Read a New Report on Openness in Adoption

A recent report from the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute highlights the results of a survey on infant adoption practices. Openness in Adoption: From Secretary and Stigma to Knowledge and Connections notes that the vast majority of adoptions are now open. Key findings include:

• 95 percent of agencies offer open adoptions
• 55 percent of adoptions are open, 40 mediated, and only 5 percent closed
• Adoptive parents report positive experiences; more openness is also associated with greater satisfaction with the adoption process.
• Women who placed infants for adoption and then have ongoing contact with their children report less grief, regret, and worry, and more peace of mind.
• Adopted persons are the primary beneficiaries of openness, receiving access to birth relatives, as well as to their own family and medical histories.

The report also provides recommendations for best practices in open adoption, including pre-adoption counseling and post-placement support.

Read the report

 

http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/research/2012_03_openness.php

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Important Questions You Should Ask Before Adoption

"Parents need to take a major role in the decision making process. I think it's a message of responsibility, a lifelong responsibility. I'm not just looking at providing shelter and the hierarchy of needs for this child. I'm looking at adopting a child and all the dreams, expectations, and lifelong care that goes into having another family member. So it's not like, 'Well this is the person that we're going to provide to you at the selection.' It's like no, I think we're major decision-makers in that process." -From a Prospective Adoptive Parent

QUESTIONS TO ASK The following is a list of questions to ask prior to adopting a child. Don't be afraid to ask these questions. It is important to know if your family is able to provide the necessary support for the child. These questions will help you get an idea of what your responsibilities will be, along with an idea as to if the child is a good fit for your family. Have these questions ahead of time and try to keep notes. 1. Name, sex, age? 2. Child's medical history and current medical needs: a. Medical diagnosis? b. Psychological diagnosis? c. Current medication? d. Neurological diagnosis? e. Dental? 3. Siblings? 4. Visitation? a. Who? b. Where? c. Monitored? 5. How do they get along with other children in the household? a. Younger b. Older 6. Developmental level? 7. Is the child in therapy? a. Where? b. How often? c. Transportation? 8. School last attended? Grade? a. Learning disorders? b. Special Education? c. IEP (Individualized Education Program)? 9. Known or suspected dangerous propensities: a. Gang affiliations? b. Fire setter? c. Liar? d. Sexually acting out? e. Steals? 10. Legal status? 11. Is religion a concern? 12. Does child have any unusual habits? Likes? Dislikes? 13. Do they have a sensitivity to pets?

Preparation on your part is important in making an informed decision. You can have a degree of control and ownership in the matching process if you identify upfront what you want, what you can accept, and what is not acceptable. The more invested you are, the more likely it will be a successful match.