Openness in adoption: what we know so far--a critical review of the literature

What are the factors that keep adoptive parents and birth parents connected and sustain their kinship relationships over time? This is the central research question critically reviewed across studies dating from 1987 to 2000. A preliminary review of the literature revealed 15 to 20 studies within this 13-year scope limited to the perspective of the adoptive parents. This review includes 14 of those studies in which contact took place with children as well as those in which the adults had contact and the child was not aware of it. Factors that facilitate the kinship network in maintaining connection over time are identified and implications for future research and practice are discussed. Findings should be approached with cautious optimism given the significant methodological limitations of the majority of this literature.