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Exploring Adoption with Clients: The Need for Adoption Education Within the Genetic Counseling Profession

  • Professional Issues
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Genetic counselors and other health professionals may encounter adoption during any counseling session. They must be skilled in using appropriate language and understand how to approach and discuss this topic with clients. A thorough knowledge of adoption as an option for clients facing a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis is necessary when presenting individuals with non-biased information needed for informed decision-making. However, three preliminary studies have demonstrated an absence of graduate education and lack of a professional knowledge base regarding this option (Mates 2008; Oksala 2007; Perry 2003). We discuss the impact of medical professionals’ preconceptions on client decision-making, increasing early identification of fetal anomalies, deficiency of adoption knowledge and resources, and the resulting need for genetic counselors and other health professionals to develop their skills in discussing adoption with clients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Office of Foster Care and Adoption, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 3 Centennial Drive, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA

    Cassandra L. Perry & Martha J. Henry

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  1. Cassandra L. Perry
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  2. Martha J. Henry
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Correspondence to Cassandra L. Perry.

Recommended Resources

Recommended Resources

The resources listed below can provide additional information about general adoption and about the adoption of children with disabilities.

Child Welfare Information Gateway

http://www.childwelfare.gov

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati Adoption Awareness Program

http://www.dsagc.com/programs_adoption.asp

Finnegan, J. (1993). Shattered dreams—lonely choices: Birthparents of babies with disabilities talk about adoption. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey.

Henry, M. J., & Pollack, D. (2009). Adoption in the United States: A reference for families, professionals, and students. Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.

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Perry, C.L., Henry, M.J. Exploring Adoption with Clients: The Need for Adoption Education Within the Genetic Counseling Profession. J Genet Counsel 19, 305–314 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-010-9288-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-010-9288-y

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