Analvsis and Commentarv American Psychiatric Association Resource Document on Controversies in Child Custody: Gay and Lesbian Parenting, Transracial Adoptions, Joint Versus Sole Custody, and Custody Gender Issues

This resource document was prepared by membel-s of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Suhcommittee on Child Custody Issues under the auspices of the APA Council on Psychiatry and Law and was approved by the APA Board of TI-ustees in December 1997. It docs not, however, represent official policy of thc APA. The members of the subcommittee and primary authors of this document are: Renee L. Binder, MD, Chair; Yvonne Ferguson, MD; Margie Sved, MD; Debbie Carter, MD; Wade Myers, MD; and Justin D. Call, MD. Consultants to the subcommittee were: Jeffrey Metzner, MD; Ken Hoge, MD; Donna Norris, MD; Elissa Benedek, MD; and Debra DePrato, MD. The APA Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families reviewed this document and made suggestions that were incorporated. Much of the content of this document was presented as a component workshop at thc 1996 APA Annual Meeting and at a symposium at the 1997 APA Annual Meeting. Address correspondence to: RcnCc L. Binder, MD, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143. determinations. The following summary statements represent current knowledge based on a thorough review of the literature. The backup document contains a more detailed discussion of each issue including a critique of the literature. its limitations. and a current bibliography. It is important to note that the research in this area is imperfect. There have been no longitudinal studies with controls. This document will need ongoing modification based on the results of further studies. Nevertheless. at this point in time, these statements represent what is supported by the literature and by the judgment of the members of the APA Subcommittee on Child Custody Issues.