For social workers, child welfare workers, psychologists, physicians, teachers, parents--anyone who hopes to better understand transracial and international adoption--this book addresses key developmental, cultural, health, and behavioral issues that can emerge post adoption. It also recommends how to recognize and avoid fraud and coercion and how to navigate the complex laws relating to transracial and intercountry adoptions domestically and abroad.
With essays by well-known adoption practitioners and researchers who source both empirical research and practical knowledge, the volume describes the day-to-day realities of the adoption journey and is wholly inclusive, offering information about the history, policy, and service requirements relating to white, African American, Asian American, Latino and Mexican American, and Native American children and adoptive families. It also addresses specific problems faced by adoptive families with children and youth from China, Russia, Ethiopia, India, Korea, and Guatemala. A book dedicated to achieving greater cultural sensitivity and coordinated care, this comprehensive text provides targeted guidance on ethnic identity formation, trauma, mental health treatment, the challenges of gay or lesbian adoptions, and a host of other issues not addressed in other volumes.
Industry Reviews
This excellent book notes the increasing diversity in American families and will be a valuable resource for mental health practitioners, medical doctors, teachers, and child welfare workers. -- Malinda Seymore, Texas A&M University, School of Law Both evidence-based and accessible. The research reflects the authors' multidisciplinary backgrounds and the growing interdisciplinary nature of the field of adoption research and practice. -- from the foreword by Hal Grotevant, University of Massachussetts-Amherst Rowena Fong and Ruth McRoy, two leading authorities in the field of adoption, have assembled highly talented researchers and practitioners to explore the complicated issues associated with transracial and intercountry adoptions. Their timely and informative book covers a range of topics from a multidisciplinary perspective. It raises important questions about adoption policy, ethical adoption practice, adoptive parent preparation, and supporting healthy racial and cultural identity in adopted individuals. Practice guidelines, case illustrations, and discussion questions enrich each of the chapters, making this volume especially appropriate as an academic and professional training resource. Transracial and Intercountry Adoptions should be required reading for adoption placement professionals, researchers, and practitioners who work with families adopting across racial and cultural lines. -- David Brodzinsky, National Center on Adoption and Permanency This work draws on the extensive research experience and broad social work practice experience of coeditors Fong and McRoy, in combination with the expertise contributed to specific chapters by a veritable 'who's who' of other researchers and practitioners who are leading figures in the world of transracial and intercountry adoptions. -- Hal Grotevant, University of Massachusetts, Amherst