January 9, 2009

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  by Janine M. Baer
  ISBN13: 978-1-4134-4498-8 (Trade Paperback)
  ISBN: 1-4134-4498-9 (Trade Paperback)
  ISBN13: 978-1-4134-4499-5 (Hardback)
  ISBN: 1-4134-4499-7 (Hardback)
  Pages: 157
  Subject: FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Adoption
  Subject: LAW / Family Law / Children

Availability
Paperback prices reflect 15% discount off retail
Hardback prices reflect 10% discount off retail

Description

Generations of adults who were adopted as children have been kept in the dark about their original identities. The law sealing birth records, passed in 1935 in California, swept adoption´s emotional complexities under the rug and made it possible to keep adoption itself a secret.

Reflecting extensive archival research and written for general audiences as well as professionals, Growing in the Dark takes you through California´s early adoption laws, the sealing of records, and the various consequences of this policy that unfolded throughout the 20th century. A summary of psychological theories, the views of child welfare advocates, the benefit of secrecy to baby sellers, and, finally, successful attempts to reverse sealed records laws are all part of adoption´s story.

Note on price: Nonprofit organizations and resellers get 40% off. Call Xlibris for these orders: 1-888-795-4274.

WHAT REVIEWERS HAVE SAID:

"...articulate, easy to read, and filled with real facts concerning sealed records."
     - Jean Brown, adoptee

"...full of fascinating information...you won´t be able to put it down."
    - Anita Field, Bastard Nation

"Janine Baer, who was adopted in California, focuses on the California law enacted in 1935 sealing original birth certificates. Contrary to the popular perception, the intent of this law was not to protect the privacy of birthmothers.
    Rather, these records were sealed to protect children from the stigma of illegitimacy, to protect adoptive parents from intrusions by birthparents, to allow adoptive parents to keep the child´s adoptive status a secret, to create the illusion that the birthparents did not exist, and to prevent adoptees from finding their birthfamilies.
    ...This is an excellent book for birthparents, adoptees, and adoptive parents who want to know how we got to where we are."
     - Jane Edwards, Portland, Oregon

"Growing in the Dark, by virtue of its modest length and accessibility, can be used to educate people both within and outside of the adoption reform movement about the effects of sealed records and the faulty premises used to support them."
     - Barbara Busharis, American Adoption Congress "Decree"

"Extensive notes and bibliographic information make it an excellent resource for those arguing for open records."    
     - Sandra Falconer Pace, Canadian Council of Natural Mothers

Click here to read an excerpt from the book.