title: Contact Between Birth and Adoptive Families During the First Year Post-Placement: Perspectives of Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parents.
abstract: Despite growing visibility of lesbian- and gay-parent adoption, only one qualitative study has examined birth family contact among adoptive families with lesbian and gay parents (Goldberg, Kinkler, Richardson, & Downing, 2011). We studied adoptive parents' (34 lesbian, 32 gay, and 37 heterosexual;N= 103 families) perspectives of birth family contact across the first year post-placement. Using questionnaire and interview data, we found few differences in openness dynamics by parental sexual orientation. Most reported some birth mother contact, most had legally finalized their adoption, and few described plans to withhold information from children. We discuss implications for clinical practice, policy, and research.
authors: Research Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Tobin Hall, Amherst, MA 01003.
authors: Rachel H
authors: RH
authors: Farr
authors: Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Jonas Clark Hall, Worcester, MA 01610.
authors: Abbie E
authors: AE
authors: Goldberg
keywords: adoption; adoptive parents birth family contact; lesbian and gay; openness