thoughts on 'adoption' reform?
Now, its no secret that a lot of folks here have issues with adoption, and its no secret that there are major issues with the way adoption is carried out. Coercion, paying for babies, identity tampering, etc. I was wondering if anyone had put any hard thought into what reforms should be made, and what changes should be made. I am coming from a stand point where some alternate guardianships are needed for whatever reason. So, What are the top 5 things that should be changed to make adoption better? Do you think they can be achieved through education and activism, or do you think it would require complete government originated overhaul? I am curious to see what people's ideas are. As for me, I am going to go with...
1. Openness. No adoptive parents should be allowed to decide if they should tell their child they were adopted or not. They should be required to tell the child they were adopted, and if they child wants to know then the situation surrounding their adoption.
2. The child's name not be changed unless it by their own choice later in life. Their birth parent's names be available if the birth parents are willing to be contacted, and a medical history with ethnic heritage should they not be.
3. Counciling for mothers considering giving up their children before they make the choice by unbiased professionals. Easy access to information about any financial aid programs, support groups, etc that might be available to them if they are considering due to a financial situation.
4. Enforcement of open adoptions. Any signed document promising visits, photos, letters, etc be legally binding, and breakable only by proof of abuse or endangerment. However, I feel that if the natural parent consistently fails to keep appointments, etc, then it should be revisited for the emotional welfare of the child.
5. No more for profit adoption agencies. Yes, financial security should be a factor in placements, but not the only one. More follow up visits after adoption, and therapy available for adoptees who feel they would benefit from it.
I think that with public education the first two are possible, the second two would need radical government interference, but that the last is almost impossible - even if its taken over by the government, people want to make money off of what they could. Maybe some kind of system where adoption fees went into charities to help underprivileged parents keep their kids...
any thoughts?
Mnemosyne - thats actually one of the reasons I think that alternate guardianship is needed, some people just don't want kids. Its been my experience that people who grow up knowing they were adopted are better off emotionally then people who have it sprung on them as adults. Its a little like being lied to your whole life, which adds trust issues to any abandonment issues some adoptees feel.
Also, unbiased counciling isn't the same as pressuring women not to have abortions, its allowing the woman an unbiased platform to discuss her options, someone to talk to who she doesn't feel is judging her. I think a lot of women who have abortions would benefit from counciling also - not because they shouldn't have them, but because its a difficult choice and a life changing thing that few people are equiped to deal with on their own - just like adoption. I am actually pro-adoption and a happy adoptee - but I think the system needs some work so people aren't victimized.