Abstract This paper presents convincing arguments on the benefits of adoption, both for adoptive parents and children. Those who may want to consider adoption include people who may be experiencing problems conceiving their own children or even those who already have children, yet want to expand their family. The author cites current trends in adoption, and cautions that adoption is not something prospective parents should undertake lightly. There are some significant legal obligations and responsibilities that go hand in hand with adoption.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Lack of Follow-Up in Adoptive Services.
Current Trends in Foster Care and Adoption.
Conclusion
From the Paper "While states have increasingly focused on changing law, policy, practice and agency culture to increase the number of adoptions across the country, there has been less emphasis on what happens to families after they adopt. The social and emotional wounds caused by abuse, neglect and frequent moves among foster homes are not healed by the issuance of an adoption decree. In this regard, one adoption service head reports that, "Adoption is not the cure for every problem a child has experienced. But we've acted like it is for a long time" (Christian, 2002, p. 31). In fact, child welfare agencies have traditionally regarded adoption as the end of their responsibilities to adoptive children and their new families alike, and this author notes that many American families have reported feeling abandoned by these social services once their adoption has been finalized. Many foster children are adopted by their foster parents, who often see a substantial reduction in the array of services and supports available to them (Christian, 2002). "
Abstract This paper studies the phenomenon of interracial adoption in general and specifically adoption through the internet. It states that children of different races are priced differently on adoption sites whereas black children are the cheapest. It gives examples of several psychological studies done on transracial adoption and their various conclusions. It explains the reasons for interracial adoption and the part that governments play in this phenomenon.
From the Paper "Adoption between same-race children and parents is a difficult task. Filling the emotional needs of a child who has lost one or both parents presents a multitude of adjustment problems for both the child and adoptive parents. People who choose to adopt are compassionate and caring, or they would not want to adopt in the first place. The child is coming from place of familiarity into the unknown?and frightening. The support of the adoptive parents will help the child overcome this difficult time; at least that is the theory. In addition to changing lifestyles, sets of rules, friends, and everyone they ever knew, let us now add the change of who you are. Let us change your culture and beliefs as well. This is the problem that a child adopted into a family of a different cultural background must face. Inter-racial adoption is a form of genocide and hurts the child most of all."
Tags: race, interracial, adoption, psychology, child, parents, culture, money, United, States, Government
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."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that there are approximately 120,000 adoptions in the United States each year, many of which are successfully completed. However, the writer points out that while substantial amounts succeed, nearly twenty percent disrupt before legalization can occur. The writer maintains that this is due, in part, to the high level of rights retained by the biological parents in adoption cases. This paper discusses the rights of biological parents and the court's reasoning for upholding these rights. The writer then looks at the consequences of such rights to adoptive parents. This shows that while adoptive parents do hold some right to their new child, the biological parents have far more rights during the adoption process, and even following birth.
From the Paper "The consequences for the adoptive parents can be devastating. In open adoption cases, where the adoptive parents have provided monetary support, physician care, and other necessities to the biological mother, a pre-birth consent is still not binding. This means the time, money, and effort exerted by the adoptive parents may be for nothing, clearly showing the biological mother's rights to be valued higher than those of the adoptive parents. Even in agency adoptions, the adoptive parents are forced to relinquish the child if the biological parent revokes consent, even if the child has already been placed within the home."
Abstract In this paper, the writer notes that although there have been many changes made in the last 10 years, same-sex adoption is still a major controversy issue in today's society. The writer uses relevant literature to demonstrate statistics regarding same-sex adoption. The writer maintains that many people believe that same-sex adoption is immoral and unethical. On the other hand, many people believe that same-sex adoption is acceptable, because they believe that the welfare of the child is more important than the gender of the child. The writer concludes that as long as the child is properly cared for mentally, physically and emotionally, the gender of the child should not be an issue.
