- Home
- » Adoption
- » Introduction to Adoption
- » Core Issues in Adoption
Core Issues in Adoption
Adoption is a lifelong process for everyone involved, with significant emotional and legal impacts. The classic "Seven Core Issues in Adoption," published in the early 1980s, outlined the seven lifelong issues experienced by all members of the adoption triad: loss, rejection, guilt and shame, grief, identity, intimacy, and mastery/control. Others have built on these core issues. In this section find resources on the core issues in adoption.
Lifelong Issues in Adoption
Silverstein & Kaplan (1982)
Explains the seven core issues of adoption experienced by birth families, adopted people, and adoptive families.
Resources for All: 7 Core Issues in Adoption
The Center for Adoption Support and Education
Explains the seven core issues of adoption experienced by birth families, adopted people, and adoptive families, searchable by triad member.
Seven Core Issues in Adoption (PDF - 12 KB)
The Adoption Place
Explains, in a handout, the seven core issues of adoption faced by members of the adoption triad throughout the lifespan.
Why Adoption Is Different
Kinship Center
Details the seven core issues in an adoption experience that affect the children, the adoptive parents, and the birth parents. A PowerPoint presentation is included on the Seven Core Issues as well as guidelines for helping a child cope with loss.
Adoption: Preplacement adoption casework practice - Understanding the emotional impact of adoption on birth parents & relatives
Adoption: Adoption search & reunion - Lifelong impact of adoption
Out-of-home care: Casework practice in out-of-home care - Helping children and families with separation & loss
Management & supervision: Core/foundation training for caseworkers - Adoption
Systemwide: Mental health - Grief & loss