Adoption policy in the U.S.
Jill Berrick, Professor
Social Welfare
Applications for Fall 2026 are closed for this project.
When children are adopted from foster care, most states legally change the last name of the child to match the last name of the adoptive parent(s). In addition, states are required to produce a new birth certificate that changes the name of the birthing parent (and the second parent, if listed) to the name(s) of the adoptive parent(s). The latter practice is, of course, an inaccurate description of the child's origin, and yet it is legally sanctioned in most states.
This project will involve library research to determine if the practice of changing the birth certificate is required in all states, and to determine, if possible, when each state modified its law to require this practice.
The purpose of the project is to ultimately fuel an effort to change state laws and eliminate this practice.
Role: The student will be supported by the Social Welfare librarian in order to become oriented to the appropriate library databases.
Qualifications: Attention to detail.
Strong academic record.
Interest in children's issues and/or adoption or foster care.
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Remote.
Related website: https://socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/people/jill-duerr-berrick
Social Sciences