First published in 1966, Parents Children and Adoption emerged during a time when systematic training materials for adoption professionals were urgently needed. This comprehensive book was specifically designed for social workers and professionals directly involved in adoption practice during the 1960s.
The work expertly synthesizes essential medical, genetic, and legal information while examining both theoretical frameworks and practical casework techniques of the period. Organized into four sections, it covers: working with unmarried mothers, including brief guidance on casework with unmarried fathers; understanding the heredity versus environment debate in child development; locating and preparing adoptive homes; and managing post-placement supervision alongside legal processes.
Beyond procedural guidance, the book addresses the emotional impact of separation on all parties involved in adoption. Reflecting the social attitudes and professional practices of 1960s adoption work, this historical lens allows contemporary readers to understand how adoption practices have transformed over time while addressing the complex emotional and psychological aspects of the adoption process for children, birth parents, and adoptive families.