The effects of the sealed record in adoption

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Adoption involves permanent severance of legal and social ties between adoptees and birth parents.
• Current adoption practices in most U.S. states involve permanently sealing birth records.
• The long-term psychological impact of sealed records on adoptees and birth families is a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the satisfaction levels of adult adoptees and birth parents following reunion.
• To assess the emotional responses of adoptive parents during adoptee-birth parent reunions.
• To advocate for reforms in adoption practices based on the lifelong nature of adoption.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 50 adult adoptees who had reunions with their birth parents.
• Assessment of adoptee, birth parent, and adoptive parent reactions to reunions.
• Analysis of reunion experiences to inform policy recommendations.

Main Results:

• 40 out of 50 adult adoptees reported satisfying reunion experiences.
• Adverse reactions were infrequent among birth parents (10%) but more common among adoptive parents.
• The study highlights the positive outcomes of reunions and the need for support systems.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the need to revise adoption laws, particularly regarding sealed birth records.
• Recommendations include opening records for adult adoptees and establishing post-reunion support agencies.
• Alternative adoption models that allow for ongoing connection should be considered.