Adoptive Parents Research Articles

Understanding Parenting Stress in Adoptive Parents: A Longitudinal Multilevel Study of Parents' Self-Criticism, Child Negative Emotionality, and Child Age at Placement.

Research on parenting stress in adoptive parents during the early years post-placement reveals significant variability, yet few studies examine both parent- and child-related factors. This study investigates the role of the personality dimension of self-criticism and perceived negative child emotionality in relation to parenting stress during the first four years after transnational adoption. Additionally, it explores the moderating effect of child age at placement, a key factor associated with early adversity. Drawing upon a longitudinal five-wave dataset in the first 4 years after the child arrived in the adoptive family, this study used multi-informant data of 96 adoptive mothers and fathers of transnationally adopted children (mean child age at placement = 13.48 months). Data were analyzed using a multilevel structural equation modeling approach. Parents' self-criticism was positively associated with parenting stress at the between-parent level. At the within-parent level, year-to-year fluctuations in both parents' self-criticism and perceived child's negative emotionality were positively associated with corresponding fluctuations in parenting stress. Child age at placement did not moderate any of these associations. Overall, this study yielded convincing evidence for the dynamic nature of parenting stress in the first years after child placement, the role of parental self-criticism, and the child's perceived negative emotionality herein.

Performing the ideal adoptive parent in Swedish adoption assessment interviews

ABSTRACT Assessment and evaluation of parenting ability are central tasks in social work. However, parenthood is a normative and morally bound practice, subject to cultural expectations about what constitutes ‘good’ parenthood. In adoption assessment interviews, prospective adoptive parents’ potential as parents is thoroughly examined, requiring adoption applicants to articulate their ideas about future parenthood. This study is based on authentic assessment interviews conducted in Sweden between social workers and prospective adoptive parent, in the context of an international adoption process. The article explores how ideals of adoptive parenthood are expressed and performed by prospective adoptive parents in their interactions with social workers. The findings show that adoption applicants present their suitability as parents based on references to children’s needs, specific personal characteristics, and envisioned future actions. The study supports previous research on idealized parental models in adoption assessments and provides insights into how these portrayals are shaped through interaction. Furthermore, the study raises questions about the governance of specific parenthood ideals and the limited opportunities adoption applicants have to express or explore alternative perspectives on parenthood.

Genesis 15:1–6 and child adoption in Awkunanaw, Enugu state, Nigeria

Adoption is a global phenomenon, and many childless couples choose adoption because they cannot have children biologically. Over the years, legally approved orphanages have been a beacon of hope for prospective adoptive parents. However, in contemporary times, many childless couples have employed both legal and illegal means to have children. As a result, baby-making industries have become a lucrative business because it is a fast means for childless couples to have children. In the contemporary Awkunanaw, this practice has devalued socio-cultural practices and made the Awkunanaw society and her dwellers vulnerable to social vices. This study investigates the importance of adopting a child from a known background other than a strange one. Genesis 15: 1–6 tells of God’s covenant with Abram in which God promised him a great reward. Amid the divine promises of greatness and protection, Abram was worried about his state of childlessness. The part of the pericope which relates to this study is that Abram adopted an heir from a known background. The exegetical research methods employed in studying Genesis 15:1–6 include a narrative method and sociological approach to the study of the Old Testament. The data obtained through interviews and secondary sources were analysed using the phenomenological method. The study aims to advocate that Awkunanaw parents who patronise baby-making industries should desist from such practice as it contributes to the prevalence of social vices in the community.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article studies adoption in Awkunanaw, Enugu state, Nigeria, in the light of Abraham’s narrative in Genesis 15:1–6. In Awkunanaw culture, adoption from an unknown background is abhorred. The article submits that adopting children from unknown backgrounds is precarious for the social development and peace of the Awkunanaw community. Hence, the study is a contribution to Old Testament discourses on religion and society. Its related disciplines are sociology, biblical interpretation and practical theology.

