NCJ Number
115529
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Issue: 22 Dated: (Winter 1988) Pages: 83-89
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Written mediated agreements are the foundation for successful adoptions in which the adoptive family stays in contact with the biological relatives as the child grows up.
Abstract
The use of these agreements allays the fears of both the biological parents and the adoptive parents, although the enforceability of these agreements has not yet been tested in courts. Experience with more than 100 mediated adoptions shows the central role of the written adoption agreement. The agreement aims to deal with the potential for future conflict by clearly stating in its 13 sections the terms of contact between birth and adoptive parents after the child is placed. The parenting roles do not overlap as they do in divorce agreements. Both birth and adoptive parents using these agreements during the last 6 years have found it easy to comply with the terms of the agreements. The agreements rest on the views that secrecy is destructive and contact is beneficial. The main elements of the agreement include preventive conflict management, visitation, communication, contingency arrangements, financial responsibility, incorporation into the decree of adoption, and the circumstances permitting invalidation of the agreement. 13 references.