From the Paper "Although the percentage rate of same-sex adoption has approved 64 % in the last 4 years, it is still a major issue in today's society. Some people believe that same-sex adoption is wrong, simply because the union itself is non-traditional. Therefore adoption is unethical. Others believe that same-sex adoption is acceptable, because they believe that the child should be raised with two parents that love him or her, regardless of the parent's gender. As long as the child is being cared for properly, in all aspects, mentally, physically, and emotionally there should not be any dispute of the parent's gender."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the adoption process is one that should not be entered into lightly and one that professionals should take great responsibility ethically in providing necessary services to the birth parents who are considering entering into an adoption proceeding. The inequity of adoption laws are historically noted in this work as well as the failure of the legal system in protecting the birth parent from suffering associated with denial of information as to her child's well being. It is the belief of the researcher that provisions for adult disclosure of birth parent information and identification should be inclusive in laws and regulations governing adoptions in order to protect the individual who has everything to lose, and specifically for protection of the birth parent.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Statement of Thesis
Literature Review
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The rights of the birthparents should be given the most weight in the adoption process as compared to the adoptive parents. While the adoptive parents have much to gain, the birthparents are those who have much to lose if the adoption process is not handled properly, ethically, according to prescribed laws, and responsively as to the psychological needs of the birthparents who are giving up their child for adoption. The intention of the birthparents who give up the child for adoption generally is one that is noble and is directly based upon a decision to allow the child the opportunity for a better life than the birthparent is able to provide. However, after the child has become an adult, the goal of adoption has been successfully concluded and there should be no reason whatsoever that the birthparent and child should be hidden from one another legally."
Abstract This paper discusses the procedures that adopting parents need to go through before they are granted a child. It compares different laws applicable in certain states as well as special criteria and conditions which apply. It looks at adoption within a family due to the tragedy of abusive conditions and also examines the cost of private adoption.
From the Paper "Adopting a child is a major decision. A prospective single parent or couple or family may come to the decision of adopting a child through many different paths. For instance, they may have tried to have children and failed, or they may have some children of their own but they want to adopt an orphaned child from a poor socio-economic situation. Whatever the path to adoption, it is a process that is rife with legal requirements and obstacles And of course, once the child is adopted, the responsibilities are huge. But, in the end, the act of adopting a child is immensely satisfying and interviewed adopted parents always gush that the experience and the adoption of child was life-changing."
Tags: child, parent, adoption, welfare, america, state
Abstract This paper is a policy paper as to why GLBT adoption should take place. The author states that adoption by gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transsexuals, which should be a simple matter, is marked by discrimination in favor of straights. The paper explains that the single most effect reason for discrimination that had been used by the legal system is the principle 'the best interests of the child'."
From the Paper "A monolithic and highly distorted view of the family has been perpetrated by the mass media, which has completely obscured the emerging variations and alternatives to the conception of a traditional nuclear family. The context of gay and lesbian adoption has been one of bias and unfairness, haphazard and inconsistent policy, and of myths and assumptions informing policy rather than concrete evidence. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transsexuals regularly have encountered discrimination in the legal system, the child welfare system, and in their experiences with adoption agencies."
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."
Abstract The study examines previously published literature in the quest to find an answer. In addition, the study 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.
Abstract
Introduction
Hypothesis
Theoretical Considerations
Discussion on child theories
Methodology
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "Years ago, the adoption process was rather straightforward. A couple submitted application forms, received an investigation, a home study and approval and then began the wait for a baby. In the meantime pregnant women, a large majority of them unwed, would wait out their term knowing they would go through labor only to give the baby up following delivery. The birth mother would not ever lay eyes on the adoptive parents and the adoptive parents would never meet the birth mother. It would all be handled by a middle agency who would gather the necessary information, medical histories, fees and arrange the transfer of the child from the birth parent to the adoptive parent. Case closed. Following the transfer the birth mother would never be allowed to know anything about her child. History is filled with stories of birth mothers crying each year on the birthday of the child they gave up. In addition there are adopted adults throughout the world who know they were adopted and have unanswered questions about their parentage and blood lines. There are adoptive parents fighting to change the genetic blueprint of their adoptive child while knowing very little about the history of that child's family regarding personality traits, mental illness or medical problems. In all of this the victim has been the child. The child has been the center of the adoption debate whether it was about protecting that child by not divulging valuable information about the birth family or about protecting the child from even knowing he or she was adopted."
Abstract The growing movement of the gay rights movement in the United States, Canada and elsewhere has raised some sensitive issues. Not the least of these is whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt children. This paper explores this problem.
