From the early 1900s to now- what are the biggest changes that have occurred in the adoption world?

Question

From the early 1900s to now- what are the biggest changes that have occurred in the adoption world?

Answer 1

write your own paper

Answer 2

Sealing original birth certificates.  At one time, they were unsealed in all states.  Then states began sealing them from the general public, but not from the adopted person, the first parents or adoptive parents.  Later, some states started sealing them from the first parents, but leaving them open to the adopted person and adoptive parents.  

Some states, like California and New York, sealed from adopted citizens earlier than WWII.  "Until 1945, however, most members of adoptive families in the United States had perfectly legal access to birth certificates and adoption-related court documents and most agencies acted as passive registries through which separated relatives might locate one another. Disclosure—not secrecy—has been the historical norm in adoption."*  

By the early-1990's, all but 2 states (Kansas and Alaska) were sealing original birth certificates from all parties.   Since the late 1990's, four states have reinstated full access to the adopted person.

Amended birth certificates were not purposed until 1931.

Answer 3

It seems as though there are more angry adoptees then ever before.

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoption

Answer 5

Massive kidnappings to supply the demand for babies/toddlers by US/Canadians, everyone turning a blind eye to children being forced to breed children for US/Canadians, more attorney's going above and beyond in committing crimes for the multi million dollar business it has become. More people adopting to placate themselves.  Adoption has become completely unethical because of the majority of people wanting a little baby/toddler to call their own.  How can they call themselves a proud parent when they are destroying both their childs life as well as the life of childs mother.

Maybe if they were fitted with glasses they wouldn't look at adoption with such googly eyes.

Answer 6

Illegitimate born children aren't stigmatized to the degree they used to be. At one time in our history children on the streets and illegitimate children were shoved in institutions to "deal" with them as cheaply as possible.

Now they're profited off of via adoption and make the state money if adopted.

In 1900 there wasn't even a child welfare league advocating for the welfare of children.

1904 the first social work school was founded.

1910-1930 the first adoption agencies came into practice.

1912 the US Childrens Bureau was formed ( in the dept. of labor ) I'm sure you all remember the Orphan trains made to bring work to farmers with the children who weren't making money for the state.

1912 baby farming and maternity centers and adoption ad's began.

1917 the first records were sealed in minnesota.

1919 first child placement manual was made.They haven't come too far since this one. This wouldn't be one of the biggest changes. In fact its scary how LITTLE has changed since then: http://www.uoregon.edu/~adoption/topics/...

1948 first recorded transracial adoption in Minnesota

I think that sealing of our records was a huge landmark and allowed for many cover ups and scandals to happen in the industry. The ending of the Baby Scoop Era was also an incredible landmark.

Of course though the development of child welfare leagues *could* be huge if they advocated for the well being of children on a level that benefited them more than now.

The formation of alliances such as the NCFA uniting to counter sealed records, has made agencies stronger. As well as other alliances they have. They have become an army built on child trafficking. Thats pretty big. But looking into the history of "adoption" from the 1900's the orphan trains ( where many weren't orphans ) weren't exactly for the benefit of the "orphans" either. They were to relieve the states of the responsibility of children by sending them out to be hired slaves.

I don't think there is one thing, there are clearly many.  

Answer 7

the cost.  and the premise of adoption (the change from finding homes for homeless children to finding children for childless homes.)

ryan...*sigh*  i think the klan rally has started, you might wanna get going.

Answer 8

Internet.

Answer 9

I agree with Laurie. Closed records (thanks Georgia Tann) have made a huge mess out of adoption and helped to make adoption a BUSINESS instead of a humanitarian gesture. The damage caused by this one woman has effected adoption deeply and helps make it possible to see and treat babies and children as commodities rather than actual PEOPLE!  

Answer 10

Women have more birth control options so they have more choices.

We have social programs (Welfare, WIC) that give women more options to keep their children.

There is less of a stigma in keeping your own child if unmarried.

More demand (more infertile, older people wanting to adopt) with less supply (healthy white babies).

Formerly 'adoptable' children from Third World counties are now desirable because of the lack of HWB mentioned above, and the trendy adoption of rainbow children by celebrities.

Answer 11

I would say allowing same s*x couples and single people to adopt.  In the early 1900 only heterosexual couples could adopt and same s*x couples were still in the closet due to nonacceptance by society.  

Answer 12

The main thing that has changed since 1972 is the internet which has made it easier to get the word out to keep your baby, adoption is not always the answer. A forum like this that has all sides of the triad giving their thoughts (good and bad) and experiences on adoption and I had never heard of an open adoption before I came to this forum. Everything was hush hush, secrets and lies back in 1972 when I gave my daughter up.