MANDEL SCHOOL OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY

Victor Groza, LISW, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor;
Mailing Address:
CWRU/MSASS 10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7164

ADOPTION: PRACTICE AND POLICY (master outline)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course covers the concepts, knowledge, skills and policies associated with contemporary adoption practice. The practice method reflects a triad perspective, meaning that adoption is examine from the viewpoints of birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents. For each topic area, social work roles, activities, tasks and skills are explored along with policy issues. Exemplars and case studies are presented for illustration purposes. Consideration of triad needs at different life cycle stages are presented. The issues of ethnically competent adoption practice are emphasized throughout the course in each content area.

OBJECTIVES

As a result of this course, students will:

a. develop skills in empirically-based adoption practice;

b. have an increased understanding of the various roles that social work practitioners play in the delivery of adoption services in a variety of practice settings.

c. be able to describe the major components that make up the continuum of adoption services, the major task of each component, the most relevant intervention strategies for each component, and the polices relevant to each component.

d. become familiar with clinical issues in contemporary adoption practice

e. become sensitive to cultural and subcultural differences in adoption with birth families, adoptees and adoptive parents;

f. develop an understanding of socio-political and organizational contexts of adoption polices, services, and practices in domestic and international adoption;

g. be able to critically analyze some of the current issues and dilemmas that exist in the delivery of adoption services;

COURSE OUTLINE

The course outline indicates topics covered and the readings that go with each topic.

a. Required Texts

Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Packet of Readings

b. Recommended Texts

Rosenberg, E. B. (1992). The Adoption Life Cycle: The Children and Their Families Through the Years. New York: The Free Press.

Groza, V., Ileana, D., & Irwin, I. (1999). A Peacock or a Crow? Stories, Interviews and Commentaries on Romanian Adoptions. South Euclid, OH: Willes e-press.

Groze, V. (1996). Successful Adoptive Families: A Longitudinal Study of Special Needs Adoption. New York: Praeger.

Rosenthal, J., & Groze, V. (1992). Special Needs Adoption: A Study of Intact Families. New York: Praeger.

COURSE TOPICS

An Overview of the Adoption Systems

Home Studies, Matching, Subsidies and Post Adoption Support

Recruitment

Domestic infant adoption‹open & closed adoptions

International adoption

Older child adoption

Siblings and Adoption

Transracial Adoptions

Adoption of Children with a History of Physical and Sexual Abuse

Nontraditional Families and Adoption

Single Parent
Gay & Lesbian Adoption

Search and Reunion Clinical and Practice Issues with Birth Parents

Clinical and Practice Issues with Adoptees

Clinical and Practice Issues with Adoptive Families

Policy Issues:

Evaluation of Adoption Agencies
Assessment of Developmental Delays of International Adoptees
Costs, Sliding Fee Scales, Subsidies and PASS
Broker Agencies
Interstate Compact
Recent Federal Legislation: MEPA & SAFE
Managed Care

Specialized Topics

IN-CLASS POTENTIAL SMALL GROUPS

DEVELOPING ADOPTION SENSITIVE PRACTICE

Come up with a list of terms that we use when we talk about adoption. Which of these terms have multiple meanings? Which can be insensitive? Develop a list of terms that are more sensitive when dealing with adoption.

ACQUIRING A FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE

A developmental perspective is a frame of reference for viewing human growth and development within the context of families and familiesı transactions with their environments. If we adapt a developmental perspective, we would focus on preventive policy and programs rather than remedial, restorative or reactionary policies and programs. Think about the array of adoption services and propose what a developmental perspective would look like. For example, one program that seems to be developmental in perspective is a program where every family, regardless of income or parenting experience, receives periodic visitation from a social worker in her home after the adoption of a child for several weeks to several months. The purpose is to provide support, guidance and assistance to the parent in order to promote strong parent-child relations and decrease the stressors associated with either creating a family through adoption or adding to a family through adoption. Be creative and think about policies and programs that would be developmental!

MATCHING CHILDREN AND PARENT

You will be given a description of potential families and waiting children. Match children and families. How did you make the match? What were the issues you discussed in matching? Were there any families you would screen out? Why? Why not?

DIAGRAMMATIC CHILD ASSESSMENT

From a case given to you, diagram a placement genogram. What benefits are there to you from diagramming a complicated history? What are the problems in diagramming a complicated history? What benefits are there to a child from diagramming a complicated history? What are potential problems in diagramming a complicated history for a child?

Possible ASSIGNMENTS

Acquaintance with the Literature

Find 3 articles relevant to an area of interest you have in adoption and in one or more of the areas covered during the first weekend. They can be related to a current area of practice but must be articles you haven't read previously. They can also be related to an area of interest where you have minimal experience. Two of the three articles must be empirically-based and one article should be an issue related to cultural competence/diversity in adoption.

Copy the article and write a one page summary, answering the following questions:

• What was the main point of the article?
• What theory base did it use in its development? (sometimes it will not be readily apparent, so you will have to use your critical thinking/analysis skills)
• What practice-relevant information did you get from the article? (be clear, specific & concrete)

What questions do you have after reading this that you didn't have previously or what questions do you have about the article itself (i.e., a critique of the article)?

