Looking Back: How Have They Fared?

An Outcome Study of Three Populations of Adoptees

 This study was conducted by Tressler Lutheran Services, 836 South George Street, York, PA 17403,
(717) 845-9113, FAX (717) 852-8439.

At the NACAC conference in August, 1996, Barb Holtan and Barb Tremitiere presented the results of an outcome Study that Tressler Lutheran Services adoptions conducted on three populations of our adoptees:  those placed from Viet Nam (pre-1975), from Korea, and Native American Children born in Canada. All of these placements occurred in the 1970's. Our objective was to look at these three groups - now that the children are grown - and see how they have fared. Results of the Study, in general terms, showed that - child's age at placement was not a consistent predictor of success of outcome - Vietnamese placements had much more favorable outcomes than the Canadian Indian placements which indicated multiple problem areas including attachment difficulties. - Korean placements seemed to present a higher degree of problems in some areas than had been previously assumed. Specific results of the Study follow. Many thanks to all our families who took the time to participate in this Study.  [Currently, we are researching the outcomes of sibling groups of three who were placed by TLS.]

Korean (82) Vietnamese (43) Canadian Indian (46)

GENDER:

Korean  49% male  51% female
Vietnamese  70% male  30% female
Canadian Indian  46% male  54% female

Korean

Vietnamese

Canadian Indian

AGE AT PLACEMENT *

  • 0-1
33%
16%
0
  • 1-5
29%
44%
35%
  • 6-10
28%
33%
57%
  • 11+
10%
7%
8%

STATED IQ

  • Above average
49%
12%
13%
  • Average
40%
65%
63%
  • Below average
11%
23%
24%

Sought Therapy

49%
30%
70%

Involved with Juvenile Justice System

6%
2%
28%

Have family background of substance abuse

9%
**
93%

Substance abuse in child

6%
5%
57%

Child seen as danger to self or others

15%
9%
46%

Have own children

1%
12%
33%

MAJOR BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

  • Lying
20%
14%
67%
  • Stealing
11%
5%
28%
  • Running away
3%
7%
22%
  • Passive/aggressive
10%
7%
4%
  • Lack of conscience
7%
2%
33%

CHILD ATTACHED TO FAMILY

  • Yes
89%
95%
54%
  • No
11%
5%
46%

FAMILY ATTACHED TO CHILD

  • Yes
90%
95%
83%
  • No
10%
5%
17%

* Presumed brithdate for some Korean and Vietnamese

** No family background

CAREER CHOICE:

KOREAN: Commercial design, Engineering, Food Service, Recreation, therapist, Music education, Marine biology, Drama, Sports Medicine, Accounting, Communications, Teacher, Medicine, Roofing, Nursing, Meteorology, Ballerina, Bus driver, Store check-out, Bank teller, Brain surgeon, Art education, Paralegal, Computers, Physical therapy, Business, Art, Office Work, Political Science, Architecture, Thief

VIETNAMESE: Computers, Business Management, Electrician, Coast Guard, Music Education, Psychology, Business Communications, Banking, Teacher, Cook, Chef, Shipping Clerk, Engineering, Bartending, Nursing Home, Art, Graphic Art, FBI, Construction, Cleaning Company, Woodwork, Ground Maintenance, Dietary Assistant, None, Nothing, Welfare

CANADIAN INDIAN: McDonalds, Navy, TV Technician, Paralegal, Taco Bell, Communications, Sociology, Waitress, Store Work, Homemaker, Electronics, Music, Drafting, Waiter, Welfare, Professional Thief, None, Welfare, Lots of "None" answers

COMMENTS:

KOREAN: Proud. Unable to bond. Finally bonding somewhat. A real joy. Mostly a joy. Poor self image. Don't think she'll ever bond. Fantastic child. Delightful. We could not ask for a better son. We go from day to day and hope for the best. He has taught us a lot about unconditional love. Avoids Koreans. Thoughtful. Will never give up hope. Never expressed emotion. Constant joy. She is one great child! Nothing but happiness. Loving. We are blessed. Denies race. Threatened to kill family.

VIETNAMESE: Acts younger. Trouble keeping job. Great kid! Teen years were hell. Blessing from God. Loving son. Independent. Great sense of humor. Model child. Joy, considerate, reliable. Is a joy!,Thoughtful, caring. Rarely see him. Well-adjusted. Has his own business. Very proud of him. Beautiful person. Enjoyable adult. 12 years of hell. A joy! A winner! A very upbeat person. Fortunate to have him. Beautiful person. He brought great joy!

CANADIAN INDIAN: Grown/Matured. Drank heavily/left. Always trouble. Doing well. Gone for 4 years. Self-destructive. It is worth it all. Often gone for years. We aren't advocates of adoption any more. Informed me he never really loved me; sure hurt. Cold, calculating. Lives in Canada. Most heart-wrenching experience of our lives. No contact. 3rd time in jail. Many talents. Not a productive member of society. Stole anything.

 

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NYS Citizens' Coalition for Children, Inc.
410 East Upland Road • Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-0034 • office@nysccc.org