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Multiculturalism and Social Work | San Francisco State University

Co-parent adoptions by same-sex couples: from loophole to law

Author: Crawford, J. M.
Author Background:
Date May-June, 1999
Type Journal
Journal Title: Families in Society
Volume/Pages 80(3): 271-278
Publisher
Subject Matter Gays; Lesbians; Policy; Families, Couples; Adoption
Population
Pedagogies
Abstract Society's definition of family is rapidly expanding and has come to include single parents, biracial couples, blended families, unrelated individuals living cooperatively, and homosexual couples, among others. Unfortunately, family policy has been slow to catch up to changing trends in modern lifestyles. Specifically, adoption policy has yet to sanction joint adoption by same-sex couples. As a result, these couples are forced to manipulate the words of the law and go in the back door to be able to parent the children that have so longed for and who desperately need families. This article uses a practice example to examine current policy, cite the need for change, and explore some of the myths and misperceptions that cloud the judgments made by policymakers, court officials, and child welfare professionals, thereby keeping waiting children without families and waiting parents without children. (Journal abstract.)
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