Attitude of adoptive and biological parents to tactile interaction with children

Introduction. The problem of children's adaptation to foster families remains relevant for many years all over the world. However, there is now evidence that humans have two tactile systems, one of which is social and is activated by slow, gentle touch. The idea arose that adoptive parents could be taught such touches using the example of a special massage. But for this you need to know the attitude of parents towards touch in principle. That is why the purpose of this study was to study parents’ attitudes towards tactile interaction with children. Methodology. 277 foster and biological parents (M=39.9; SD=7.6) completed a survey using Google Forms that included 48 statements scored on a psychometric Likert scale. The work used theoretical (analysis, comparison and synthesis), empirical (survey) and statistical (correlation, regression and factor analysis using the SPSS 21 software package) research methods. Results and discussion. Significant inconsistency was found regarding physical sanctions among all groups of respondents. Thus, by unanimously declaring a negative attitude towards punishing the children of other children, respondents allow this to happen to themselves (Ro=-0.603, p<0.001), which affects the personal impact of the child’s development (Ro=-0.508, p<0.001). All mothers reported detecting excessive tactile contact with the child (Ro=0.544, p<0.001). The 4-factor model shows an ambiguous attitude of respondents towards gentle, tactile interaction with both their children and parents in their own childhood (KMO=0.792; p<0.000; 63.1%). Signs of emotional burnout are observed in all parents, but are especially pronounced in adopted ones (p=0.007; R2 =0.056; DW=1.633; r=0.236). Conclusion. Before inviting parents to try massage based on gentle tactile interactions with children, it is necessary to provide training in methods of rewarding and punishing children within the family without violence. A burnout prevention program is needed for all parents.

Lability in parent-child warmth and hostility and adolescent externalizing behaviors.

Both longer term developmental changes (increases in hostility, decreases in warmth) and lability (year-to-year fluctuations) in parent-child relationship quality across childhood and adolescence have been linked to adolescent externalizing behaviors. Using a prospective longitudinal study of 561 children who were adopted into nonrelative families at birth (57% male, 56% White, 19% multiracial, 13% Black, 11% Hispanic) where parental warmth and hostility reflect environmental influences or child-evoked reactions, we examined associations between parent-child relationship measures and externalizing behaviors at age 11 and across adolescence (i.e., from age 11 to 13-15 years). Because studies considering gene-environment interplay especially in associations between lability and child externalizing behaviors are sparse and parent-child relationship measures support the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology, we also tested whether parent psychopathology of both adoptive parent (AP; environmental intergenerational transmission) and birth parents (genetic intergenerational transmission) moderated these associations in multivariate regression models. Findings generally supported more effects of fathers' than mothers' warmth and hostility. Although there were some linear associations of increased lability with externalizing behaviors, these did not persist in the context of a multivariate model. Associations between both parents' increasing hostility across childhood on age 11 externalizing behaviors and for fathers increasing hostility and decreasing warmth on increases in externalizing behaviors across adolescence more likely reflect a combination of bidirectional evocative and parenting environmental associations than purely parenting environmental transmission. Moderation by parent psychopathology was sparse, and sensitivity tests revealed no differences by child sex. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Adopted and donor-conceived children hold reduced genetic-essentialist beliefs relative to traditionally-conceived children.

