A Foundational Understanding of Late Discovery Adoption

Abstract

Abstract This thesis aims to provide a foundational understanding specific to late discovery adoption (LDA) in order to provide an information source specific to the LDA experience apart from the broad experience of all adoptions and adoptees by offering insight into the unique experience of LDA. I will first examine the historical background of non-disclosure practices and how historical traditions of social and religious practice influenced the choice by birth parents of non-disclosure in adoption. Second, I will provide an overview of the psychological impacts of late discovery in comparison to adoptees who were told of their adoption prior to adulthood. Third I will share the impacts of impeded legal access of adoptees to their birth and adoption records, and how historical practices related to adoption influence such restrictions. Fourth, I will provide discussion on the decision of disclosure and timing of adoption disclosure. Fifth, I will provide a summary of the limited research available exclusive to late discovery adoptees in order to illustrate implications and need for further research. Finally, I will provide a summary of future practice related to disclosure and non-disclosure of adoption to the adoptee. To accomplish these aims, this thesis will provide a variety of quotes and perspectives from the late discovery adoptees themselves, as well as from a variety of scholarly and historical sources to provide a fuller picture of the story and experience of LDA. The consequences of LDA have gone unexplored in scholarly study despite the fact that non-disclosure practice occurred for centuries. LDA has been mostly unaddressed beyond the topic of adoption in general.