While I think collaboration is an important part of the graduate school experience, I want you to work independently on this assignment. I would be very surprised to find 2 or more students who have the same 3 articles by chance. Please work by yourselves. Some of these articles will be useful for class discussion as well as in the small group project/presentation.

HOME STUDY OR CHILD ASSESSMENT

Choose a case from your employment or practicum. If you don't have an adoption case that you can use, the instructor will provide you a resource for securing a case. Either conduct an adoptive home study or assess a child or sibling group for adoption. Home study guidelines and child assessment/sibling assessment guidelines will be distributed.

CASE ANALYSIS FOR COURSE SYNTHESIS

Choose a case from your employment or practicum. If you don't have an adoption case that you can use, the instructor will provide you a resource for securing a case study. In developing your responses, be sure to integrate appropriate content and techniques covered in the class lecture, discussion, readings, & small group presentations. The paper should contain the following elements:

1. Brief psychosocial assessment including a family genogram, placement genogram and a social network map or ecomap (2-3 pages plus diagrams)

2 The roles of the social worker at various stages in the case (1-1.5 pages)

3. The application of ethnically competent practice principles (1-1.5 pages)

4. The dilemmas confronting the practitioner in dealing with the case (1-2 pages)

5. Discuss the family support/empowerment methods/intervention techniques you would employ (2-3 pages)

6. Discuss how you would evaluate your practice in this case (2-3 pages).

PRESENTATION

You may break into small groups (up to 3 people per group) or work individually to write a 15-18 page paper on a current problem or innovation in adoption practice. The format of the paper should be as follows:

Web Resources

Develop a list of web resources for one of the specific topic areas discussed in class. Provide a paragraph description of the site as well as the location.

Policy Related Assignment

Overview: Take a policy related to adoption. Trace its legislative roots. Outline both the implicit and explicit value base of the policy. Discuss how the specific policy influences practice. Outline an advocacy project for either improving the existing policy or changing the policy.

Choose a specific adoption problem, topic or issue. Address these specific questions:

1. What policy has been developed to deal with the problem/topic/issues? Briefly discuss the history and scope of this policy.

2. What is the legislative history and political processes through which this policy developed (or a change in this policy took place?).

3. What are the core values (e.g., equality, equity, adequacy, social justice, etc.) or ideology on which this policy is based?

4. What choices (including value choices) does this policy make regarding: a) allocations (include demographic profile of recipients); b) provisions; c) service delivery; and d) financing and funding?

5. What alternatives (including value choices) are not chosen for a) through d) above?

6. What is your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of this policy?

7. If one looks at what these policies and programs are actually doing, rather than what is claimed, how is the problem/issue/topic really being defined?

8. Are the results of these policies and programs being evaluated? If not, why not? If yes, are findings being utilized?

9. Based on the best information about effectiveness, what is happening in the implementation of these policies?

Policy Change

1. What specific set of recommendations do you propose for policy change? In recommending alternative policies, incorporate experiences within the United States and, when relevant, the experiences of other nations. Consider whether interventions at both the structural and individual levels are needed to achieve the stated objectives.

2. How do these alternative policies affect allocations, provision, service delivery, and financing mechanisms?

Action Considerations

1. What institutions, organizations, and decision-makers are primarily responsible for achieving this policy change?

2. What are the major sources of support for achieving the desired policy change (e.g., constituencies, influential individuals, media, public support)?

3. Conversely, what are the major sources of resistance to change?

4. What kinds of knowledge are needed in order to affect change?

5. What strategies must be employed to affect change (e.g., 1) consensus strategies such as public information, 2) changing attitudes and values; 2) political strategies such as negotiation, compromise; and/or 3) conflict strategies such as confrontation, protest)?

6. Are these actions and strategies consistent with professional values?

Second Policy Assignment

Exploring Opportunities to Make, Change and/or Assess Social Policies

Select any current federal, state or local policy that has or will adoption and assess it at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. It is important to note that the micro and mezzo level assessments are to provide a foundation for the macro level work. The major focus of this project is to actively engage in macro-level analysis and activities. (The policy can be something that is currently under debate/consideration, or one that has been enacted in the last two or three years.) The choice of a policy can be based on the student's field placement or work experience, but need not be; students are free to choose any relevant policy of interest.

Micro level: Provide a brief and coherent assessment of how the chosen policy has/will impact actual clients.

Mezzo level: Provide a brief, clear and coherent assessment of the impact of the policy on the functioning of a specific agency or type of agency.

Macro level: Employ and describe strategies to affect change related to the chosen policy. Possible activities include direct lobbying of public officials regarding issues generated by the micro and mezzo level analyses, linking with existing coalitions, mobilizing groups, using the media or internet and a host of other mechanisms of policy practice. If the policy has not been passed, students might undertake efforts to support or oppose the legislation. If the policy has been passed students might consider efforts to affect the way the policy is implemented or to have additional measures or safeguards put in place. The purpose of this part of the project, which should be the major focus of the term project, is to actively engage in the process of making or changing social policy. Along the way, students will document and assess their efforts. The final written product should clearly detail efforts taken, why they were taken and to what end. Students should provide an honest assessment of the likely impact of their efforts, and what if anything they would do differently in the future.