For three decades, researchers have assessed children's genetic essentialism through an "Adoption Task," probing their beliefs about whether adopted babies grow up to resemble their birthparents or adoptive parents. The present study investigates these beliefs among children who were themselves adopted or donor-conceived (i.e., who share genetic material with neither or one parent, respectively; "ADC"), comparing them with children who were traditionally-conceived (i.e., who share genetic material with two parents; "TC"). Children (n = 95, 4-8 years old, 30ADC/65TC, 34M/59F/2NB, 55 White / 35 of color / five did not report) completed five trials of an Adoption Task concerning five personal characteristics (hair color, spoken language, personality, interests, and intelligence). Across trials, ADC children made fewer essentialist judgments than TC children (ηp² = .07); the odds of an essentialist response were threefold greater among TC than ADC participants. Exploratory analyses revealed that with age, children's essentialist judgments became increasingly differentiated across different characteristics (e.g., increasingly divergent views of the genetic basis of hair color vs. spoken language), and that this differentiation was more pronounced in the ADC than the TC sample. No differences were observed in the genetic-essentialist views of ADC and TC children's parents, suggesting that the mechanism underlying effects was children's own sense-making capacities. Whereas nature and nurture are confounded for TC children, these factors are decoupled for ADC children, supporting them in building their causal theories. Cognitive, developmental, and social implications are discussed, along with translational implications for ADC children and their families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Adoptive Parent Advice: Challenges, Strategies, and Insights for Future Adoptive Parents

This qualitative study examines the advice from 2,131 adoptive parent responses, answering: “What do you believe is important for future adoptive parents to know?” An inductive thematic analysis yielded the following major findings: Various reasons adoption is challenging, strategies to confront challenges, and how adoption is worth the challenges. Parents describe adoption as difficult because (a) parents have unmet expectations, (b) it is time-consuming, (c) emotionally taxing, (d) there are limited resources, and (e) adopted children have behavioral challenges. Strategies for responding to challenges include (a) educating oneself, (b) establishing support, and (c) being patient. These findings suggest there are many absences in information for prospective adoptive parents, indicating the need for increased training, education, and knowledge dissemination. Implications for adoptive parents are delineated.

A ADOÇÃO POR CASAIS HOMOAFETIVOS SOB A PERSPECTIVA DO DIREITO DE FAMÍLIA

Adoption by same-sex couples, from the perspective of Family Law, represents a significant advancement in equality of rights and recognition of diverse family forms. In many countries, Family Law has evolved to include same-sex couples in the adoption process, allowing them to form families and secure rights similar to those of heterosexual couples. Historically, same-sex couples have faced legal and social barriers to adopting children. However, case law and legislation have advanced, reflecting greater acceptance and understanding of same- sex relationships. For instance, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has ruled favorably on adoption by samesex couples, recognizing the validity of these unions and ensuring they can legally form a family. The decision to allow adoption by same-sex couples is based on the principle that the child's best interest should prevail. The ability to provide a loving and stable environment is considered more important than the adoptive parents' sexual orientation. Studies have shown that children adopted by same-sex couples develop as healthily as those adopted by heterosexual couples. Furthermore, legal recognition of adoption by same-sex couples contributes to the protection of children’s rights, ensuring they have access to all legal and social benefits provided by law.

29 A call for action - The lived experiences of caregivers of children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder during assessment and following diagnosis

Abstract Background Individuals diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have a heterogeneous range of neurodevelopmental impairments with lifelong impacts on functioning. In Canada, a FASD diagnosis is made through a multidisciplinary team assessment, using the 2015 Canadian FASD Diagnostic Guidelines. Studies show that early diagnosis and intervention reduces secondary FASD related disabilities and improves outcomes in adulthood. However, little has been published about accessibility of services and intervention for children diagnosed with FASD in Canada. Objectives The current study explores the lived experiences of caregivers in (1) undergoing a diagnostic assessment for FASD and (2) obtaining services and interventions for their child in the first two years following diagnosis. Using a qualitative approach, the study aimed to identify strengths and gaps in the system with respect to supporting Canadian children with FASD and their families. Design/Methods Seventy one (71) children were diagnosed with FASD/At Risk for FASD over a one year period at a tertiary Developmental Assessment Center in Canada. Through non-random convenience sampling, 18 caregivers (the child’s legal guardians: 1 biological parent, 9 adoptive parents, 6 family guardians and 2 social workers) consented to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews explored caregiver experiences with the FASD diagnostic process as well as access to supports and intervention services after diagnosis. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The following overarching themes were identified: (1) The journey of raising a child with FASD is overwhelming for caregivers; (2) The assessment process was both affirming and disheartening for caregivers; (3) There are significant, multi-level, systemic barriers to accessing supports for children with FASD, and their caregivers; (4) Equity deserving caregivers and their children are particularly vulnerable to falling through the cracks of the medical, educational, and social systems. Within each theme, subthemes further highlight protective factors and specific gaps in the system in supporting children and their families with respect to early intervention, educational/vocational, community and family support. Conclusion Children newly diagnosed with FASD are falling through the cracks of our healthcare system. There are clear disparities in the accessibility of intervention and support for children with developmental differences, even with a diagnosis. Wrap around support is needed for children with FASD and their families, as soon as functional impairments are recognized. A formal funding and support system, based on function, is essential for all children with developmental differences - including children with FASD.

