THE ROLE OF OPEN ADOPTION IN THE ADJUSTMENT OF ADOPTED-CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Findings from a four-year study of over 700 adoptions by non-foster pa rents indicate that openness has decreased or ceased among a large pro portion of adoptions, primarily among those adoptive families who chos e openness at the recommendation or insistence of the adoption agency or agent. For all families in the fourth year of their adoption, satis faction levels and other indicators of adjustment are very positive, w ith openness bearing little relation to adjustment at this point.