In all written and oral communications for the project, students must clearly identify:

• The policy under consideration and whether it is a federal, state or local one;
• The affected population(s) that will be the focus of the term project (note if the project will be restricted to a particular geographic area, hint: this may make the project feel more doable);
• The affected agency or type of agency that will be the focus of the term project;
• The social/policy change strategies that will be employed as part of the project.

Back to top

7. REQUIRED READINGS

COURSE TOPICS

An Overview of the Adoption Systems

Groza, V. (1999). Adoption. In D. E. Biegel & A. Blum (Eds.). Innovations in Practice and Service Delivery. New York: Oxford University Press.

Home Studies, Matching, Subsidies, and Post Adoption Support

Aust, P. H. (1981). Using the life story book in treatment of children in placement. Child Welfare, 60(8), 535-560.

Wheeler, C. (1978). Where am I going? Making a life story book. In P.H. Aust (Ed), Using the life story book in treatment of children in placement (pp. 535-560). Child Welfare, 60, 8.

Chapter 5 adoption support in Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Rosenthal, J. A., Groze, V., & Morgan, J. (1996). "Services for Families Adopting Children via Public Child Welfare Agencies: Use, Helpfulness, and Need." Children and Youth Services Review, 18(2):163-182.

Groze, V., & Gruenewald, A. (1991). "PARTNERS: A Model Program for Special Needs Adoptive Families in Stress." Child Welfare, LXX(5):581-589.

Recent Federal Legislation: MEPA & SAFE

http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/ocr/mepafact.html
http://www.redpages.com/internet/paml/groups.A/adoption-reform.html

International adoption

Groza, V., Proctor, C. & Guo, S. (In Press). The Relationship of Institutionalization to the Development of Romanian Children Adopted Internationally. International Journal on Child and Family Welfare.

Cermak , S. & Groza, V. (1998). Sensory Processing Problems in Post-Institutionalized Children: Implications for Social Work. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 15(1):5-37.

Groze, V. & Ileana, D. (1996). A Follow-up Study of Adopted Children From Romania. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 13(6):541-565.

Older child adoption

Katz, L. (1986). Parental stress and factors for success in older-child adoption. Child Welfare, 65(6), 569-578.

Siblings and Adoption

Cicirelli, V. (1982). Sibling Influence Throughout the Lifespan. In M. E. Lamb & B. Sutton-Smith (Eds), Sibling relationships: Their Nature and Significance Across the Life Span (pp. 267-284). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Hegar, R. L. (1988). Sibling Relations and Separations: Implications for Child Placement. Social Service Review, 62:446-67.

Jones, M., & Niblett, R. (1985). To Split or Not to Split: The Placement of Siblings. Adoption and Fostering, 9(2), 26-29.

Transracial Adoptions

Rosenthal, J. A., Groze, V., Curiel, H., & Westcott, P. A. (1991). "Transracial and Inracial Adoption of Special Needs Children." Journal of Multicultural Social Work, 3(1):13-32.

Rosenthal, J. A., Groze, V., & Curiel, H. (1990). "Race, Social Class and Special Needs Adoption." Social Work, November, 35(6):532-539.

Adoption of Children with a History of Physical and Sexual Abuse

Kadushin, A. (1967). Reversibility of trauma: A follow-up study of children adopted when older. Social Work, 12, 22-32.

Lie, G., & McMurtry, S. L. (1991). Foster Care for Sexually Abused Children: A Comparative Study. Child Abuse and Neglect, 15:111-121.

Nontraditional Families and Adoption

Single Parent
Gay & Lesbian Adoption

Groze, V., & Rosenthal, J. A. (1991). "Single Parents and Their Adopted Children: A Psychosocial Analysis." Families in Society, 72(2):67-77.

Groze, V. (1991). "Adoption and Single Parents: A Review." Child Welfare, LXX (3):321-332.

Search and Reunion

Chapter 4 on Search and Reunion in Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Aumend, Sue A., & Barrett, Marjie C. (1984). Self-Concept and attitudes toward adoption: A comparison of searching and nonsearching adult adoptees. Child Welfare, LXIII, (3) 251-259.

Clinical and Practice Issues with Birth Parents

Chapter 7 on family treatment from a triad perspective in Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children .Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Clinical and Practice Issues with Adoptees

Chapter 1 treatment issues in Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Chapter 3 indentity in Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Groze, V. (1992). "Adoption, Attachment and Self-Concept." Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 9(2):169-191.

Rosenthal, J. A., & Groze, V. (1991). "Behavioral Problems of Special Needs Adopted Children." Children and Youth Services Review, 13(5/6):343-361

McMillen, J. C., & Groze, V. (1994). Using Placement Genograms in Child Welfare Practice. Child Welfare, LXXII(4):307-318.

Groze, V., & Rosenthal, J. (1993). "Attachment Theory and the Adoption of Children with Special Needs." Social Work Research and Abstracts, 29(2):5-13.

Clinical and Practice Issues with Adoptive Families

Chapter 2 on infertility in Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Groze, V. (1994). "Clinical and Nonclinical Adoptive Families of Special Needs Children." Families in Society, 75(2):90-104.

Rosenthal, J. A., & Groze, V. (1990). "Special Needs Adoption: A Study of Intact Families." Social Service Review, 64(3):475-505.

