Transracial Adoptees and Their Families: A Study of Identity and Commitment

Howard Altstein

ISBN 10: 0275923983 / ISBN 13: 9780275923983

Published by Praeger (UK), 1987

About this Item

Num Pages: 163 pages, 1, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: JKSB1. Category: (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly; (UU) Undergraduate. Dimension: 234 x 156 x 11. Weight in Grams: 413. . 1987. Illustrated. hardcover. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780275923983

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Transracial Adoptees and Their Families: A Study of Identity and Commitment
• Publisher: Praeger (UK)
• Publication Date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0275923983
• ISBN 13: 9780275923983
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Transracial adoption is a controversial area of research and practice in child welfare. The authors, a sociologist and a social worker, have contributed much to its understanding through a series of studies that began in 1972 of white families that have adopted nonwhite (mostly black) children. This book reports on the latest phase of their research, which was based on interviews with most of the families and adoptees in the original sample. The purpose of the interviews was to explore the adoptees' racial identities and self-esteem, and the long-term effects of transracial adoption on the adoptees and their families. The authors present their findings in a clear, vivid, and coherent manner; objectively examine the issues raised by the study; and thoughtfully formulate implications for policy and practice. The study supports their major conclusion that `where no appropriate permanent inracial placement can be found for a non-white child . . . transracial adoption should be seriously considered.' A timely, unique, and sophisticated work that should be read widely by students, practitioners, and policymakers in child welfare. Choice

Reporting on the third phase of a 14-year study of transracial adoption, this volume focuses on the adoption of non-white children by white families. It includes personal interviews with 96 mothers and fathers and 218 children which help to answer questions about the long-term effects of transracial adoption on the adoptees' mental and emotional health and their racial identities. These valuable empirical data are combined with discussions of the practices of adoption agencies, recent court rulings, and alternative forms of adoption.

About the Author

RITA J. SIMON is Professor of Justice at American University. She has written extensively on law, justice, and societal issues. Among her earlier publications are In the Golden Land: A Century of Russian and Soviet Jewish Immigration (Praeger, 1997) and Rabbis, Lawyers, Immigrants, Thieves: Women's Roles in America (Praeger, 1993).