James L. Gritter

James L. Gritter is a child welfare supervisor at Catholic Human Services in Michigan and author of several books on open adoption. In the following viewpoint, Gritter asserts that maintaining ongoing relationships between birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents after adoption can be the most beneficial arrangement. He claims that secrecy in adoption, although intended to protect birth parents and adoptees, has resulted in shame. Open adoption, according to Gritter, removes the secrecy and shame and promotes enduring relationships between those affected by adoption.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Gritter, how does closed adoption affect adoption workers?
2. In Gritter’s opinion, how does secrecy function as a means of control in adoption?
3. What happens if adoption is not based on honor, according to the author"

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