Groze, V., & Rosenthal, J. A. (1991). "A Structural Analysis of Families Adopting Children with Special Needs." Families in Society, 72(8):469-481.

Specialized Topics

Groze, V., Haines-Simeon, M., & McMillen, J. C. (1992).Families Adopting Children with or at-risk of HIV Infection. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 9(5):409- 426.

Rosenthal, J. A., Groze, V., & Aguilar, G. D. (1991). "Adoption Outcomes for Children with Handicaps." Child Welfare, LXX(6):623-636.

Chapter 6 on ethics in Groza, V. & Rosenberg, K. (eds.)( 1998). Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Back to top

RECOMMENDED READINGS COURSE TOPICS

An Overview of the Adoption Systems

Bachrach, C. A., Adams, P. F., Sambrano, S., & London, K. A. (1989). Advance data: Adoption in the 1980s. Advance data from vital and health statistics, no 181. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

Bachrach, C. A. (1986). Adoptive plans, adopted children, and adoptive mothers. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 48(2), 243-253.

Stolley, K. S. (1993). Statistics on adoption in the United States. In I. Schulman (Ed.), The future of children (pp. 26-42). Los Altos, CA: Center for the Future of Children.

Home Studies, Matching, Subsidies and Post Adoption Support

Chapters 6 in Groze, V. (1996). Successful Adoptive Families: A Longitudinal Study of Special Needs Adoption. New York: Praeg

Hartman, a. (1984). Working with adoptive families beyond placement. New York: Child Welfare League.

Recruitment

Clegg, P, & Toll, K. (1996). Videotape and the memory visit: a living lifebook for adopted children. Child Welfare. 75(4): 311-19, July/Aug.

Kaniuk, J. (1991). Strategies in recruiting black adopters. Adoption-and-Fostering. 15(1): 38-42.

Brown, E. (1988). Recruiting adoptive parents for children with developmental disabilities. Child Welfare. 67(2): 123-35, Mar./Apr.

Washington, V. (1987). Community involvement in recruiting adoptive homes for black children. Child Welfare. 66(1): 57-68, Jan./Feb.

Veronico, A. J. (1983). One church, one child: placing children with special needs. Children Today. 12(2): 6-10.

Valiente, Barksdale, C. (1983). Recruiting Hispanic families. Children Today. 12(2): 26-28.

Jones, M. L. (1979). Preparing the school-age child for adoption. Child Welfare. 58(1): 27-34.

Recent Federal Legislation: MEPA & SAFE

McInnis-Dittrich, K. (1994). Integrating Social Welfare Policy & Social Work Practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Domestic infant adoption

Begley, S. (1995, September 4). The baby myth, Newsweek (126), 38-45.

Cooper, S., & Glazer, E. (1994). Beyond infertility: New paths to parenthood. New York: Lexington Books.

Corson, S. L. (1990). Conquering infertility. New York: Prentice Hall.

Daly. K. (1990, Oct.). Infertility resolution and adoption readiness. Families in Society, 71(8), 483-92.

Davis, K. (1996, May). The agonizing price of infertility. Kiplingers Personal Finance Magazine (50), 50-54.

Feigelman, W., & Silverman, A. R. (1979). Preferential adoption: A new mode of family formation. Social Casework, 60(5), 296-305

Daniels, K. R. (1994, Jan./Feb.). Adoption and donor insemination: Factors influencing couples' choices. Child Welfare, 73(1), 5-14.

Fleckenstein, L. L. (1991). Adoption: Does it modify the emotional impact of infertility? Doctoral Disseration, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.

Fleming, J., & Burry, K . (1989). Coping with infertility. Journal of Social Work and Human Sexuality, 6(1), 37-41.

Greil, A. L. (1991). Not yet pregnant: Infertile couples in contemporary America. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

Johnston, P. I. (1994). Taking charge of infertility. Indianapolis, IN: Perspectives Press.

Menning, B. E. (1988). Infertility: A guide for the childless couple. New York: Prentice Hall.

Rosenbaum, J. (1995, December). Beat the clock: New treatments for infertility. American Health, (14), 70-73.

Fertility clinics: What are the odds? (1996, February). Consumer Reports, (61), 51-54.

Wood, C., & Westmore, A. (1984). Test-tube conception. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

International adoption

Frank, D. A., Klass, P. E., Earls, F., & Eisenberg, L. (1996). Infants and young children in orphanages: One view from pediatrics and child psychiatry. Pediatrics, 47(4), 569- 578.

Freud, A., & Burlingham, D. T. (1944). Infants without families. New York: International University Press.

Goldfarb, W. (1943a). Infant rearing and problem behavior. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 15, 249-265.

Goldfarb, W. (1944). Effects of early institutional care on adolescent personality: Rorschach data. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 14, 441-447.

Goldfarb, W. (1943b). Effects of early institutional care on adolescent personality. Journal of Experimental Education, 12, 106-129.

Goldfarb, W. (1955). Emotional and intellectual consequences of psychologic deprivation in infancy: A re-evaluation. In P. Hoch & J. Zubin (Eds.), Psychopathology of childhood (pp. 105-119). New York: Grune & Stratton.

