The process for adopting a child in the sixties is quite different than that of today. Adoption requirements and considerations have changed drastically.
Studying adoption documents generated in the 1960's explains a lot about the culture and thinking of society at that time. Words such as "bastard child" and "illegitimate" can be found throughout many of these records. The birth mother was often described using very negative and belittling terms and often the documents would go so far as to describe the indecency of the situation leading to conception.
While agency adoptions may have had different criteria at that time, private adoptions arranged through attorneys seemingly did little to determine the fitness of the adoptive parents from a psychological perspective. Primary concerns on the adoption questionnaire could include whether or not the home was furnished well, whether or not the television set was color or black and white, and other such inconsequential issues.
Little consideration was given at the time to matters such as psychological, social or religious compatibility between the birth family and adoptive family. Further, because relatively little investigation was done into the adoptive family environment, few assurances existed that the child would grow up in a healthy, loving, stable environment.
Adoptive parents were often mislead or misinformed about the birth parents, as well. In many instances, fictional birth family histories were actually generated in an attempt to create the illusion of a more desirable child. Physical and mental health issues were rarely disclosed in these private adoptions. While in some cases, they were falsified, in most they were left out entirely due to the unimportance placed on such issues. The entire process appears to have been very similar to any standard business transaction of the time. The three components at play were the provider, the product and the consumer.
While there are unquestionably countless adoption success stories from this period of time, the adoption process has certainly improved during the last 40 years. Would-be adoptive parents are investigated thoroughly in a manner that goes far beyond criminal records or financial stability. Factors such as the longevity of the marriage, the existence of extended family and even their philosophical views are taken into consideration.
The background of the biological parents is taken just as seriously. Full physical and psychological histories are gathered and fully disclosed during the adoption process. Socio-economic backgrounds, religious beliefs and educational achievements are also taken into consideration. While not considered an absolute determining factor in the placement of a child, these issues are utilized in deciding what adoptive situation may prove most beneficial to all involved.
While the process of placing a child in an adoptive home is certainly not a simple one, great strides have occurred in refining the methods used to determine the best interests of both the child and the adoptive parents. The primary concern must always be ensuring the child will be raised in a loving, caring and healthy home. However, making an effort to match a child's genetic predispositions with those of the family who will become his own can only add to the success of the placement.
Today's adoptions do make an effort to accomplish this whenever possible. Although this process continues to be no less flawed than any other that is dependent on the diversity of human behavior, it is ever improving. Children need love, food, shelter and security. However, they desire to emotionally and intellectually blend with those around them, share common interests and feel understood. Whenever possible, both these needs and desires should be met.
