Working in conjunction with the state Department of Human Services, researchers from the university's Institute of Child Development, International Adoption Clinic, department of family social science and division of epidemiology will conduct a comprehensive survey of the more than 4,000 people who have adopted children from another country. The survey will be distributed to adoptive parents in early 2001. During fall 2000, researchers will hold a series of meetings in towns throughout Minnesota to discuss the project and solicit suggestions for what information should be gathered.
Researchers expect to ask questions about health, behavior, development and family life.
They will also include a section of questions based on issues raised by parents and adoption professionals at the meetings. Hal Grotevant of the department of family social science will discuss the project at the Sept. 9 meeting in Rochester and will speak about identity issues adopted children face.