Groza, V. (1998). Adopted Children From Romania: A Special Focus on Roma (Gypsy) Children. International Journal on Child and Family Welfare, 3(1):6-25.

Harvey, I. J. (1983). Adoption of Vietnamese children: An Australian study. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 18(1), 55-69.

Kaler, S. R., & Freeman, B. J. (1994). An analysis of environmental deprivation: Cognitive and social development in Romanian orphans. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 35(4), 769-81.

Kim, S. P., & Hong, S., & Kim, B. S. (1979). Adoption of Korean children by New York area couples: A preliminary study. Child Welfare, 57(7), 419-427.

Ngabonziza, D. (1988). Inter-country adoption: In whose best interest? Adoption & Fostering, 12(1), 35-40.

Provence, S. A., & Lipton, R. C. (1962). Infants in institutions. New York: International Universities Press.

Rathbun, C., DiVirgillio, L., & Waldfogel, S. (1958). The restitutive process in children following radical separation from family and culture. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 27(2), 408-415.

Rathbun, C., McLaughlan, H., Bennett, O., & Garland, J.A. (1965). Later adjustment of children following radical separation from family and culture. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 35, 6049.

Tizard, B. (1991). Intercountry adoption: A review of the evidence. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 32(5), 743-756.

Tizard, B., & Joseph, A. (1970). Cognitive development of young children in residential care: The study of children aged 24 months. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 11, 177-186.

Tizard, B., & Rees, J. (1974). A comparison of the effects of adoption, restoration to the natural mother, and continued institutionalization on the cognitive development of four year old children. Child Development, 45, 92-99.

Tizard, B., & Rees, J. (1975). The effect of early institutional rearing on the behaviour problems and affectional relationships of four-year-old children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 75, 61-73

Tizard, B., Hodges, J. (1977). The effect of early institutional rearing on the development of eight-year-old children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 19, 99-118.

Verhulst, F. C., Althaus, M., & Bieman, H.J.M.V. (1990). Problem behavior in international adoptees: I. An epidemiological study. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 29(1), 94-111.

Older child adoption

Chapters 1 and 3 in Groze, V. (1996). Successful Adoptive Families: A Longitudinal Study of Special Needs Adoption. New York: Praeger.

Siblings and Adoption

Chapter 4 in Groze, V. (1996). Successful Adoptive Families: A Longitudinal Study of Special Needs Adoption. New York: Praeger.

LePere, D. W., Davis, L. E., Couve, J., & McDonald, M. (1986). Large Sibling Groups: Adoption Experiences. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America.

Timberlake, E. M., & Hamlin, E. R. (1982). The Sibling Group: A Neglected Dimension of Placement. Child Welfare, LXI(8):545-552.

Ward, M. (1984). Sibling Ties in Foster Care and Adoption Planning. Child Welfare, LXIII(4):321-332.

Transracial Adoptions

Simon, R. J., & Altstein, H. (1977). Transracial adoption. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Simon, R. J., & Altstein, H. (1981). Transracial adoption: A follow-up. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.

Simon, R. J., & Altstein, H. (1987). Transracial adoptees and their families: A study of identity and commitment. New York: Praeger.

Simon, R. J., Altstein, H., & Melli, M. S. (1994). The case for transracial adoption. Washington, DC: American University Press.

Child Welfare League of America (1973). Standards on transracial adoption. New York: Child Welfare League of America.

Adoption of Children with a History of Physical and Sexual Abuse

Chapter 5 in Groze, V. (1996). Successful Adoptive Families: A Longitudinal Study of Special Needs Adoption. New York: Praeger.

Smith, S. L, & Howard, J. A. (1994). The Impact of Previous Sexual Abuse on Children's Adjustment in Adoptive Placement. Social Work, 39(5):491-501.

Nontraditional Families and Adoption

Single Parent
Gay & Lesbian Adoption

American Civil Liberties Union. (1998a). In the childıs best interests: Defending fair and sensible adoption policies. Lesbian and Gay Rights Freedom Network [On-line].

American Civil Liberties Union. (1998b). New Jersey becomes first state to allow joint adoption by lesbian and gay couples. Lesbian and Gay Rights Freedom Network [On-line].

Bigner, J. J., & Bozett, F. W. (1990). Parenting by gay fathers. Journal of Homosexuality, pp. 155-175.

Bigner, J. J. & Jacobsen, R. B. (1989). Parenting behaviors of homosexual and heterosexual fathers. Journal of Homosexuality, pp. 173-186.

Gottman, J. S. (1990). Children of gay and lesbian parents. Journal of Homosexuality, pp. 177-195.

Gramick, J. (1983). Homophobia: a new challenge. Social Work, pp. 137-141.

Hannah. (February 15, 1989). Supreme court agrees to hear adoption case. Ohio Capitol Connection [On-line].

Hannah. (March 28, 1989). Supreme court rules on adoption by homosexuals. Ohio Capitol Connection [On-line].

Hannah. (April 13, 1989). Bill/Resolution introduced. Ohio Capitol Connection [On-line].

Hannah. (May 9, 1989). Referred to committee. Ohio Capitol Connection [On- line].

Hannah. (July 7, 1994). The committee also reviewed DHS rules for the adoption of children. Ohio Capitol Connection [On-line].

