Adoption

by Tizard

Reveals that, in general, adopted children are more stable, have fewer emotional problems, and are intellectually superior to children restored to their natural parents and to those placed in foster homes

251 pages, Board Book

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Tom Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is basically a compilation of data about the different effects of institutionalized toddlers who were adopted, fostered or restored to birth families in 1970's London. Not enough of a sample size to be an authoritative study, but good anecdotal bits. Sort of interesting as an historical document, I'm sure it was forward looking for it's time, as adoption attitudes have changed drastically in the last 30-40 years. The authors challenge some old attitudes that children are best restored to biological parents (even if that means more hardships for both the kids and parents), and that transracial adoption is doomed. It's good to know that there has been a sea change in the adoption community in recent years, but also good to be reminded that some of the issues for kids institutionalized in early years (even in well-meaning institutions) remain the same.