101418: Openness in Adoption

About the Course:

The fact sheet upon which this course is based defines open adoption, including information about the laws regarding open adoption and research findings about the effects of open adoption on the adoption triad. It discusses implications for agency policy around adoption openness, foster care adoptions, and when open adoption may not be in the child’s best interest. It includes a list of useful web sites, books and articles for both families and professionals, and the pros and cons of each type of adoption (confidential, mediated, and open).

Journal/Publisher:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Publication Date:

February 2003

Author

Child Welfare Information Gateway staff

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about the concept of open adoption and its implications. It is appropriate for an introductory level of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Describe laws and goals regarding open adoption.

2. Review research findings and describe the implications they present for adoption agency policies.

3. Identify unresolved issues that exist regarding openness in adoption.

4. Be able to access resources identified for further information as needed.