Hannah. (February 14, 1996). Extensive adoption reform passes second house. Ohio Capitol Connection [On-line].

Hannah. (August 5, 1998). 122-HB446 Regarding standards person with criminal background must meet to become adoptive parent. Ohio Capitol Connection [On-line].

Huggins, S. L. (1989). A comparative study of self-esteem of adolescent children of divorced lesbian mothers and divorced heterosexual mothers. Journal of Homosexuality, pp. 123-135.

Human Rights Foundation. (1984). Demystifying homosexuality: a teaching guide about lesbians and gay men. New York: Irvington Publishers.

Jenny, C., Roesler, T. A., & Poyer, K. L. (July 1994). Are children at risk for sexual abuse by homosexuals?. Pediatrics, pp. 41-44.

Lewin, E. (1981). Lesbianism and motherhood: implications for child custody. Human Organization, pp. 6-14.

Lewis, K. G. (1980). Children of lesbians: their point of view. Social Work, pp. 198-203.

Miller, J. A., Jacobsen, R. B., & Bigner, J. J. (1981). The child's home environment for lesbian vs. heterosexual mothers: a neglected area of research. Journal of Homosexuality, pp. 49-56.

Pagelow, M. D. (1980). Heterosexual and lesbian single mothers: a comparison of problems, coping, and solutions. Journal of homosexuality, pp. 180-204.

Ricketts, W. (1991). Lesbians and gay men as foster parents. Portland, Me.: National Child Welfare Resources Center for Child and Family Policy.

Ricketts, W., & Achtenberg, R. (1990). Adoption and foster parenting for lesbians and gay men: Creating new traditions in family. Journal of Homosexuality, pp. 83-116.

Search and Reunion

Anderson, R. (1989) The nature of the adoptee search: adventure, cure or growth. Child Welfare LXVIII, 6. p. 624-632.

Anderson. R. (1993) Second choices: growing up adopted. Chesterfield, MO: Badger Press.

Benson, P. L., Sharma, A, R., Roehlkepartain, E. C. (1994). Growing up adopted: A portrait of adolescents and their families. Minneapolis: Search Institute.

Brodzinsky, D. (1992). Being adopted: Lifelong search for self. New York: Doubleday.

Jewett, C. L. (1982). Helping children cope with separation and loss. Harvard: The Harvard Common Press.

Kaplan-Roszia, S., & Silverstein, D. (1995). Intergenerational issues of adoption. Presentation delivered to Adoptive Families of America Professionalıs Day Conference, Dallas, Texas, June 29-30.

Lifton, B. (1994). Journey of the adopted self: A quest for wholeness. New York: Basic Books.

Lifton, B. (1992). Healing the cumulative trauma. Presentation delivered to the American Adoption Congress, March 19-22, Philadelphia.

McColm, M. (1993). Adoption reunions: A book for adoptees, birth parents and adoptive families. Ontario: Story Book Press.

Melina, L. R. (1986). Raising adopted children: A manual for adoptive parents. New York: Harper and Row.

Pavao, J. (1992) Counseling the adoptee: Postsearch. Presentation delivered to the American Adoption Congress, March 19-22, Philadelphia.

Rosenberg, K. (1993). Healing our losses. Adoption Therapist, 4(2), 4-9.

Sachdev, P. (1989). Unlocking the adoption files. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.

Schecter, M., & Bertocci, D. (1990). The meaning of search. In D. Brodzinsky & M. Schecter (Eds.), The Psychology of Adoption (pp. 62-90). New York: Oxford University Press.

Schooler, J. (1995) Searching for a past. Colorado Springs, CO: Pinon Press.

Stevenson, T. (1993) Growing up adopted - what it feels like as an adult. Family Ties Newsletter. Nov-Dec.

Stiffler, L. (1992). Synchronicity & reunion. Hobe Sound, FL: FEA Publishing.

Triseliotis, J. (1973). In search of origins: The experience of adopted people. Boston: Beacon Press.

Verrier, N. (1993). The primal wound: Understanding the adopted child. Baltimore: Gateway Press, Inc.

Clinical and Practice Issues with Birth Parents

Child Welfare League of America. (1960). Standards for services to unmarried parents. New York: Child Welfare League of America.

Clinical and Practice Issues with Adoptees

Bowlby, J. (1951). Maternal care and mental health. World Health Organization Monograph No. 2. Geneva: WHO.

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Attachment. New York: Basic Books.

Bowlby, J.(1973). Attachment and loss: Separation, anxiety and anger. New York: Basic Books.

Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Clinical applications of attachment theory. Routledge, London: A Tavistock Professional Book

Zeanah, C. H., Oommen, K. M., & Lieberman, A. F. (1993). Disorders of attachment. In C. H.

Zeanah (Ed.), Handbook of infant mental health (pp. 332-349). New York: The Guilford Press.

Berman, L. C., & Bufferd, R. K. (1986). Family treatment to address loss in adoptive families. Social Casework: The Journal of Contemporary Social Work, 67(1), 3-11.

Clinical and Practice Issues with Adoptive Families

Sandmaier, M. (1988). When love is not enough. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America.

