Adoptee Articles
American Adoptions on Adoption SearchesIn the past, it was assumed that a healthy, well-adjusted adopted person would have no desire to delve into his or her birth history. Those who insisted that they needed this information and access to their birth records were considered to be ungrateful at the least, and seriously disturbed at the worst. However, recent research indicates that it is normal and healthy for adopted persons to want to know more about their genetic background. ...
Explaining Adoption to Your Children, Family and FriendsChildren are growing up in many different kinds of families today. Race, religion and sexual orientation are all blending together and changing the "traditional" family structure. There are stepparent families - children being raised by a biological parent and his/her spouse. ...
Access to Family Information by Adopted PersonsIn nearly all states, adoption records are sealed and withheld from public inspection after the adoption is finalized. To maintain the confidentiality of these records, most states have instituted procedures by which parties to an adoption may obtain nonidentifying and identifying information from an adoption record, while still protecting the interests of all parties.
Adoption Search ChecklistThis is a checklist to help those who are beginning an adoption search.
Searching for Birth RelativesWhile interest among adopted persons in finding their birth families has always been high, the percentage of adult adopted persons who take action to initiate a search appears to be on the rise. This trend is accompanied by a growing interest on the part of many birth parents in searching for their (now) adult children who were placed for adoption many years earlier. The expanding number of organizations that advocate searching for birth relatives and provide advice and resources for doing so indicate both increased interest in and acceptance of this process. ...
Placement of Children with RelativesWhat You Need to Know
In order for States to receive Federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance, Federal law requires that they "consider giving preference to an adult relative over a non-related caregiver when determining placement for a child, provided that the relative caregiver meets all relevant State child protection standards." 1 (Placement refers to the placing of a child in the home of an individual other than a parent or guardian or in a facility other than a youth services center.) Approximately2 14 States use the word "preference" in their statutes. ...
Collection of Family InformationRequirements regarding collection of information about those involved in an adoption differ from state to state. Each state establishes its own guidelines regarding who can collect information and what kinds of information may be collected regarding the child to be adopted, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents.
Adoption StoriesAdoption stories warm the heart. Not only is it rewarding to hear a couple's tale of the first moment they held their adopted son or daughter, but it is equally heartwarming to hear the story of young woman and her courageous choice to place her baby for adoption. There are many happy endings in adoption - and many more of these happy endings are created every day through the miracle of adoption.
Given Up For AdoptionIf you were given up for adoption, you may have many questions regarding your birth family or want to meet other adoptees like yourself. Visit the American Adoptions Adopted section to learn more about searching for your birth family and other adoptee stories. Also visit our Forum to connect with other adoptees!
Adoption StoryDo you have an adoption story?
American Adoptions highlights adoption stories from birth mothers, adoptive families and adoptees on our Web site, www.americanadoptions.com. Share your adoption story with us!
