Family and Parenting
MPIPP Fact Sheets
Research
-
Lesbian and Gay Parenting:
Summary of Research Findings
(Charlotte J.
Patterson, American
Psychological Association,
2005)
-
Sexual Orientation, Parents
& Children
- The Effects of
Marriage, Civil Union, and
Domestic Partnership Laws on
the Health and Well-being of
Children, (American
Academy of Pediatrics,
Pediatrics: Vol. 118 No. 1
July 2006, pp. 349-364)
"There is ample evidence to
show that children raised by
same-gender parents fare as
well as those raised by
heterosexual parents. More
than 25 years of research
have documented that there
is no relationship between
parents' sexual orientation
and any measure of a child's
emotional, psychosocial, and
behavioral adjustment. These
data have demonstrated no
risk to children as a result
of growing up in a family
with 1 or more gay parents.
Conscientious and nurturing
adults, whether they are men
or women, heterosexual or
homosexual, can be excellent
parents. The rights,
benefits, and protections of
civil marriage can further
strengthen these families."
Click here for full text.
- A meta-analysis
of developmental outcomes
for children of same-sex and
heterosexual parents.
Crowl, A.L., Ahn,
S., & Baker, J.A. (2008).
Journal of GLBT Family
Studies, 4, 386-407.
Free abstract and purchase
information here.
- (How) Does the
sexual orientation of
parents matter.
Stacey, J., & Biblarz, T.
(2001) American Sociological
Review, 66, 159-183.
Click here for full article.
- Research on Gay
and Lesbian Parenting:
Retrospect and Prospect.
Tasker, F., &
Patterson, C.J. (2007).
Journal of GLBT Family
Studies, 3 (2/3), 9-34.
Free abstract and purchase
information here.
- Peer
relationships among
adolescents with female
same-sex partners.
Wainwright, J.L., &
Patterson, C.J. (2008).
Developmental Psychology,
44, 117-126.
Abstract and purchase
information here.
- Psychological
adjustment, school outcomes,
and romantic relationships
of adolescents with same-sex
parents.
Wainwright, J.L., Russell,
S.T., & Patterson, C.J.
(2004). Child Development,
75, 1886-1898.
Free abstract and purchase
information here.
- AMERICAN ACADEMY
OF PEDIATRICS: Technical
Report: Coparent or
Second-Parent Adoption by
Same-Sex Parents;
Ellen C. Perrin, MD and
Committee on Psychosocial
Aspects of Child and Family
Health. ABSTRACT:
A growing body of
scientific literature
demonstrates that children
who grow up with 1 or 2 gay
and/or lesbian parents fare
as well in emotional,
cognitive, social, and
sexual functioning as do
children whose parents are
heterosexual. Children's
optimal development seems to
be influenced more by the
nature of the relationships
and interactions with the
family unit than by the
particular structural form
it takes.
A
statement of reaffirmation
for this policy was
published on February 1,
2010.
For more click here.
- 25 year-long
study finds children with
lesbian parents may be
better adjusted,
New study on lesbian moms
published on June 8, 2010 in
Psychology Today.
"This new study, by Dr.
Gartell and Dr. Bos, was
launched in 1986, with a
goal of following children
of planned lesbian families
into adulthood. They
described the families as
"planned" because the
children were conceived with
donor insemination opposed
to being conceived with a
man from a previous
relationship. After nearly
25 years, the authors have
reported the results on the
psychological adjustment of
the offspring. They measured
psychological adjustment
with the widely used and
validated Child Behavior
Checklist (CBCL). Compared
to established norms, the
children of lesbian mothers
were rated significantly
higher in social,
school/academic, and total
competence. They were rated
significantly lower in
social problems, rule
breaking, and aggressive
problems."
To read more abou the study,
click here.
Adoption
- Expanding
Resources for Children: Is
Adoption by Gays and
Lesbians Part of the Answer
for Boys and Girls Who Need
Homes? (Jeanne
Howard, Evan B. Donaldson
Adoption Insitutute, March
2006)
Click here for full PDF
report.
- Technical
Report: Coparent or
Second-Parent Adoption by
Same-Sex Parents
(Ellen C. Perrin, American
Academy of Pediatrics,
2002).
Click here for full PDF
report.
- Adoption by
Lesbians and Gays: A
National Survey of Adoption
Agency Policies, Practices,
and Attitudes (Evan
B. Donaldson Adoption
Institute, 2003).
Click here for full PDF
report.
- Adoption and
Foster Care by Gay and
Lesbian Parents in the
United States, by
Gary J. Gates and M.V. Lee
Badgett of the Williams
Institute and Kate Chambers
and Jennifer Macomber of the
Urban Institute, March 2007.
Click here for full PDF
report.
