PRACTICE GUIDELINES SUPPORTINGOPEN ADOPTION IN FAMILIES HEADEDBY LESBIAN AND GAY MALE PARENTS:

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE MODERN ADOPTIVE FAMILIES STUDY

David Brodzinsky, Ph.D. and Abbie Goldberg, Ph.D.

The Modern Adoptive Families Study (MAF) was designed to explore similarities and

differences in family characteristics, experiences and adjustment outcomes in different types of adoptive families.

Data were collected through an online survey of non-kinship adoptive parents residing

across the United States. Over 1,600 individuals were included in the final dataset.

A detailed summary of the objectives, methods, and descriptive data of respondents

and their families can be found on The Donald Adoption Institute (DAI) website

(Brodzinsky, 2015).

In creating the MAF project, a strategic plan was developed to publish empirical studies

in peer-reviewed journals and other professional outlets in conjunction with practice

guidelines to be published by DAI. This report offers practice guidelines derived

from the findings of the MAF project. It addresses best practices in supporting open

adoption in families headed by lesbian and gay male (LG) parents.

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