Parenthood And Open Adoption

Whereas adoption was once a private affair cloaked in secrecy and sealed records, adoptions in the US today are increasingly open - that is, birth and adoptive families meet and become acquainted before the adoption, and remain in contact once it is complete. Experts agree that open adoption comes with many benefits for both birth families and adoptive families and their children, but what does it actually look like for families experiencing it, and what can we learn from those experiences? Open Adoption and Diverse Families reveals the strengths, vulnerabilities, daily struggles and triumphs of adoptive families today. Drawing on extensive interviews with lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parents, many of whom adopted transracially, psychologist Abbie Goldberg confronts the extraordinary questions that open adoption poses: How do adoptive parents feel about openness when they first learn about it, and why do their feelings change over time? How does contact unfold and evolve as a child grows? What types of boundary challenges arise between adoptive and birth family members, particularly in the age of social media and networking? How do adoptive parents talk about adoption with their children, and how does this vary depending on level and type of contact with birth families? Confronting head-on difficult subjects such as birth parents' mental illness and racial differences between birth and adoptive families, Open Adoption and Diverse Families chronicles the decisions and dynamics that adoptive parents sign up for when they pursue option adoption, and is a must-read for all families pursuing or experiencing this exceptional approach to building a family.

This book covers common open adoption situations and how real families have navigated typical issues successfully. Like all useful parenting books, it provides parents with the tools to come to answers on their own, and answers questions that might not yet have come up.

This book explores what it is like to be involved in contemporary open adoption, characterised by varying forms of contact with birth relatives, from an adoptive parent point of view. The author’s fine-grained interpretative phenomenological analysis of adopters’ accounts reveals the complexity of kinship for those whose most significant relationships are made, unmade and permanently altered through adoption. MacDonald distinctively connects adoption to wider sociological theories of relatedness and personal life, and focuses on domestic non-kin adoption of children from state care, including compulsory adoption. The book also addresses current child welfare concerns, and suggestions are made for adoption practice. The book will be of interest to scholars and students with an interest in adoption, social work, child welfare, foster care, family and sociology.

Adoption vs. Biological Parenthood: Debunking the Myths is a thought-provoking and informative short read that challenges common misconceptions surrounding adoption and biological parenthood. In this book, you will discover the truth behind these myths and gain a deeper understanding of the adoption process and the benefits of both adoption and biological parenthood. The book begins with Myth 1: Adopted children are less loved, where the author delves into the misconception that adopted children are somehow less cherished than biological children. Through personal anecdotes and research-backed evidence, the author dismantles this myth and highlights the immense love and bond that adoptive parents have for their children. Moving on to Myth 2: Biological children are genetically superior, the book explores the belief that biological children are inherently better or more desirable than adopted children. By examining the complexities of genetics and the importance of nurture in child development, the author challenges this notion and emphasizes the unique qualities that adopted children bring to a family. The Adoption Process section provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in adopting a child, including the home study, legal procedures, and post-adoption support. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for prospective adoptive parents, debunking any misconceptions or fears they may have about the process. Similarly, the Biological Parenthood section explores the journey of becoming a biological parent, discussing topics such as conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. It highlights the joys and challenges of biological parenthood, providing a balanced perspective for readers considering this path. Adoption Myths and Realities delves deeper into common misconceptions surrounding adoption, addressing concerns such as the cost, age limitations, and the impact on existing family dynamics. The book presents the realities of adoption, offering reassurance and guidance to those considering this life-changing decision. Benefits of Adoption and Benefits of Biological Parenthood chapters explore the unique advantages and rewards of each path, allowing readers to weigh their options and make an informed choice based on their personal circumstances and desires. Considerations for Prospective Parents provides a comprehensive list of factors to consider when deciding between adoption and biological parenthood. It covers topics such as emotional readiness, financial implications, and the importance of support systems. Supporting Both Paths emphasizes the importance of supporting and respecting individuals and couples who choose either adoption or biological parenthood. It encourages a non-judgmental and inclusive approach, recognizing that both paths can lead to fulfilling and loving family experiences. Frequently Asked Questions addresses common queries and concerns that readers may have, providing clear and This title is a short read. A Short Read is a type of book that is designed to be read in one quick sitting. These no fluff books are perfect for people who want an overview about a subject in a short period of time. Table of Contents Adoption vs. Biological Parenthood: Debunking the Myths Myth 1: Adopted children are less loved Myth 2: Biological children are genetically superior Adoption Process Biological Parenthood Adoption Myths and Realities Benefits of Adoption Benefits of Biological Parenthood Considerations for Prospective Parents Supporting Both Paths Frequently Asked Questions Have Questions / Comments?