Schaffer, J., & Lindstrom, C. (1990). Brief solution-focused therapy with adoptive families. In D. M. Brodzinsky & M. D. Schechter (Eds.), The psychology of adoption, pp. 253-272. New York: Oxford University Press.

Pinderhughes, E. E., & Rosenberg, K. (1990). Family bonding with high risk placements: A therapy model that promotes the process of becoming a family. In L. M. Glidden (Ed.), Formed families: Adoption of children with handicaps. New York: Haworth Press.

Winkler, R., Brown, D., vanKeppel, M., & Blanchard, A. (1988). Clinical practice in adoption. NY: Pergamon Press.

Policy Issues

Freundlich, M. (1998). Supply and demand: the forces shaping the future of infant adoption. Adoption- Quarterly. 2(1): 13-46.

Kim, C. (1996). Determinants of the timing of social policy adoption. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare. 23(3): 5-29, Sept.

Aitken, G. (1995). Changing adoption policy and practice to deal with children in limbo. Child Welfare. 74(3): 679-93, May/June.

Johnson A.K, Edwards, R.L, & Puwak, H (1993). Foster care and adoption policy in Romania: suggestions for international intervention. Child Welfare. 72(5): 489-506, Sept./Oct.

Specialized Topics

Markese, R., & Soule, P. (1992). Children in Foster Care Affected by HIV/AIDS: A Study of Laws and Policies Regarding Testing, Confidentiality, Subsidy, Post-placement Services, and Recruitment of Foster and Adoptive Families. Rochester, New York: Children Awaiting Parents, Inc.

Child Welfare League of America. (1971). Guidelines for adoption service. New York: Child Welfare League of America.

Child Welfare League of America (1976). Standards for adoption practice, rev. ed. New York: Child Welfare League of America.

Cole, E. & Donley, K. (1990). History, Values, and Placement Policy Issues in Adoption. In D. Brodzinsky, & M. Schechter (Eds.), The psychology of adoption (pp. 273-294). New York: Oxford University Press

Conrad, A. P., & Joseph, M. V. (1991). Ethical problem solving skills in social work practice. Social Thought, 17(3), 5-15.

Davie, L. (1984). Babes and barristers: Legal ethics and lawyer-facilitated independent adoptions. Hofstra Law Review, 12, 933-981.

DeWoody, M. (1993, May-June). Adoption and disclosure of medical and social history: A review of the law. Child Welfare, 54(3), 195-217.

Deykin, E., Patti, P., & Ryan, J. (1988). Fathers of adopted children: A study of the impact of child surrender on birthfathers. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 58(2), 240-248.

Dolgoff, R., & Skolnik, L. (1992). Ethical decision making, the NASW Code of Ethics and group work practice: Beginning explorations. Social Work with Groups, 15(4), 99-112.

Doxiadis, S. (1989). Children, society and ethics. Child Abuse and Neglect, 13(1), 11-17.

Dukette, R. (1984). Values issues in present-day adoption. Child Welfare, 63(3), 233-243.

Etzioni, A. (1969). The semi-professions and their organization. New York: The Free Press.

Feigelman, W., & Silverman, A. (1986). Adoptive parents, adoptees, and the sealed record controversy. Social Casework, 67(4), 219-226.

Fein, E., & Maluccio, A. (1992). Permanency planning: Another remedy in jeopardy. Social Service Review, 66(3), 335-348.

Fieweger, M. E. (1991). Stolen children and international adoption. Child Welfare, 70, (2):285-291.

Goldstein, J., Freud, A., Solnit, A., & Goldstein, S. (1973). In the best interests of the child. New York: The Free Press/Macmillan.

Gonyo, B., & Watson, K. (1988). Searching in adoption. Public Welfare, 46(1), 14-22.

Greenwood, E. (1957, July). The attributes of a profession. Social Work, 2, 45-55.

Hostetter, M., Iverson, S., Dole, K., and Johnson, D. (1989). Unsuspected infectious diseases and other medical diagnoses in the evaluation of internationally adopted children. Pediatrics, 83 (4), 559-64.

Hughes, R. (1993). Child welfare services for the catastrophically ill newborn: I. A confusion of responsibility. Child Welfare, 72(4), 323-340.

Jones, Merry Bloch (1993). Birthmothers. Chicago: Chicago Review Press.

Joseph, M. V. (1983, Fall & Winter). The ethics of organizations: Shifting values and ethical dilemma. Administration in Social Work, 7(3 & 4), 47-57.

Josephson, M. (1993). Making Ethical Decisions. Marina del Rey, CA: The Josephson Institute. Kadushin, A. (1984). Principles, values, and assumptions underlying adoption practice. In P. Sachdev (Ed.), Adoption: Current issues and trends (pp. 3-14). Toronto: Butterworths.

Kristinsdottir, G. (1991). Child welfare and professionalization. University of Umea, Umea, Sweden: Umea Universitets Tryckeri.

Kugelman, W. (1992). Social work ethics in the practice arena: A qualitative study. Social Work in Health Care, 17(4), 59-80.

Levy, C. (1973). The value base of social work. Journal of Education for Social Work, 9(1), 34-42.

Melton, G. B., & Flood, M. F. (1994). Research policy and child maltreatment: Developing the scientific foundation for effective protection of children. Child Abuse & Neglect, 18(1), 1-28.

