Studies & Reports
2000: Census Report on Adopted Children and Stepchildren
For the first time in history, the U.S. Census asked questions on the 2000 census about the adoptive and stepchild status of children in the home. A report was issued by the Census Bureau in .pdf format, and we have transcribed that report in its entirety into html format to make it more accessible to adoption professionals, researchers, students, and others. The report includes all tables and figures.
2002: International Adoptees More Likely to Have Problems
A study of adoptees in Sweden (adopted from Asia and Latin America) cites a higher likelihood of serious mental health problems, drug addiction, and criminal activity (requires free registration). (.pdf format)
2002: "Who Is Adopting Older Children?"
A report from the National Resource Center for Special Needs Adoption's The Roundtable, 29 percent of foster care children adopted in 2000 were between 9-17 years old, and older African-American children are over three times more likely to be adopted by single women than older White children. (.pdf format requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Adoption - but at what price?
This Swedish study looks at international adoption in Sweden and other major receiving countries, and contains interesting conclusions on adoptee outcomes, including criticism of many U.S. studies which do not take into consideration the age at which children are adopted and/or other factors. (.pdf format, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
American Indian Adoptees
A study of adult American Indians who were adopted into non-Indian families as children reveals identity confusion and more. The information packet is available for purchase from NICWA.
Empirical Studies on Gay and Lesbian Parenting
A bibliography of published studies with summaries, from the American Psychological Association.
Growing Up Adopted
The original 1994 study from The Search Institute.
If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home Now: The Business of Foster Care
A look at the child welfare system, from the Institute for Psychological Therapies, authored by Emerich Thoma.
International Adoption Project
Based on surveys sent to Minnesota families who adopted internationally between 1990 and 1998, (1857 surveys were completed and returned, representing 2299 children), initial findings included information about the parents, family support, adoption costs, intrusive comments, the children’s countries of origin, level of in-country care, and indicators of how they are doing now, among others. Newsletters available on the site give updates regarding behavioral issues, culture-specific parenting, and more.
Legalized Abortion and Adoption
The report of a study from The Alan Guttmacher Institute finds that the "rate of adoptions of children born to white women declined by 34-37% in states that repealed restrictive abortion laws..."
"Lesbian and Gay Parenting"
From the American Psychological Association, this comprehensive study overturns many misconceptions.
Minnesota/Texas Adoption Research Project
A long-term study on the effects of openness in adoption; the study follows 190 families (birth and adoptive parents, adoptees) in same-race infant adoptions with varying degrees of openness. Findings have been reported at several stages. The study explores three main areas: adjustment in adolescents, changes in openness in the adolescent years, and questions of identity in early, middle, and late adolescents. Primary researchers: Drs. Harold Grotevant and Ruth McRoy.
National Adoption Attitudes Survey
Results of the 2002 survey from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (.pdf format).
Orphanage Experience Alters Brain Development
Preliminary results of a study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, part of the Wisconsin International Adoption Research Program, explores physical and behavioral problems in children adopted from Russian and Romanian orphanages.
Outcome Study of Adoptees
Three groups of transculturally placed adoptees (Viet Namese, Korean, Native Americans born in Canada) were the focus of this study presented at the NACAC Conference in August 1996.
Protecting the Rights of Hard to Place Children in Adoptions
An examination of child protection laws, from by the University of Indiana Law School.
Researchers Investigating Various Aspects of International Adoption
This listing of ongoing (and completed) research is an excellent resource for studies on international adoption (mainly from Eastern Europe). Current research is described, and links are provided to completed studies.
Study: Safe Haven Laws Cause - Don't Solve - Problems
Results of a study by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute support claims that new "safe haven" laws are causing problems, not solving them.
Study: Search in the Adoption Experience
The Center for Adoption Research at the Univ. of Massachusetts has released the results of this study, available for download in .pdf format. (Requires an Adobe Acrobat reader.)
The State of the Children
Although written in 1997, this examination of the condition of the nation’s foster care and adoption programs is an excellent assessment. Authored by Conna Craig and Derek Herbert of the Institute for Children.
Twins and Adoption
Twins studies corroborate inherited behavior, from a study by the MN Center for Twin and Adoption Research.
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