Overview

Adoption as a legal process began in the mid-19th century. In 1851, the state of Massachusetts enacted the first state statute concerning adoption. Modern adoption practices since that time have been slow to develop with many children impacted by practices that would be considered inhumane today. In addition, adoption is often portrayed negatively in the media and in TV shows and movies. Historical practices and negative portrayals can impact the way that healthcare providers share information about adoption when supporting women who are facing an unplanned/unintended pregnancy.

The purpose of this course is to enhance your learning about the history of adoption in the United States, including how adoption is viewed historically and currently and how it has changed over time.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify at least three ways that current adoption practice differs from past adoption practices;
2. Describe neutral adoption terms and the reasons for using them;
3. Identify members of the adoption triad and give an example of how members impact one another; and
4. Name the three options birth parents have when considering adoption.