Adoption
Adoption traditions may change over the years, but the custom is as old as society. Children need stable relationships, and adults desire children. In primitive societies, children were often orphaned, and relatives took the place of birth parents. That is still one reason for adoption today, but the formal acceptance of parental responsibility today is usually for other reasons.
Studies show that adopted children do well. Parents are often highly motivated to find a child. Adoption may be familial, local, or international. Children placed may have special needs, have been in foster care, or have been given to the social system that helps place children at birth.
Recently Answered
- Q Why should I tell my child he is adopted?
-
Dr. Michele Borba, PsychologyKeeping the adoption "secret" -- or trying to "hide it" from a child -- only connotes to a child that there was something to be ashamed of when he does find out. The central fear of adopted children is that they will be "given up" again. Your... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can psychiatric services help an adopted child adjust to a new home?
-
Dr. Victoria Dunckley, PsychiatryThe short answer is, yes of course. The reality is, many adopted children do not get referred to mental health services that specialize in adoption issues. I worked at an adoption clinic for 9 years and was floored by how little families knew even... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Who is an adoption medical specialist?
-
Dr. Joni Johnston, PsychologyAn adoption medical specialist is typically a physician who has had extensive experience reviewing medical records of children who are available for adoption. This is important for a number of reasons; 1) with regards to international adoption, it is... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What medical issues do adopted children have?
-
Dr. Joni Johnston, PsychologyIn a way, that is like asking what medical issues biological children have! It is impossible to predict. It depends on when the child is adopted (generally speaking, the earlier the better), what kind of environment the child has been in and for... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How much does an international adoption cost?
-
Brooke Randolph, Marriage & Family TherapyAn international adoption can range from $24-36,000 and can be more if there are complications. The cost of an international adoption includes professional services from attorneys and social workers; document fees with various governmental agencies for... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can I adopt a child of a particular sex or age or more than one child?
-
Brooke Randolph, Marriage & Family TherapyYes, this is very possible, depending on country laws, state laws, agency policies, and your willingness to wait. The wait is often longer for younger children; however, this is also dependent on the country from which you choose to adopt. Be clear from... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How can I protect my adopted child from painful details of his history?
-
Dr. Michele Borba, PsychologyKeep painful stuff in the closet. Painful details about your child’s past (such as sexual and physical abuse, a parent’s criminal background, the birth mother’s alcoholism or drug-addiction or that the pregnancy was caused by rape)... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How early should I talk about adoption with my adopted child?
-
Dr. Michele Borba, PsychologyStart those adoption chats early. Begin using the term “adoption” during your child’s early toddler and preschool years to help you feel at ease. Just look for natural ways to bring up the topic such as a friend who is pregnant, a book,... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q How can I obtain medical records for my adopted child?
-
Adoption is more popular among Americans than ever before. Each year, about 125,000 native-born children are adopted, and another 23,000 children or so are adopted from countries outside the U.S. If you adopt a child through a U.S. agency, you should... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How should I talk with my child about his adoption?
-
Dr. Michele Borba, PsychologyTo help create an open-door communication policy about your child's adoption, Peter L. Benson, lead researcher of one of the largest studies on adoptees says that, “Quiet, open communication about adoption seems to be the key” to helping kids... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
