NEW YORK, NY: Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children celebrates the Donaldson Adoption Institute’s (DAI) legacy of research and advocacy, and recognizes everyone involved in promoting the Institute’s mission for more than 20 years.
“We appreciate the many contributions DAI provided to the adoption community through research, advocacy, and education. Spence-Chapin has been an advocate for DAI from the beginning, when the Institute was established by our Board. With DAI’s closure, we will continue to champion the values that motivated DAI,” says Spence-Chapin President & CEO, Adam Cotumaccio.
DAI was founded in 1996 after Spence-Chapin identified the need for an independent adoption research, education, and advocacy organization to address the needs of the extended adoption community. Originally DAI was named in honor of Evan B. Donaldson, who was a committed member of the Spence-Chapin Board of Directors for nearly 20 years. Spence-Chapin remains committed to the 1996 founding values: promoting policies and practices that support all members of the adoption community. Spence-Chapin continues to invest in program evaluation to assess outcomes and promote the best in modern adoption practice.
DAI’s commitment to original and objective research is a core component of their legacy. Their published research advanced the professional understanding of open adoption, adoptee identity, and public opinion surrounding adoption.
As leaders in options counseling and family services, Spence-Chapin shares DAI’s belief that open adoptions promote healthy identity development and strong family connections. Spence-Chapin will continue to share their historic knowledge and experience to advance sound policies that support all families.
