Date of Conferral

4-1-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Gregory Campbell

Abstract

LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face systemic discrimination and inconsistent policies when seeking to adopt, despite legal advancements and growing public support. Existing research has primarily focused on lesbian mothers or broadly on same-sex couples, with limited attention to LGBTQ+ fathers, especially those living in politically conservative states like Georgia. This gap in the literature limits the understanding of their adoption experiences and the development of responsive policies. The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to explore the barriers and success factors experienced by LGBTQ+ fathers in Georgia and to identify the federal, state, and local policies they viewed as most impactful. Guided by the Narrative Policy Framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine LGBTQ+ fathers who had legally finalized adoptions in Georgia. Thematic coding revealed persistent challenges, including agency discrimination, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and inconsistent enforcement of nondiscrimination policies. Success factors included access to LGBTQ+-affirming agencies, peer advocacy networks, and inclusive social workers. These findings suggest the need for policy reforms that standardize adoption procedures, improve cultural competency training, and strengthen support systems for LGBTQ+ families. This study contributes to public policy and family studies literature by amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ adoptive fathers and illustrating how their personal experiences intersect with policy environments. The results offer actionable insights that support more inclusive adoption systems and promote lasting social change by expanding access to stable, loving homes for all children.

Download

Included in

Public Policy Commons

Share

 
COinS