Forums | Site Map

Home

Issues in Adoption and Foster Care

Explore issues that are being debated in the adoption and foster care communities. Adoption by gays and lesbians, transracial adoption, child welfare, and best practices are some of the issues under the microscope.

False Abuse Allegations

Child abuse is a national tragedy and greatly under-reported; however, many don't realize that 1/3 to 1/2 of all alerts are mistaken or unfounded. Learn why false allegations may occur, what parents can do, and where to find help.... [more]

Foster Care Reform

Former foster children are joining together to push for reform. Advocate William Ritchotte explains what's needed and how to get it done.... [more]

Gay & Lesbian Adoption

Organizations and groups state their positions supporting or condemning adoption by lesbians and gay men.... [more]

Library of Articles: Issues in Adoption & Foster Care

Library of articles on the site about issues of concern in adoption and foster care.... [more]

Adoption Language

The way we talk about adoption has evolved over time as we become more aware of the complexities of our relationships and the way children and adults react to words, nuances, and connotations. Resources for present and future parents, families, teachers.

• A Few Words on Words in Adoption
• Friendly or Honest Language?
• Glossary
• Language Sites
• Lingo List
• Politically Correct Adoption Language
• Talking to Family & Friends
• Talking to Kids About Adoption & Family Issues
• Talking to Teachers & Educators
• The Language of Gifts

Fraud & Scams

Adoption fraud and scams exist. Learn what they are, how to protect yourself in advance and report unethical and illegal practices.

• Adoption Fraud
• Take the Baby and Run
• Educate Yourself
• Reporting Fraud & Unethical Practices
• True Stories of Adoption Fraud
• When Is It Baby-Selling?
• Wrongful Adoption

Open Records & Open Adoption

The issues of open adoption (post-adoption contact between adoptive and birth families) and open records (adult adoptee access to their original birth information) are two of the hottest topics in adoption today. Learn more here.

• Open Adoption
• Open Records
• Symposium on Openness in Adoption

Parental Rights

• Birthfathers and Adoption
• Custody Issues in Stepfamilies
• For Non-Custodial Parents
• Pre-Birth Relinquishment
• Relinquishing Parental Rights
• Risk in Adoption

Safe Havens

Laws and programs allowing anonymous abandonment exist in the U.S. and abroad. Proponents say they save lives and guarantee anonymity, opponents say they harm women and children. Resources include laws and programs, nationwide hotlines, and position state

• Legalized Abandonment
• The Debate Hits the Fan
• Heavenly Differences
• Born Under the X
• Nationwide Hotline Programs
• State Safe Haven Laws and Programs
• Study: Safe Haven Laws Cause - Don't Solve - Problems

Child Welfare Testimony
Vincenette Scheppler, M.S.W., testified before the NY State Commission on Child Welfare.

Families for Kids of Color
This report from the Kellogg Foundation examines the difference between media-promoted misconceptions and reality, and sets out guidelines for adoption reform. (In .pdf format)

Overcoming Barriers to the Adoption of Children from Foster Care
This 2005 report from the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute explores major reasons parents give for giving up on efforts to adopt through the U.S. foster care system, and offers solutions.

Email Page to a Friend | Feedback | Adoption | Adoption Wiki | Parent Profiles | Infertility | Adoption Information

© Adopting.org 1995-2008. This site should not substitute personal professional, legal, or medical advice. The accuracy and personal applicability of this information is not guaranteed. By using it you agree to the terms of service, including jurisdiction and limitation of liability provisions.