Abstract This paper addresses various aspects of Arkansas House Bill 1119 which bans gay adoption. Some of the aspects discussed include the history of the Bill, the at risk population and the people whose interests are served by this legislation. The paper also discusses the status of the Bill at the time the paper was written, why continuing advocacy is needed and evaluates the advocacy efforts to date.
Tags: Arkansas, House bill, anti-gay, gay rights, foster care, adoption, cohabitation, discrimination, advocacy
Abstract This paper analyzes adoption policy. It discusses the controversy over racial and cultural composition and whether certain preexisting conditions within the home endanger the goal of optimal placement. The paper identifies the arguments of those in favor of using racial and cultural qualifiers and those who oppose using qualifiers in the goal of optimal placement.
From the Paper "Racial and Cultural Qualifiers in Adoption:An Assessment of the Positions Introduction Adoption policy has long been a problem for those seeking to help fostered or non-parented children find lasting, lifetime homes. When examined from the perspective of placing an infant or a child into a permanent living situation, the need to ensure that the prospective home and parents are optimum for promoting the welfare of the adoptee is the paramount concern. It is felt that "delayed placement into a permanent home causes serious and real harm to a child. To truly flourish, children need the permanency of a family, and a child's welfare is positively affected the earlier she becomes part of such a permanent and stable environment" (Swize, 2002; 1081). Furthermore, adoption is better than foster homes for these reasons, where "adoptive families provide children a healthier environment than foster families or institutional facilities" (Swize, 2002; 1081). "
Abstract This paper explores the Kansas statutes related to adoption so as to comprehensively understand the legal procedures and the application of rules and regulations, which the State of Kansas applies to various situations. The paper contends that it is about time that the policy makers realize that the state government cannot serve the adoption clients nor can the certified agents of the adoption agency hope to provide superior services to their clients, unless they institute separate principles for service to each stakeholder of the adoption process - the birth parents, the adopting parents and the adopted child.
Outline
Introduction
Review of Literature
Basic Statutes of Adoption in Kansas
Current Trends in the Kansas Adoption Procedures
Conclusion
From the Paper "The study of adoption is very important as it influences millions of lives in the United States, who are an element of the adoption process. For instance, the birth parents who put their children for adoption; the children who are adopted; and the parents who adopt children. It is also believed that adoption influences approximately 3% of Americans who initially think of adoption but later on decide against it. For instance, Allen P. Fisher (2003) writes, "Adoption is certainly a very common occurrence in the United States and in much of the world today. No official and complete counts of adoptions exist, but estimates are that about 4% of Americans are adopted; about half of these have been adopted by persons not related to them by birth ." Allen goes on to write, "A recent national survey of 1416 Americans found that nearly two thirds of the respondents (64%) had a personal experience with adoption, meaning that someone in their family or among their close friends had been adopted, had adopted a child, or had placed a child for adoption (Allen P. Fisher 2003)." "
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that same-sex adoption, or as it is more commonly referred to in the media, gay adoption, is the adoption of children by individuals in a conjugal relationship with a member of the same sex. The writer notes that the topic of same-sex adoption is highly controversial, due to the arguments by those opposed to it that same-sex marriage would do a disservice to the nation, traditional values and the health and well being of the adopted children. The writer argues that the arguments against same-sex adoption are based on flawed assumptions and therefore hold little to no water in terms of being valid arguments. Furthermore, the writer maintains that research indicates that same-sex adoption provides equal, if not more benefits to children, as compared to children of heterosexuals, and that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt is a denial of basic human and civil rights.
From the Paper "To continue to deny same-sex couples the right and the ability to adopt children together, instead of going through long drawn out processes in which one parent adopts as a single parent followed by the partner adopting the child later, is a continuation of severe discrimination, and should not be allowed.
"There is a growing body of literature concerning same-sex parents and their children. The research covers a variety of topics, including the process same-sex couples go through when deciding to have children, how they come to the decision, and how they decide upon which method to use when having children. The literature discusses the impact on the health of the individuals within the relationship in terms of their concerns for their children about social stigma and discrimination, as well as how their own personal levels of internalized homophobia relate to their decision of whether or not to raise children together. However, the literature of most interest to this paper concerns the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. "
