Psychology & Brain Sciences 391FA - S- The Future of Adoption

Across historical time and cultures, humans have made various arrangements to care for children who, for whatever reason, do not have permanent homes. Adoption, a legal process transferring parental rights from one family to another, is one such process. However, other solutions for children are also used, including care by extended family, circulation of children, foster care, legal guardianship, orphanage care, group homes, re-homing and others. This seminar inquires into the future of adoption as a structure that provides families for children without permanent homes. We will examine historical, economic, cultural, legal, and geopolitical forces shaping adoption practice and policy within the United States and around the world. As we consider the future, the guiding principle will be to serve the best interests of children, as informed by a strong research base and the narratives of those who have experienced adoption and other forms of care.

Open to Senior and Junior Psychology majors only. Pre Req: PSYCH 241 In addition to required weekly seminar participation, it is hoped that all students will participate in a day-long national conference on The Future of Adoption (sponsored by the course instructor on the UMass campus, no cost to enrolled students) on April 13, 2018.