The Practice of Adoption

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the practice of adoption to counseling psychologists to promote clinical understanding of the adoption experience and to stimulate research on adoption. The article includes definitions of adoption terminology, important historical and legal developments for adoption, a summary of adoption statistics, conceptualizations of adoption experience, themes and trends in adoption outcome research related to adoptees and birthparents, and selected theoretical models of adoption. The importance of considering social context variables in adoption practice and research is emphasized.

Examining the primary school experiences of intercountry adoptees : perspectives of adoptive parents and children

“…Transracial adoption is often discussed as a separate category, due to the unique cultural issues faced by adoptive families (Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, 2010). According to Zamostny, O'Brien, Baden and Wiley (2003), intercountry adoption maybe transracial but is always transcultural. Race is a term generally used to classify people according to geographic, physical or genetically inherited characteristics (for example, tribal affiliations, nationalities, language, skin colour and tone, hair colour and texture and facial features) (Hays, 2008, p. 11).…”

“…Further criticism is directed against the failure to consider the social construction of the adoptees' experience (Miall, 1996;Wegar, 2000;Zamostny et al, 2003). While some research includes findings that most adoptees fall "well within the normal range of functioning" (Brodzinsky et al, 1998, p. 45), deficit models which only focus on the behaviour patterns and attitudes of the "stigmatized individual" (Wegar,p.…”

Family Influences on Ethnic Identity Development among Transracial Adoptees

“…The formal act of adoption began in the United States during the 1800s in order to provide families for a growing number of homeless children, as well as the birth rights of inheritance (Hollinger, 1993;Sokoloff, 1993;Zamostny, O'Brien, Baden, & Wiley, 2003). Current trends and practices of adoption began after World War II, in response to political and cultural shifts that led to a decrease of White, healthy babies relinquished for adoption, and an increase of adoption alternatives, including international and special needs adoption (Zamostny et al, 2003).…”

“…Current trends and practices of adoption began after World War II, in response to political and cultural shifts that led to a decrease of White, healthy babies relinquished for adoption, and an increase of adoption alternatives, including international and special needs adoption (Zamostny et al, 2003). During this era, transracial adoptions became more commonplace through the Indian Adoption Project (removing Native American children from reservations and adopting many of them into White families), and through the adoption of Korean War orphans (Baden & Steward, 2007;Lee, 2003).…”

“…This discontinued the Indian Adoption Project and attempted to help tribes and families preserve their native culture (Cross, 2006). Civil Rights activists also opposed and brought an end to transracial adoption of African American children for a number of years, with groups such as the National Association of Black Social Workers calling these practices a form of race and cultural genocide (Lee, 2003;Simon & Altstein, 2000;Zamostny et al, 2003). Though social service agencies and organizations have since made reforms, transracial adoption remains controversial (Lee, 2003).…”