Study Protocol for the Development and Preliminary Efficacy Assessment of AdoptMindful2Care@Web: A Web-Based Mindful Parenting Postadoption Intervention.

Developing postadoption interventions to prevent parenting stress and promote parents' well-being is urgent. Mindful parenting-based interventions show promise in achieving these goals and are well received by adoptive parents (APs). However, face-to-face interventions face significant barriers. E-health tools offer a solution by improving accessibility and flexibility and reducing long-term costs. Our main aim is to develop and assess the preliminary efficacy of a web-based mindful parenting postadoption intervention, AdoptMindful2Care@Web, by using a user-centered approach to ensure its effectiveness and cost efficiency. First, two quantitative surveys will be conducted to assess the needs and preferences of APs and gather input from adoption professionals. Then, a prototype version of the intervention will be created and tested for usability with the APs via the Think-Aloud method. Finally, a pilot version will undergo a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy via self-report questionnaires. By developing AdoptMindful2Care@Web employing a user-centered approach, we hope to provide an effective intervention that is adjusted to the reality of its users and the surrounding context. In doing so, we will be able to promote AP access to specialized mental health care efficiently.

Prospective Adoptive Parent Psychological Evaluations: A Proposal for Required Content Areas

Current psychological evaluation processes for prospective adoptive parents lack standardization, leading to inconsistent assessments, potential placement issues, and adverse effects on adopted children well into adulthood. This brief proposes a structured framework for evaluations that includes 10 essential content areas and highlights the risks of inconsistent criteria. By standardizing the content areas of such evaluations, a pathway to more effective and consistent adoption practices can be implemented to improve parent readiness and enhance the well-being of adopted individuals throughout their lifespan.

Unpacking Beliefs and Representations Surrounding Adoptive Families in Italy

Being an adoptive family member could be challenging, especially if the social context conveys unrealistic representations. In Italy, few studies explored socially shared beliefs about adoptive families. We investigated how adoptive parents and adopted children are perceived within the Italian context and whether attitudes toward adoptive and biological parenthood are different. 630 participants who were not part of adoptive families completed an ad hoc questionnaire exploring adoption-related beliefs, the Semantic Differential Scale, and the Couples Ratings Scale after reading vignettes about biological and adoptive parenthood. Our results showed positive views of adoptive parents, high concerns about the social support for adoptive families, and high worries about physical and sexual abuse for biological families. These results are an important first step toward understanding adoption-related socially shared representations in Italy, with the final aim of preventing negative behaviors toward adoptive families.

Successful adoption of non-orphaned infant by a parous, nursing female in yaki (Sulawesi crested macaque)

Abstract Adoption is an unusual behaviour across taxa, and for adoption to be successful, with the infant surviving to independence, the adoptive parent must be able to provide appropriate nutrition and care. Successful adoption has now been reported in several nonhuman primate species and here we add a case in wild yaki (Sulawesi crested macaque, Macaca nigra). We observed the adoption of an approx. 2-week-old infant by a female with her own approx. 3-week-old infant who went on to carry, nurse, and care for both infants until they both became independent. The adoptive and biological mother had each previously raised the same number of offspring (5). There was no evidence of aggressive transfer and we did not observe any attempts by the adopted infant’s biological mother to retrieve her. The biological mother went on to have another infant 8 months later while the adoptive mother was still caring for her other infant. This case may reflect some of the health costs and reproductive benefits of adoption for nonhuman primates.

