Abstract
Information gathered from over 1000 adoptions in the fourth year of a prospective study of adoptions finds satisfaction levels to be quite high, with those families adopting through private agencies to feel best prepared and satisfied. Differences by adoption auspice are detailed and discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abramovitz, M. (1986). The privatization of the welfare state: A review.Social Work, 31, 257–264.
Ademec, C., & Pierce, W. (1991).The encyclopedia of adoption. New York: Facts on File.
Barth, R.P., & Berry, M. (1988).Adoption and disruption: Rates, risks, and responses. Hawthorne, New York: Aldine de Gruyter.
Berry, M. (1993). The risks and benefits of open adoption.The Future of Children, 3, 129–138.
Boyne J., Denby, L., Kettenring, J.R., & Wheeler, W. (1984).The shadow of success: A statistical analysis of outcomes of adoptions of hard-to-place children. Westfield, New Jersey: Spaulding for Children.
Churchman, D. (1986). The debate over open adoption.Public Welfare, 44, 11–14.
Emery, J. (1993). The case for agency adoption.The Future of Children, 3, 139–145.
Fishman, K.D. (1992). Problem adoptions.The Atlantic Monthly, 270(3), 37–69.
Groth, M., Bonnardel, D., Devis, D.A., Martin, J.C., & Vousden, H.E. (1987). An agency moves toward open adoption of infants.Child Welfare, 66, 247–257.
Hoopes, J.L., & Stein, L.M. (1985).Identity formation in the adopted adolescent. New York: Child Welfare League of America.
Kettner, P.M., & Martin, L.L. (1988). Purchase of service contracting with for-profit organizations.Administration in Social Work, 12(4), 47–60.
Kramer, R.M. (1981).Voluntary agencies in the welfare state. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
McDermott, M. (1993). The case for independent adoption.The Future of Children, 3, 146–152.
McRoy, R.G., Grotevant, H.D., & White, K.L. (1988).Openness in adoption: New practives, new issues. New York; Praeger.
Meezan, W., Katz, S., & Russo, E. (1978).Adoptions without agencies. New York: Child Welfare League of America.
Pecora, P.J., Kinney, J.M., Mitchell, L., & Tolley, G. (1990). Selecting an agency auspice for family preservation services.Social Service Review, 64, 288–307.
Rosenthal, J.A., & Groze, V. (1990). Special needs adoption: A study of intact families.Child Welfare, 64, 475–505.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The senior authors are Co-Principal Investigators of the California Long-range Adoption Study. This research was supported by the Child Welfare Research Center, Family Welfare Research Group, University of California at Berkeley, through a grant from the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services. The authors wish to thank the families for their participation. Please address correspondence to Mary Berry at the Center for Child Welfare, UTA School of Social Work, P.O. Box 19129, Arlington, Texas 76019.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Berry, M., Barth, R.P. & Needell, B. Preparation, support, and satisfaction of adoptive families in agency and independent adoptions. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 13, 157–183 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01876644
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01876644