Each installment of this four part series is designed to be easily ingested, usually readable in about half an hour. 10 Open Adoption Essentials: What Children Need Their Adoptive Parents & Birthparents to Know About Open Adoption Relationships After an infant is adopted, why is it so common for relationships to fall apart between adoptive parents and birthparents? One reason is because that relationship is so unique from any other relationship in this world that it is difficult for those involved to foresee what that could go wrong. It does not have to be this way. You owe it to yourself and others in your adoption triad (child, adoptive parents, birthparents) to learn as much as you can in order to sidestep some of the bumps you may experience along your journey. There are many factors that go into a healthy adoption triad, but it is always good to start out understanding the ten most essential ones! How to Create the Ideal Adoption Profile: How to Get Noticed by Potential Birthparents, Writing the Perfect “Dear Birthmother” Letter, Choosing the Right Profile Pictures, and More… Why is it that some couples are forced to wait many years before they are chosen to adopt while others are chosen quickly? One reason is that everyone needs to have a good profile listing with the adoption agency or any potential birthparent will browse right past them to the next couple hoping to adopt. Creating the ideal adoption profile can be hard, but it doesn’t need to be. Using the knowledge gained from his degree in Sociology as well as interviewing countless birthparents about why they chose whom they did to adopt their child, this little book will walk you through the process of choosing the right photographs, writing your profile/introductory letter, and doing what it takes to make sure you get noticed! How Open Should My Adoption Be? Understanding Open vs. Closed Adoption, Preparing for Possible Difficulties, Pros & Cons of Sharing Pictures & Updates, Visiting Birthparents, Social Media, Appropriate Gifts, & More... When planning to adopt an infant, how could you possibly know how open your adoption should be? No two adoptions are alike, so there cannot be a universal correct answer. Even when the same couple is involved in more than one adoption, each situation will require a different answer to that question. And to make a complicated question even more difficult, there are many layers to open adoption that will each require an answer in order to have a healthy adoption triad. How often should you share pictures and updates? What are the pros and cons of connecting with birthparents over social media? What risks are being taken by involving extended family members in your adoption relationships? What about visiting face-to-face? This book may not be able to answer the question for you about how open your adoption should be, but it will give you tools to help you answer it for yourself! 99 DOs and DON’Ts with Open Adoption: What Hopeful Adoptive Parents Need to Know Before Adopting a Baby After adopting an infant, what is the best way to navigate complicated open adoption relationships? You owe it to yourself and the others in your adoption triad to learn as much as you can in order to sidestep some of the bumps you may experience along your journey. This book might not go quite as deeply in depth as the others in this series regarding certain topics, but these are 99 essential things every adoptive couple needs to know regarding open adoption. Each bit of advice will get the wheels turning inside your mind regarding the intricate complexities of open adoption relationships and get you thinking more deeply about all aspects of your adoption triad—before, during and after the adoption takes place. If you read only one book from this series, make sure it is this one!

A searching, eloquent memoir about the joys and hardships of open adoption God and Jetfire is a mother's account of her decision to surrender her son in an open adoption and of their relationship over the twelve years that follow. Facing an unplanned pregnancy at twenty-two, Amy Seek and her ex-boyfriend begin an exhaustive search for a family to raise their child. They sift through hundreds of "Dear Birth Mother" letters, craft an extensive questionnaire, and interview numerous potential couples. Despite the immutability of the surrender, it does little to diminish Seek's newfound feelings of motherhood. Once an ambitious architecture student, she struggles to reconcile her sadness with the hope that she's done the best for her son, a struggle complicated by her continued, active presence in his life. For decades, closed adoptions were commonplace. Now, new laws are guaranteeing adoptees' access to birth records, and open adoption is on the rise. God and Jetfire is the rare memoir that explores the intricate dynamics and exceptional commitment of an open-adoption relationship from the perspective of a birth mother searching for her place within it. Written with literary poise and distinction, God and Jetfire is a story of a life divided between grief and gratitude, regret and joy. It is an elegy for a lost motherhood, a celebration of a family gained, and an apology to a beloved son.

Becoming a Mother is the first book published in Ireland exploring the complexity of adoption from the perspective of an adoptive parent. It draws on a combination of seminal and modern texts and personal memoir to present a unique view of what it means to be an adoptive parent in Ireland today. The book has a particular focus on intercountry adoptive parenting, and also looks at adoption from the viewpoints of the adopted person and birth parent. A dearth of literature exploring adoption exists on Irish bookshelves. Becoming a Mother seeks to fill that void by exploring issues around the topic of adoption: the secrecy and silence that still pervades adoption, the primal desire to parent that drives adoptive parenting, the tumultuousness of search and reunion, and more. It includes shared experiences and tips on bonding with the adopted child as well as a look at parenthood for the adopted person. Becoming a Mother will be of interest to the estimated 10 per cent of the Irish population connected to adoption in some way, including the 5,000 children who were adopted from abroad. The book has been included as essential reading on preparatory courses for prospective adoptive parents and also on Barnardos’ post-adoptive service reading list.

Whereas adoption was once a private affair cloaked in secrecy and sealed records, adoptions in the US today are increasingly open - that is, birth and adoptive families meet and become acquainted before the adoption, and remain in contact once it is complete. Experts agree that open adoption comes with many benefits for both birth families and adoptive families and their children, but what does it actually look like for families experiencing it, and what can we learn from those experiences? Open Adoption and Diverse Families reveals the strengths, vulnerabilities, daily struggles and triumphs of adoptive families today. Drawing on extensive interviews with lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parents, many of whom adopted transracially, psychologist Abbie Goldberg confronts the extraordinary questions that open adoption poses: How do adoptive parents feel about openness when they first learn about it, and why do their feelings change over time? How does contact unfold and evolve as a child grows? What types of boundary challenges arise between adoptive and birth family members, particularly in the age of social media and networking? How do adoptive parents talk about adoption with their children, and how does this vary depending on level and type of contact with birth families? Confronting head-on difficult subjects such as birth parents' mental illness and racial differences between birth and adoptive families, Open Adoption and Diverse Families chronicles the decisions and dynamics that adoptive parents sign up for when they pursue option adoption, and is a must-read for all families pursuing or experiencing this exceptional approach to building a family.