Public Rights Orientations and Views on Long‐Term Care Options for Children in the Child Protection System: An Analysis of Representative Samples of Adults in California, USA and Norway

ABSTRACTThis study examines a representative sample of adults in California (USA) and Norway, and their attitudes toward adoption versus foster care in a child protection case. The results show that a majority of people favour adoption for a child who has been removed due to maltreatment and cannot be reunified with birth parents. The study examines if people's rights orientation, favouring children or adults, or favouring birth parents or adoptive parents, or their institutional context explain their preferences about long‐term care options. Data material consist of representative samples of the population in California (USA) and Norway (n = 2222), using a vignette survey design. Findings suggest that individuals with a child rights position favour adoption, but attitudes about birth parents' and adoptive parents' rights are not related to care option choices. Institutional context, anchored in policy feedback literature, partly explains the preference for adoption and the population's rights orientation. Further studies are necessary to confirm the role of rights attitudes and institutional context.

Intergenerational transmission of comorbid internalizing and externalizing psychopathology at age 11: Evidence from an adoption design for general transmission of comorbidity rather than homotypic transmission.

Psychopathology is intergenerationally transmitted through both genetic and environmental mechanisms via heterotypic (cross-domain), homotypic (domain-specific), and general (e.g., "p-factor") pathways. The current study leveraged an adopted-at-birth design, the Early Growth and Development Study (57% male; 55.6% White, 19.3% Multiracial, 13% Black/African American, 10.9% Hispanic/Latine) to explore the relative influence of these pathways via associations between adoptive caregiver psychopathology (indexing potential environmental transmission) and birth parent psychopathology (indexing genetic transmission) with adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms. We included composite measures of adoptive and birth parent internalizing, externalizing, and substance use domains, and a general "p-factor." Age 11 adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptom scores were the average of adoptive parent reports on the Child Behavior Checklist (n = 407). Examining domains independently without addressing comorbidity can lead to incorrect interpretations of transmission mode. Therefore, we also examined symptom severity (like the "p-factor") and an orthogonal symptom directionality score to more cleanly disentangle transmission modes. The pattern of correlations was consistent with mostly general transmission in families with youth showing comorbid internalizing and externalizing symptoms, rather than homotypic transmission. Findings more strongly supported potential environmental or evocative mechanisms of intergenerational transmission than genetic transmission mechanisms (though see limitations). Parent-specific effects are discussed.

Akibat Hukum Adopsi terhadap Waris Menurut Kompilasi Hukum Islam

Children are the fruit of love that every married couple dreams of, but many couples experience challenges in having children. For many husbands and couples who have been married for a long time but have not been blessed with a child, adoption is the best alternative. However, many problems arise as a result of this implementation; One of the roots of the problem is that many people still do not know about the adoption process, how inheritance is distributed to adopted children, or how the rights of adopted children comply with the general description of Islamic inheritance law. Many problems occur in society because many people do not know about the rights of adopted children or how to submit a formal claim so that their rights are recognized by the state. In the Compilation of Islamic Law, it is stated that a child's lineage must be carried out by his adoptive parents when he marries and inherits. As a result, adopted children have difficulty understanding their legal position. This research uses normative jurisprudence, namely library research using existing books and references. The solution to problems involving adopted children and adoptive parents is for adoptive parents to understand the legal laws and children's rights as stated in the Compilation of Islamic Law which states that adopted children have the same rights as biological children, including knowing their life history, parents his birth, and the religion of his biological parents and that he was adopted by his adoptive parents.

Proximity to whiteness: Transracial Korean and Chinese American adoptees navigating discussions about racism and intersectionality with White adoptive parents.

Proximity to whiteness: Transracial Korean and Chinese American adoptees navigating discussions about racism and intersectionality with White adoptive parents.

