CHAPTER 4: Administrative and Policy Issues

Abstract

Summary A national research project was conducted by the author in 1979-1980 to study what organizational factors contribute to the adoption of developmentally disabled children. Agency policies and practices, such as recruitment strategies using marketing techniques; selection of families recognizing the limits of knowledge, time, and resources; and empowerment of adoptive families, were identified as associated with success in placing these children for adoption. Variables associated with agency climate -leadership style, reward system, and role of the supervisor-were also identified as important. Characteristics of agency structure, such as specialization, caseload size, assignment of staff, and bridging mechanisms were shown to be associated with success. Relevant public policies affecting adoption were also discussed.