Were You Promised an Open Adoption? Did that Adoption Close?
At the upcoming Concerned United Birthparents’ Retreat in Safety Harbor Resort and Spa 105 N. Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor, FL on October 17th to 19th , 2014, Gail Hanssen Perry will be presenting along with CUB’s longtime professional advocate, Jim Gritter. They will discuss “betrayed open adoptions,” offering perspectives no one else can.
Gail would like to know more about today’s betrayed open adoptions. She wants to compare today’s experiences with the findings of her doctoral research, now 20 years old. This will not only enhances the CUB Retreat, but it could become part of a document CUB prepares to alert vulnerable pregnant couples to possible pitfalls.
Therefore, Gail and CUB Founder, Lee Campbell, have collaborated on a handout that includes a few questions for those who have been betrayed. I am happy to be able to make this into a online version for CUB and to help gather the information for them.
Please forward this on to others you know and invite them to do the same. With the conference coming up fast, your immediate attention is very appreciated.
About Gail Hanssen Perry
Gail earned her Ph.D. in social policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University. Her doctoral dissertation, “Extending Families: How Adoptive Parents Transition to Openness”, included extensive interviews with thirty adoptive families from Michigan and Massachusetts who were experiencing a range of adoptions, from fully open to traditional, closed adoptions.
As a birthmother herself, Dr. Perry was a founding member of CUB and served as its National Secretary from 1976 – 1984. Afterward, she worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During her 30-year tenure at the MA Dept. of Early Education and Care, she drafted regulations and policies for adoption — along with other programs.
Recently retired, Dr. Perry is enjoying gardening and spending time with her children (including her reunited daughter) and her grandchildren.
Findings from Dr. Perry’s Research, “Extending Families: How Adoptive Parents Transition to Openness”
As compared to the parents with traditional adoptions, open adoptive parents:
- grew up in “busier” households (frequent visitors, overnight guests, sleep overs with friends);
- were more likely to report important adult influences on their development other than their parents;
- were less likely to have had “confidantes” than were traditional adoptive parents;
- described themselves as more curious than traditional adoptive parents;
- were greater risk-takers (owning their own businesses, para-sailing, hiking and camping alone in remote woods, extended sailing trips with an infant);
- were more likely to receive counseling to deal with their infertility;
- were more likely to talk to friends about their infertility;
- were more likely to speak with other adoptive parents before placement;
If you are a Betrayed Birthparent who was Promised More in Adoption than You Received, PLEASE Take the Survey!
A PDF of the flyer about all of the above and the survey can be found here as well: CUB OPEN ADOPTION BETRAYAL You may download, print and send your answers via email if so desired.
Or just take it now. All answers are completely confidential. In fact, no one even asks who you are at all. So take a minute, please, fill out the form, and hit the SUBMIT button at the bottom.
Thank you!!
A bit off topic: I’m reading Dr Lee Campbell’s book “Cast Off,” which tells of the founding of CUB, and just last night I got to the part where Gail was introduced. I’m betting this is the same Gail, and now I have some added insight as I keep reading Lee’s fascinating book.