Maṣādiru Tamwīlil Ta’līmi fī al-Madrasati al-Islāmīyati min Manẓūri Niẓami Tamwili at-Ta’limi fī Indūnisiyā

Education has a very important role in promoting the civilization of the nation. A good education can encourage the creation of a good, creative and productive society so that it can finally achieve the goals of the state. Through this Indonesian national education system, the government must be able to ensure the equitable distribution of educational opportunities, as well as the importance and efficiency of education management to meet challenges in line with the changing demands of local, national and global life. The budget allocation system for education in Indonesia is strongly influenced by government policies. The researcher used the library research method by collecting information and data with the help of various materials found in the library such as reference books, similar previous research results, articles, notes and various journals related to the problem to be solved. Research activities are carried out by collecting information and data with the help of various materials in the library such as reference books, similar previous research results, articles, notes and various journals related to the problem to be solved. The research concluded that the financing of education in Indonesia through seven sources: Sources of funding from the central government from Law No. 20 of 2003 on the national education system, Article 49 "Education funds other than education salaries and official education costs are allocated at a minimum of 20% of the state budget and a minimum of 20% of the local revenue budget called the Public Allocation Fund and partially added with the Special Allocation Fund, local governments, parents of students, adoptive parents, community groups, students themselves and sources of institutions or associations.

Primary and secondary trauma in adoptive parents.

Secondary trauma is recognised as one of the negative effects for professionals working with people that have experienced trauma. Research has demonstrated secondary trauma in foster carers but little research has explored trauma symptoms within adoptive parents, facing the emotional impact of parenting a child with adverse early experiences. This study aimed to document the rates of primary and secondary trauma symptoms in adoptive parents. It further explores the association between the extent of current behavioural and emotional challenges and the extent of the child's pre-adoption adverse experiences in predicting parental trauma responses. 190 adoptive parents completed an online survey including self-report measures of primary and secondary trauma. Almost one fifth of adoptive parents exhibited primary trauma scores of clinical concern; with 10% reaching the threshold for a probable diagnosis of PTSD. Participants also reported significantly higher levels of secondary trauma and burnout, and significantly lower levels of compassion satisfaction than population norms. The current behavioural and emotional challenges, including child-to-parent violence, predicted higher trauma scores more so than the extent of their child's past adverse experiences. The findings have clinical implications for identifying trauma symptoms within adoptive parents and wider implications for how we understand secondary and primary trauma. They further highlight the importance of firstly addressing current child behaviour, including child-to-parent violence when treating trauma symptoms. Limitations of this study and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Legal Status of Adopted Children on Parents' Inheritance Based on Islamic Law and Civil Law (Case Study of Decision Number: 113/K/PDT/2019)

The legal consequences of the adoption event are regarding the status of the adopted child as the heir of his adoptive parents, such a status often causes problems in the family. The issues that often arise in the event of a lawsuit are usually related to the legality of the adoption of the child, as well as the position of the adopted child as the heir of his adoptive parents. Adopted children also have the right to guarantee the protection of their rights so that they can live their lives, participate optimally, and get protection from violence and/or different treatments. As for the reality, sometimes adopted children are still considered not part of the family and in the end, the rights of adopted children are ignored. This does not rule out the possibility of problems such as in terms of the distribution of inheritance, because it considers that the adopted child is not the heir of the parent who adopted him. In this study, the author also used Decision Study Number: 113/K/Pdt/2019. The theories used in the research are the theory of legal certainty, the theory of legal justice and the theory of legal protection. The research method used by the author is a normative research method. SW is not entitled to LTJ's inheritance because of his position as only a foster child based on the Deed of Child Handover Number 2. Foster children in terms of inheritance are not entitled to inheritance because their position is different from the position of the adopted child. A foster child is considered a third person who is not included in the class of heirs who are entitled to inheritance according to the law. An adopted child can get property from his adoptive parents through a will. The amount of this will is determined not to exceed 1/3 of the inheritance.