to determine whether closed adoption, as opposed to open adoption, where the adoptive parents and the birth family all work together in varying degrees to provide the child with the most optimal upbringing, is really better for the child. It examines previously published literature in the quest to find the answer and explores several child theories regarding the best interest of the child when it comes to having open or closed adoptions. The study concludes that open adoption is the best solution for the general well-being of the child.

From the Paper
"The argument for open adoption is strong when one looks at the evidence and the research that has been done on the topic. Experts agree that one of the problems for adopted children and adults is the fact that they do not have any sense of who they are. In addition, who they are is supposed to be ignored and forgotten as they pretend this new family is the only family they have ever had(Smith, 2001).
Kirschner also draws from the writings of B.J. Lifton, an adoptee who has generalized her own unhappiness with adoption."

Tags:parents, birth, biological

Abstract
This paper will argue for the right of gay couples to adopt children. By looking at the facts that approve of this parental position, we can see how it has valid credentials for gay parenting in the United States.

Abstract
The writer of this paper examines transracial adoptions which has long been a subject of controversy. Transracial adoption refers not only to black children being adopted into white homes but also to the many international adoptions that take place each year. This paper also discusses the social and legal ramifications of this type of adoption.

From the Paper
"In a transracial adoption there is an additional layer of questioning that needs to be done because of the circumstances unique to that situation, but in the end, the criteria for adoptive parents are the same.
Another reason transracial adoption should be encouraged is the fact that there are an overwhelming number of biracial, black and non-Caucasian children waiting to be adopted."

Tags:race, ethnic, social, adoption, placement

Abstract
The case is made in this paper that children of mixed ethnicity are not adopted at the same rate as single ethnicity children. Furthermore, the paper asserts that mixed ethnicity children suffer from more placement issues and are more likely to be sporadically re-institutionalized due to failed placements. The paper posits that society's lack of accepting mixed ethnicity people in general is at the root cause of this tragic circumstance for mixed ethnicity children in the scope of adoption.

Tags:mixed, ethnicity, adoption

Abstract
This paper researches the effects of adoption on two groups of adolescents, the first who were adopted before 6 months old and the second who were adopted after 6 months of age. According to this paper, adoptees adopted before 6 months old experience less behavioral, emotional and cognitive problems and form better attachments than those adopted at an older age.

Contents:
Abstract
Aims and Objectives
Methods
Proposed Analysis
Limitations of the Study
Significance of Study
Literature Review

From the Paper
"The researcher proposes analyzing two groups of children aged 17-24, the first of which will contain 24 participants adopted before 6 months of age and the latter of which adopted after 6 months of age. Participants will be provided a survey questionnaire that will examine the social, cognitive, emotional and behavioral impacts adoption has on the young adults perceived attachment and closeness to their adoptive parents. The researcher will also explore the patient's history including academic performance, history of psychological or behavioral problems and the participants overall emotional state to decide what if any the effects of adoption has had on the children's development. The results of the survey will be compared with information gathered from the literature review, from which the researcher will derive a scientifically grounded theory explaining the relationship between adoption, attachment and multiple other variables.
Limitations of the Study
Atkinson & Goldberg (2004) note that many challenges face the field of attachment and psychopathology, particularly in terms of designing studies that effectively measure attachment and psychopathology concurrently (p. 10). Further the researchers note that a need for more "data analytic" and "idiographic observation" are necessary in the field of attachment, cautioning that environmental circumstances must be weighed with other factors including care giving quality and loss associated with adoption (Atkinson & Goldberg, 2004)."

Tags:attachment, behavioral, dysfunctional, foster, care