Programs & Projects: Current Initiatives

HEALTHIER DEVELOPMENT OF FAMILIES FORMED THROUGH ADOPTION

Transcultural Adoption & Identity

With initial funding from the Kellogg Foundation, this research will identify those factors that contribute to healthy identity formation (which incorporates adoption, race and culture) of adopted people, especially those adopted from other countries and raised in transracial families. It will include a comprehensive white paper involving a survey of adopted international adoptees, and current services available to multicultural families. Findings from the study, which will be availabe in winter 2007, will be used to recommend promising practices for practitioners and post-adoption services for parents and adopted people. For more information on this project, contact the Policy & Operations Director Hollee McGinnis.

We need to hear your voice, your experience, your thoughts, and your knowledge. The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute is conducting a research project to identify those factors that contribute to healthy identity formation from the perspective of those who know best - adult adopted people.

The explicit goal of this project is not simply to enhance the knowledge base about relevant issues; rather, it is to fundamentally alter - and demonstrably improve - polices and practices relating to promoting and sustaining a positive self-identity that incorporates race, culture and adoption.

Part 1: We are seeking adopted adults age 18 or older to participate in a national Internet based survey top help identify those factors - in particular the role of the individual, family, community and society - in the formation of identity for adopted individuals. In addition to this survey we will be conducting a focus group of adopted individuals to help us in understand what is a healthy identity for individuals adopted internationally and raised in transracial families.

Part 2: In addition, we are seeking to identify current services and support groups that have been created to address and promote healthy identity formation of adoptees and adoptive families (i.e. culture camp, mentorship programs, activities etc.). We are seeking individuals who are running such programs to participate in an online focus group to define current strategies, practices and services that best promote healthy identity formation for adopted individuals and their families.

This study is being conducted by Hollee McGinnis, MSSW, Policy & Operations Director at the Adoption Institute and a Korean adopted adult; Dr. Jeanne Howard, Policy & Research Director at the Adoption Institute and Professor School of Social Work, Illinois State University; and Dr. Scott Ryan, Senior Fellow at the Adoption Institute and Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Social Work, Florida State University.