research

"For the Records: Restoring a Right to Adult Adoptees," Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

This publication, released in November 2007 for National Adoption Awareness month, represents the most comprehensive examination to date of one of the most controversial, emotional issues in the modern adoption world: whether adopted people, once they become adults, should have access to their original birth information. This report suggests that all states change their laws so that the answer is "yes."

This policy paper is the result of the broadest, most extensive examination to date of the various issues related to state laws governing adult adopted persons' access to their original birth certificates and/or adoption records. The information and recommendations in this paper are drawn from a review and analysis of past and current state laws; legislative history in states across the country; decades of experience on relevant issues; and the body of research relating to sealed and open records on the affected parties.

From the linked webpage there is access to an executive summary and the full report.

Post Adoption Center for Education and Research (PACER)

"PACER's purpose is to foster a better understanding of adoption as a lifelong process and intergenerational journey, and to serve all members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents) by providing comprehensive information and ongoing emotional support. PACER encourages truth and openness among all participants in the adoption process.

The Risks and Benefits of Open Adoption

From The Future of Children web site, this paper can be downloaded in .pdf format. The abstract says: