"Adoption information: the repossession of identity"

Abstract

The Adult Adoption Information Act 1985 provided ready access to both adult adopted people and their birth parents to obtain identifying information which should make it possible for them to trace each other. Since then more than 13,000 adult adopted people have applied for their original birth certificates and more than 3,000 birth parents have applied for identifying information. Up until now no research has been done in New Zealand to follow through the results of the law change on these people. Some other countries are watching New Zealand with interest, particularly those with more restrictive laws. This thesis looks at what adult adopted people have done with the information three years after receiving their original birth certificates, and what relationships developed if they made contact with members of their birth families. It also looks at how the Act has worked for them and their views on some of it's provisions such as vetoes and compulsory counselling. Also included is background information on the history of adoption in Western societies and the development of adoption in New Zealand, as well as a review of the relevant literature. One hundred and forty seven people from throughout New Zealand (and overseas) completed a mailed questionnaire and the information they gave formed the basis of the study. This study adds to the growing body of overseas evidence which recognises the fundamental necessity to most adopted people of knowing about their birth families, as well as the overwhelming satisfaction of most people at being able to do so. It illustrates the differences between studies carried out under a closed adoption system and an open one. It also helps to dispel some myths about adoption including myths about adopted people, their adoptive parents, their birth parents and the use of professional mediators. The implications for practice are discussed and suggestions are made with regard to future research and law changes.