Parents Of Adopted Children Research Articles

Effective parenting in stepfamilies: Empirical evidence of what works

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine research evidence about effective childrearing in stepfamilies (i.e., parenting practices that contribute to children's physical, cognitive, and emotional well‐being).BackgroundStepfamilies are increasingly common. Studies show that children in stepfamilies tend to be at higher risk for negative outcomes than children in first‐married biological‐parent families. As research on stepfamilies has expanded, researchers have made strides in identifying parenting practices that promote positive outcomes for children in stepfamilies.MethodWe reviewed 37 studies that contained empirical evidence of effective parenting by biological or adoptive parents of children in stepfamilies.ResultsResearchers have identified numerous actions employed by parents that are linked to children's positive outcomes. Effective parenting practices fall broadly into five domains: (a) maintaining close parent–child bonds, (b) establishing appropriate parent–child communication boundaries, (c) exercising parental control, (d) supporting stepparent–stepchild relationship development, and (e) facilitating stepfamily cohesion.ConclusionsEffective childrearing in stepfamilies involves carefully managing competing family needs, such as the need to balance shared family time with one‐on‐one parent–child time or the need to establish open parent–child communication boundaries in some areas but closed boundaries in others.ImplicationsParents have available to them a number of empirically supported action items linked to child well‐being in stepfamilies.

Families with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Exploring adoptive parents’ experiences of family well-being

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading non-genetic cause of developmental disability in Canada. It poses many challenges at the individual, family and societal levels. This study explores adoptive parents’ experiences of having a child with FASD in their family and how these experiences impact family well-being and, specifically, parenting, family dynamics, sources of support and coping strategies. Using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight adoptive parents of children with FASD. Four main themes emerged, each with several subthemes: (1) managing individuals with FASD; (2) navigating family cohesion; (3) psychological warfare; and (4) experiences of supports. Findings showed how FASD affects all aspects of family life and has a constant and cumulative effect on the family’s well-being. Hope, community and parents feeling successful in their efforts were found to have strong connections to well-being.

The best possible start: A qualitative study on the experiences of parents of young children with or at risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

BackgroundThe developmental outcomes and life course trajectories of young children with or at-risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can be optimized when individual and family needs are identified early and met with family-centered early intervention (EI) services. However, little is known about access to and quality of EI services with this high-needs population. MethodTwenty-five biological or adoptive parents of children with or at high risk for FASD, living in the greater area of Seattle, Washington participated in this qualitative study. Three focus groups were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants described their experience with EI, as well as other supports and challenges faced in their child's first three years of life. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using phenomenological methods. Themes that were consistent across participant groups emerged from the data, as well as themes that showed differences among participant experiences. ResultsCommon EI supports and needs between biological and adoptive parent groups were identified. In addition, perspectives and needs unique to each parent group were revealed. Themes were identified and organized into three categories: (1) child needs; (2) parent needs and priorities; and (3) EI capacity. When parents talked about their child's cognitive, physical, communication or adaptive development, they all discussed how EI was meeting those needs. In contrast, when parents expressed concern for their child's social-emotional development, a description of how EI was supporting these needs was missing from the conversation. Parents appreciated when EI providers were truthful, provided anticipatory guidance, and connected them with supports for their own social-emotional well-being. Yet there were unmet needs for respite care, and parents expressed that support for basic needs related to child or family survival was not consistently recognized as a top priority for families. This high-risk group of young children and their parents also encountered a multitude of transitions in their child's early years and later. Parents wanted more support navigating these transitions as they entered or moved through different systems of care. ConclusionsParents appreciated and endorsed the importance of EI with its provision of individualized, family-centered supports and resources. Examination of the gaps and unmet needs that are common and distinct underscore the importance of an FASD-informed approach to EI. Study findings provide insight into areas for which EI enhancements could be developed in order to tailor supports for the complex needs of this diverse population of children and parents.

"I'm Doing My Part, I Just Need Help From the Community": Intervention Implications of Foster and Adoptive Parents' Experiences Raising Children and Young Adults With FASD.

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have high rates of health care service utilization. It is vital that health care professionals understand FASD and associated family experiences to strengthen their ability to respond to family needs and tailor family-focused interventions. This study included 24 foster and adoptive parents of children and adults (aged 3-33 years) with FASD. Data were collected via individual interviews and focus groups and analyzed thematically. Consistent with a developmental psychopathology perspective, parents' experiences interacted with the individual (with FASD), family, and broader systems ecological levels. Parents undertook protective actions in an attempt to prevent secondary conditions, support their child and family, and mitigate systems barriers. They also experienced stressors at each level, and stress was increased by protective actions. The overall parenting experience was fueled by a protective parenting attitude. Findings can strengthen family-focused care practices with individuals with FASD and their families and inform novel family interventions.

Early hearing detection and intervention in South Africa: Exploring factors compromising service delivery as expressed by caregivers

AimThe main aim of this study was to explore factors compromising early intervention (EI) service delivery to hearing impaired children in South Africa, as expressed by their caregivers. MethodsWithin a qualitative survey design, a sample of 19 hearing impaired children's caregivers completed structured self-administered questionnaires on factors that they perceive compromise EI for their children. These caregivers included mothers, fathers, grandparents, and legal guardians or adoptive parents of children with hearing impairment. Descriptive analysis of the data was undertaken. ResultsFindings indicated various factors compromising EI as reported by caregivers. These included limited availability of appropriate schools and health care facilities for their hearing impaired children; long distances between the few services that are available and the places of residence of the service users; significant costs linked to the services (such as medical expenses, boarding school facilities costs); limited skills and knowledge of professionals and teachers regarding hearing impairment; inconsistent and conflicting professional opinions about the child's diagnosis and treatment; as well as limited community awareness about hearing impairment along with services available for hearing impaired children. ConclusionThese findings have important clinical, training, policy, and advocacy implications within the South African context; if both access to and success within the EI services will be successful.

The Postadoption Needs of Adoptive Parents of Children With Disabilities

Adoptions of children with disabilities are considered special needs, due to the higher level of support needed pre- and postadoption by families and children for adoptions to succeed. Despite this fact, very few studies examine the specific postadoption experiences of families with children with disabilities. Using secondary analysis of a national survey of adoptive parents, as well as interviews and a focus group with adoptive parents in one state, this study examines families’ with adopted children with disabilities challenges and unmet needs after adoption, as well as the postadoption needs and experiences of adoptive families with children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and adoptive families of children with emotional, behavioral, and mental health disabilities. Findings indicate that families with children with disabilities do report higher rates of challenges and barriers to service access, and that this is particularly true in families with adopted children with emotional, behavioral, and mental health disabilities. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Caregiver Stress in Foster and Adoptive Parents of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Caregiver Stress in Foster and Adoptive Parents of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Foster and adoptive parents of 71 children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) report on developmental and behavioral characteristics, family stress, coping resources and their satisfaction with support. The data reveal an elevated rate of social and emotional problems in the children. In spite positive individual and social resources, the foster and adoptive parents feel a high level of caregiver stress. 30 % of them rate the support they receive from pediatric, therapeutic or educational services as lower than expected. Specifically, they miss early information on the diagnosis, professional knowledge and support for the special challenges of education and managing behavioral problems in their collaboration with social support agencies.