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Rights of Those Involved in an Adoption
Adoption involves the rights of three "triad members": the birth parents, the child, and the adoptive parents. Professionals working in adoption need to act ethically to ensure the rights of all parties are protected at all points in the process. Find resources in this section related to ethics and the rights of the adoption triad members.
Enhanced Representation for Non-Resident Fathers in Child Welfare Proceedings (PDF - 929 KB)
Dowd
QIC News, Spring 2009
Examines the issues that non-resident fathers face when their children enter the child welfare system, as well as strategies for attorneys to overcome these barriers, engage fathers in their children's cases,
and enhance representation for non-resident fathers.
Legal Representation of Birth Parents and Adoptive Parents
Samuels
Adoption Quarterly, 9(4), 2006
View Abstract
Examines how legal representation of birth parents and adoptive parents may or may not play a role in promoting the deliberate decision-making and finality that characterize ethically and humanely conducted independent adoptions.
Prospective Adoptive Parents Bill of Rights (PDF - 89 KB)
Parents for Ethical Adoption Reform (PEAR)
Supports ethical, transparent, and fully informed adoptions.
Also available: Adoptive Parents Bill of Rights (PDF - 83 KB)
Safeguarding the Rights and Well-Being of Birthparents in the Adoption Process
Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute (2006)
Findings and recommendations based on a yearlong examination and analysis of research, literature, interviews, and experiences about the rights of birth parents in voluntary relinquishment in adoption.
Your Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide for Expectant Parents Considering Adoption
Romanchik (2004)
View Abstract
Discusses the differences between open adoption and openness in adoption, private versus agency adoption, and the rights and responsibilities of birth parents. Important questions expectant parents should ask about issues that may be covered under State law are also explained.
State and Local Examples
Adoptive Parents' Rights and Responsibilities in Illinois (PDF - 87 KB)
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (2007)
Provides adoptive parents with information about the choices, rights, and responsibilities relating to adopting a child in Illinois.
A Birth Parent's Bill of Rights (PDF - 101 KB)
Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children (2008)
Informs birth parents of certain rights, some guaranteed by law, when considering placing their baby in an adoptive home.
Completing an Adoption in Minnesota: The Rights and Responsibilities of Birth Parents, Prospective Adoptive Parents and Adoption Agencies
Minnesota Department of Human Services (2006)
Explains the legal process for adoption in Minnesota and reviews the responsibilities of birth parents, adoptive parents, and agencies in completing adoption.