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- Title
Open adoption.
- Authors
Baran, Annette; Pannor, Reuben; Sorosky, Arthur D.
- Abstract
The article examines the historical roots of adoptive practices in the U.S. When the adoption of a child is legally consummated, the original birth record is sealed and replaced with an amended birth certificate. Access to the original record is subsequently denied except through a court order issued for good cause. An increasing number of adult adoptees have begun to challenge this procedure, feeling they have a right to such information. Because of this situation the authors have been studying the problems associated with sealed records in adoptions for the past two years. This inquiry has led into many areas, including the reevaluation of past practices and the consideration of new approaches for the present and future. In addition to a new appraisal of the concepts of anonymity and confidentiality as epitomized by the sealed record, there is also a need to develop a wider range of options for parents who can neither raise their own children nor face the finality of the traditional relinquishment and adoptive placement process. The concept of open adoption should be considered as an alternative that can meet the needs of some children.
- Subjects
UNITED States; OPEN adoption; PARENT-child relationships; BIRTH certificates; ADOPTION; VITAL records (Births, deaths, etc.); ADOPTIVE parents; ADOPTION records
- Publication
Social Work, 1976, Vol 21, Issue 2, p97
- ISSN
0037-8046
- Publication type
Article