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**NEW** POLICY BRIEF

Featured Publication
February 2008
ADOPTIVE PARENT PREPARATION: MEETING THE MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF ADOPTED CHILDREN, released in February represents the initial phase of a broad, long-term Institute project designed to shape best-practice standards that will assist adoption professionals in the preparation and education of adoptive parents. more

SEE ALSO THE NOVEMBER 2007 FEATURED REPORT....
FOR THE RECORDS: RESTORING A RIGHT TO ADULT ADOPTEES, released this month for National Adoption Awareness Month, represents the most comprehensive examination to date of one of the most controversial, emotional issues in the modern adoption world: whether adopted people, once they become adults, should have access to their original birth certificates (see glossary of terms). This report suggests that all states change their laws so that the answer is "yes." more
What's New

PRESS: INSTITUTE RELEASES BRIEF ON ADOPTIVE PARENT PREP

The Institute released a brief in February outlining best practices for preparing adoptive parents more

UPDATE: APRIL E-NEWSLETTER

The April 2008 Adoption Institute E-Newsletter is now available. more
To access past issues, go to our archive.

ADVOCACY: INSTITUTE TESTIFIES
AT NEW JERSEY HEARING

Executive Director Pertman presented oral comments and submitted written testimony in support of legislation (S611) that would permit adult adoptees 18 years or older to obtain their original birth certificates. To read the testimony, click here; to read the letter submitted to the Committe, click here.

EVENTS: STAFF APPEARANCES

Our Executive Director Adam Pertman and senior staff frequently have scheduled appearances throughout the country. more
Development News

GET YOUR TICKETS: MAY 14 SPRING BENEFIT

The Adoption Institute is excited to host its annual "Taste of Spring" benefit in New York City on May 14. The event promises to be another special night filled with delicious food, fine wine and good company. Please contact External Relations Director Laura James at ljames@adoptioninstitute.org with questions, to reserve tickets (they go quickly!), or become an individual or corporate sponsor.

UPDATE: ANNUAL REPORT &
FIVE YEAR RETROSPECTIVE

The Institute has just released its Annual Report and Five Year Restrospective. Read about our accomplishments and consider contributing to our important work more

HOST AN EVENT

If you are interested in hosting an event in your area, please contact External Relations Director Laura James at ljames@adoptioninstitute.org. And if parties are not "your thing," we welcome direct support of our work.more

Current Initiates

TRANSCULTURAL ADOPTION & IDENTITY

This study, with initial funding by the Kellogg Foundation, seeks to examine those factors that contribute to the development of healthy identities from those who know best - adopted adults. The initial focus of this research is on adults adopted internationally and raised in transracial families, with a comparison group of same-race domestic adoptees. We would like to thank all the adopted adults who participated in this first national survey to examine issues of identity in adoption (which incorporates race, culture and adoptive identities). Results and findings from this study will be published in the fall. Contact Policy & Operations Director Hollee McGinnis at hmcginnis@adoptioninstitute.org for more informationmore

ADOPTIVE PARENT PREPARATION PROJECT

This project, to which the Institute is seeking additional funding, seeks to develop practice recommendations as well as educational/training materials that strengthen and support the preparation of individuals and couples for adoptive parenthood, and to disseminate that knowledge and those materials to adoption practitioners and prospective adoptive parents. For more information on this initiative, contact Research & Project Director David Brodzinsky at dbrodzinsky@adoptioninstitute.org.

IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE & PRACTICE
IN GAY AND LESBIAN ADOPTION

This project will provide a review of the current state of knowledge and recommended best practices in adoption by gay and lesbian parents. With funding from a grant from the Gill Foundation, this white paper will be available in winter 2007 and is designed to be part of a broader project, not yet funded, to expand the Institute’s previous research on the subject. For more information on this project, contact Policy & Research Director Jeanne Howard at jhoward@adoptioninstitute.org.
On the Horizon
The Institute is seeking funding for several initiatives, including our Adoption in the Media and Educate the Educators programs. In addition, we are planning important new projects on embryo adoption and lowering barriers to adoption of children in foster care, for which new funding will be critical. Our work - and our dreams - are limited only by our resources. To learn more about contributing to these and current projects, contact our Executive Director Adam Pertman at apertman@adoptioninstitute.org or consider donating to the Institute. more