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Hello,
We are starting the process of our second adoption. Our first was international (i.e., closed) and we were very happy with the end result (the process was another story). We are considering a domestic adoption this time around. We know the current environment strongly favors open adoptions and have read countless articles about what a good thing that is. However, I'm a bit skeptical by nature, and while I have read numerous 1st person accounts from all three view points (birth parent/adoptive parent/adopted child) about how wonderful their open adoption experience has been, I have not seen any studies or reports that demonstrate open adoption is, in fact, in the best interests of the child. My question is this: Does such empirical evidence exist? And, if so, can you tell me where to find it.
Thanks in advance for any responses.
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Here are a few websites I've found which discuss the history of open adoption for anyone who's interested.
[url]http://www.adoptionhelp.org/historyofadoption/historyofopenadoption.html[/url]
[url]http://www.adoptionopen.com/historyofadoption.html[/url]
[url]http://e-magazine.adoption.com/articles/430/the-history-of-open-adoption.php[/url]
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scarlet52698
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but Open Adoption didn't really come about until the 90's right? I placed my son in 1987 and open adoption was not an option. It would seem more time would need to pass before any kind of "studies" could be done on it.
Good luck in your search for information Ross.
Actually,
CLOSED adoptions came about around 50-60 years ago. Prior to that, most or many adoptions were often semi-open, or fully open.
In fact, ancient laws on the subject stated that if an adopted child wanted to live with the birth parents, the birth parents had to reimburse the a-parents for all expenses incurred by the a-parents, then the child could return.
The closed adoption issue came about as a Western solution to illegitimate children in the 1940's...
It's actually an interesting history, the true "best interest" of the child wasn't truly examined during all of the early lawmaking.
Now, the closer examination of the CHILDS needs has demonstrated the better outcomes in the open adoption process.
Thankfully for the children, open adoption is returning as the preferred adoption process.
Not my words entirely, everthing here can be referenced.
-Steve
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scarlet52698
My bson's adoption was closed. I did get pictures from the agency up to one year though, does that make it semi-open?
I don't know anything about his family other than race, age, and education/occupation.
BrandyHagz
Open Adoptions were around in the seventies too...I am an adoptee raised in open adoption.
I know that Brenda Romanchik also placed in open adoption...and I think that was early eighties.
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scarlet52698
No probs, glad to share :)
Looks like I'm completely clueless on Open Adoption....LOL
I hadn't heard of the concept until just a few years ago so I assumed it was relatively new. Thanks for the info. guys :)
Honestly it made me a little angry that I couldn't have that option (or should I say wasn't told that WAS an option). Had it been available to me I would have definately opted for an Open Adoption.
Because I'm an adoptee my bson was the first flesh and blood person I had ever laid eyes on. And I let him go....:( That really messed with my head for a lot of years.
But....hindsight is 20/20 right?
Thank you for sharing your thougths with my Heather. I appreciate your honesty. I can only imagine how this has been for you. Do you plan on searching for your son once he turns 18 or will you wait for him to come to you?
For me hindsight is also 20/20. I wish that I knew what i know now when I was younger. ;) Not just in my adoption but in the rest of my life.
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