Policy Statements of Professional Organizations
- American
Psychological Association
(1976 and 2004)
"THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
That the APA opposes any
discrimination based on
sexual orientation in
matters of adoption, child
custody and visitation,
foster care and reproductive
health services;" "THERFORE
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That
the APA believes that
children reared by a
same-sex couple benefit from
legal ties to each parent;
"THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED That the APA
supports the protection of
parent-child relationships
through the legalization of
joint adoptions and second
parent adoptions of children
being reared by same-sex
couples..."
Click here for full PDF
statement.
- American Academy
of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry (1999)
"There is no evidence to
suggest or support that
parents with a gay, lesbian,
or bisexual orientation are
per se different from or
deficient in parenting
skills, child-centered
concerns and parent-child
attachments, when compared
to parents with a
heterosexual orientation."
Click here for full policy
statement.
- American Academy
of Family Physicians
(October 2002,
2007) "RESOLVED, That the
AAFP establish policy and be
supportive of legislation
which promotes a safe and
nurturing environment,
including psychological and
legal security, for all
children, including those of
adoptive parents, regardless
of the parents' sexual
orientation."
Click here for full policy
statement.
- American Academy
of Pediatrics
(2002, reaffirmed 2010) "The
American Academy of
Pediatrics recognizes that a
considerable body of
professional literature
provides evidence that
children with parents who
are homosexual can have the
same advantages and the same
expectations for health,
adjustment, and development
as can children whose
parents are heterosexual."
Click here for full PDF
statement.
- American Family
Therapy Academy
Policy on Definition of the
Family "It is furthermore
the position of this
organization that to assure
recognition, support and
equality for all families,
the public definition of the
family must be expanded to
include, among others,
single parents with
children, gay and lesbian
couples, stepfamilies,
adults raising foster
children, and unmarried
heterosexual couples in
committed relationships."
- American Medical Association (2004) "RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association support legislative and other efforts to allow the adoption of a child by the same-sex partner, or opposite sex non-married partner, who functions as a second parent or co-parent to that child." (Res. 204, A-04) Click here for full policy statement.
- American Psychiatric Association (1997 and 2002) The American Psychiatric Association supports initiatives which allow same-sex couples to adopt or co-parent children and supports all the associated legal rights, benefits, and responsibilities which arise from such initiatives. Click here for full policy statement.
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Statement of Sexual Orientation and Civil Rights (1992) " ... the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry finds that there is no evidence that lesbians and gay men, per se, represent any threat to the development of children or adolescents and condemns any restriction on employment or service based on sexual orientation in positions involving the delivery of services or treatment to children or adolescents." Click here for full policy statement.
- American Academy of Family Physicians Policy Statement on Children's Health (2002-2007) "The AAFP establish policy and be supportive of legislation which promotes a safe and nurturing environment, including psychological and legal security for all children, including those of foster or adoptive parents, regardless of the parents' sexual orientation." (2002) (March Board 2007) Click here for full statement.
- American Psychoanalytic Association POSITION STATEMENT - Gay and Lesbian Parenting (Adopted May 16, 2002.) "The American Psychoanalytic Association supports the position that the salient consideration in decisions about parenting, including conception, child rearing, adoption, visitation and custody is the best interest of the child. Accumulated evidence suggests the best interest of the child requires attachment to committed, nurturing and competent parents. Evaluation of an individual or couple for these parental qualities should be determined without prejudice regarding sexual orientation. Gay and lesbian individuals and couples are capable of meeting the best interest of the child and should be afforded the same rights and should accept the same responsibilities as heterosexual parents. With the adoption of this position statement, we support research studies that further our understanding of the impact of both traditional and gay/lesbian parenting on a child's development." Click here for full statement.
- National Adoption Center (1998) The Board of Directors of the National Adoption Center approved the following adoptive parent assessment policy statement on September 17, 1998: "We believe that every child has the right to a loving, nurturing and permanent family, and that people from a variety of life experiences offer strengths for these children." Therefore, it is the policy of the National Adoption Center that no person should be denied consideration in the adoption process solely based on marital status, sexual orientation, lifestyle, disability, physical appearance, race, gender, age, religion and/or size of family." Click here for full policy statement.
- National Association of Social Workers (2002) The National Association of Social Workers approved the following policy statement in August 2002 at the NASW Delegate Assembly: "Legislation legitimizing second-parent adoptions in same-sex households should be supported. Legislation seeking to restrict foster care and adoption by gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people should be vigorously opposed."
- North American Council on Adoptable Children (1998) The North American Council on Adoptable Children issued a policy statement in 1998 (amended April 14, 2002) that states: "Children should not be denied a permanent family because of the sexual orientation of potential parents. Everyone with the potential to successfully parent a child in foster care or adoption is entitled to fair and equal consideration."