National Association of Social Workers (1979, 1987). Foster care and adoption. Social Work Speaks: NASW Policy Statement, 2nd ed. Washington, D. C: Author

National Association of Social Workers (1990). NASW Code of Ethics. Washington, D. C: Author.

National Association of Social Workers (1996). NASW Code of Ethics. Washington, D. C: Author.

National Council for Adoption, Ad Hoc Committee on Ethical Standards in Adoption (February 1991). Principles of Good Practice in Infant Adoption. Washington, DC: Author.

National Council for Adoption (March-April 1996). Ann Landers under attack again. National Adoption Reports, 17, 3/4, 1-2. Washington, DC: Author.

New American Standard Bible (1977). New York, NY: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Pine, B. (1987). Strategies for more ethical decision making in child welfare practice. Child Welfare, 66(4), 315-326.

Platt, A. (1969). The child savers. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Poppendieck, J. E. (1992). Values, commitments, and ethics of social work in the United States. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 3(2), 31-45.

Rest, J. R. (1988, Winter). Can ethics be taught in professional schools? The psychological research. Easier Said Than Done, 22-26.

Rosenberg, E. B. (1992). The adoption life cycle. New York: The Free Press/Macmillan.

Rosenthal, J. A., & Groze, V. K. (1992). Special-Needs Adoption. New York: Praeger.

Rompf, E. (1993). Open adoption: What does the "average person" think? Child Welfare, 72(3), 219-230.

Sachdev, P. (1984). Adoption: Current issues and trends. Toronto: Butterworths.

Sachdev, P.(1989). Unlocking the adoption files. Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath.

Sachdev, P. (1992). Sex, abortion, and unmarried women. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.

Schechter, M. & Bertocci, D. (1990). The meaning of the search. In D. Brodzinsky, & M. Schechter (Eds.), The psychology of adoption (pp. 62-90). New York: Oxford University Press

Schmeiser, C. B. (1992). Ethical codes in the professions. Educational Measurement Issues and Practice, 11(3), 5-11.

Severson, R. (1994). Adoption: Philosophy and experience. Dallas, TX: House of Tomorrow Productions.

Silverman, C. (1989). Regulating independent adoptions. Columbia Journal of Law and Social Problems, 22, 323-355.

Silverman, A. & Weitzman, D. (1986). Nonrelative adoption in the United States. In R. Hoksbergen (Ed.), Adoption in worldwide perspective: A review of programs, policies, and legislation in 14 countries. Lisse: Swets & Zeitlinger, Berwyn: Swets North America.

Sinclair, T. A. (1951, Translator). Aristotle. The Politics (Book VII), Penguin Classics, Harondsworth, England.

Solinger, R. (1992). Wake up. little Susie: Single pregnancy and race before Roe V. Wade. New York: Routledge.

Sorich, C. J., & Siebert, R. (1982, April). Toward humanizing adoption. Child Welfare, 61(4), 207-216.

Spencer, M. E. (1987). Post-legal adoption services: A lifelong commitment. Journal of Social Work and Human Sexuality, 6(1), 155-167.

Sorosky, A., Baran, A., & Pannor, R. (1989). The adoption triangle: The effects of the sealed record on adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. San Antonio: Corona Publishing.

Sutton, J. R. (1990, May). Bureaucrats and entrepreneurs: Institutional responses to deviant children in the United States, 1890-1920s. American Journal of Sociology, 95(6), 1367-1400.

Thomasma, D. C., & Pisaneschi, J. I. (1977). Allied health professionals and ethical issues. Journal of Allied Health, 6(2), 15-20.

Valentine, D., Conway, P., & Randolph, J. (1988). Placement disruptions: Perspectives of adoptive parents. Journal of Social Work and Human Sexuality, 6(1), 133-153.

Voss, R. (1985). A sociological analysis and theological reflection on adoption services in Catholic Charities agencies. Social Thought, 11(1), 32-43.

U. S. Children's Bureau. (1961). Legislative guides for the termination of parental rights and responsibilities and the adoption of children. Washington: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Valentine, D., Conway, P., & Randolph, J. (1988). Placement disruptions: Perspectives of adoptive parents. Journal of Social Work and Human Sexuality, 6(1), 133-153.

Van Hoose, W. H. & Kottler, J. A. (1988). Ethical and legal issues in counseling and psychotherapy. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Inc.

Vitillo, R. (1991). International adoption: The solution or the problem? Social Thought, 17 (3), 16-24.

Voss, R. (1985). A sociological analysis and theological reflection on adoption services in Catholic Charities agencies. Social Thought, 11(1), 32-43.

Walden, T., Wolock, I., & Demone, H. (1990). Ethical decision making in human services: A comparative study. Families in Society, 71(2), 67-75.

Watson, K. (1992, Winter). Providing services after adoption. Public Welfare, 5-13.

Watson, K. (1994). Should adoption records be opened? YES. Unpublished manuscript.

Weisman, M. (1994, July). When parents are not in the best interests of the child. The Atlantic Monthly, 43-63.

Zelizer, V. A. (1985). Pricing the priceless child: The changing social value of children. New York: Basic Books.

Back to top