Post-adoption Services Research Articles

Practitioners’ Experiences with Strengths-Based Case Management in Domestic Adoption Families at Post-Adoption Service Agencies

Practitioners’ Experiences with Strengths-Based Case Management in Domestic Adoption Families at Post-Adoption Service Agencies

An Analysis of Reunifications Between Adopted Adults and Their Birth Relatives

ABSTRACT The life-long nature of adoption and recognition of the often-fragile nature of post-reunion relationships, means adoption agencies have a duty of care and moral onus to facilitate comprehensive support services that can be readily accessed. The Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Post-Adoption Service was established in 1989, in response to the legislative changes brought about by The Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. This study employed retrospective file analysis and a purposive sample of 15 Case Files, drawn from a 10-year period (2009–2018), to explore reunifications between adopted adults and their birth relatives, from the time of initial involvement and over the longer term. The use of an Advisory Panel of professional experts, a Pilot Study and a specifically created Data Collection Form, enhanced overall rigour and robustness. Thematic analysis of the data identified common themes of curiosity; identity related; meeting the birth mother; and death of adoptive parents/loss; leading to meta-themes of identity and loss. Key findings include the diversity amongst service users accessing the service in terms of their gender, age and life stage; their motivations; the time-restricted nature of current involvement; protracted timescales from initial contact to search is not uncommon; that post-reunion social work involvement saw a marked drop from pre-contact levels, particularly for birth relatives. The study makes a compelling case for a well-resourced service that offers additional pre- and post-reunion support and argues for a more proactive professional approach, with further expansion of existing support provision.

Beyond Telling: A Phenomenology of Adoptive Mothers’ Adoption Communication Openness with Early Adolescents

Adoption communication openness (ACO) presents a common challenge in families. Three focus groups comprised of a total of 17 U.S. adoptive mothers were facilitated. Using a phenomenological approach, participants described their ACO experiences with their early adolescents (aged 10–14 years), which were thematically coded. Inductive analysis revealed the complexity rooted in being communicatively open. Four key themes emerged: a) the breadth and depth of this experience, b) the work entailed, c) the emotionality involved, and d) the grief and loss embedded in it. These results strengthen our understanding of the lived experiences of adoptive parents, magnifying the call for further research into what drives ACO and the need for consistent pre- and post-adoption services and clinical work.

Longitudinal Evaluation of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics with Adoptive Families in Tennessee

ABSTRACT Purpose This study evaluated effectiveness of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) with adoptive families who received post adoption services in Tennessee. Methods Researchers obtained a sample of 552 families who received post adoption services in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Most families (77%) had adopted children through public child welfare services. A quasi-experimental design examined wellbeing outcomes for an NMT group (n = 319) versus a services-as-usual (SAU) group (n = 233) in intent-to-treat analyses. Then, the SAU group was contrasted to an NMT subgroup that had high adherence to the NMT model (n = 109) in an analysis of treatment-on-the-treated. Results Intent-to-treat models indicated no differences on outcomes between the NMT and SAU groups. However, the results of treatment-on-the-treated analyses showed slightly greater reduction on the Behavior Problems Index over time for the NMT with high adherence group as compared to SAU. Discussion and Conclusion Adoptive families may face challenges that could be addressed through developmentally sensitive, trauma-informed services, such as NMT. The results of this study suggest that the NMT might benefit adoptive families if greater attention is paid to implementation adherence, or fidelity.

Post-Adoption Service Provision: A Scoping Review

The need for post-adoption support is critical; however, access or availability of competent support is limited. By conducting a scoping review, this study’s purpose was to strengthen the understanding of historic and current post-adoption support. The literature search identified 540 articles. After analysis, 27 studies met the eligibility criteria for review. Extracted themes from the review included target population and setting, goals and purpose of service provision, description of service provision, and outcomes. Services were primarily focused on families, provided in a multi-service delivery context or with specific targeted interventions or populations focusing on strengthening family connections and preventing discontinuity. Studies assessing outcomes, while mostly lacking rigorous evaluation methods, proved to be positive. The review also highlighted the need for increased publication in existing programming or intervention utilizing rigorous methods as well as competency evaluation, exploring capacity-building strategies to increase current support, and analyzing and removing barriers connected to availability and accessibility for support available to assist adoptees and their families more effectively throughout the adoption life cycle.

Mental Health Struggles among Norwegian International Adoptees

This article explores mental health struggles experienced by international adoptees. A series of 26 qualitative retrospective interviews with international adoptees in Norway, aged 21–34 at the time of interview, shows how a considerable number of these adoptees experienced profound mental health issues, particularly depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that struggles relating to mental health are strongly associated with the challenge of constructing a sense of identity, the lack of a sense of belonging, and grieving for adoption-related losses. The adoptees with these struggles also tended to lack narrative agency—the ability and opportunity to change and influence one’s own life course. This research has implications for policy and practice in the sense that adoptees’ self-reports of mental health struggles, and their link to adoption-specific issues of identity and belonging, demonstrate the need for post-adoption services tailored to supporting adoptees in the construction of a secure sense of identity and belonging. Post-adoption support can help to reduce the risk of rumination over adoption-related questions in solitude and, as such, contribute to protecting the mental health of adoptees.

Solar electricity: A dimming ray of hope in Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Previous studies have shown that education and awareness about the environment and renewable energy encourage people to adopt and use solar technology. They are willing to pay relatively expensive technology installments. But in Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, a high level of education and awareness is not a condition for accepting a solar electricity policy. This study aims to determine perceptions and attitudes through the theory of innovation diffusion. Perceptions and attitudes of solar electricity users in Ngada are related to the sustainable use of solar electricity. Data is collected from in-depth interviews with solar power users. The findings show differences in adopter backgrounds where they are facilitated adopters rather than voluntary adopters. The state provides solar power facilities for the community. Even though it has the risk of expensive maintenance, the community does not refuse. It is driven more by socioeconomic motivation than knowledge and awareness. Positive changes in the social and economic conditions of society have made people's expectations of solar electricity even higher. Solar energy is the hope in Ngada, but that hope may fade when post-adoption services and access to components become unavailable.

Post-Adoption Help-Seeking in Portugal: A Comprehensive Study on Parental Difficulties and Help-Seeking Behaviors and Perceptions.

Effective psychological parenting interventions delivered to adoptive parents may prevent serious adjustment difficulties and promote a healthy functioning; however, less is known about adoptive parents’ specific parental difficulties and help-seeking behaviors and perceptions, the understanding of which is deemed necessary to design well-informed interventions. This study aimed to describe parental difficulties, help-seeking behaviors, satisfaction with, and perceived barriers to seek, professional help, and acceptability of psychological parenting interventions among Portuguese adoptive parents. Comparisons with biological parents (Study 1) and between adoptive parents that requested adoption-specialized and non-specialized support (i.e., adoption-specialized vs. non-specialized help-seekers) (Study 2) were explored. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Participants were 471 adoptive and 552 biological parents of children aged under 18 years who were recruited through schools, adoption agencies, and social networks. They completed measures assessing parental difficulties, help-seeking behaviors, satisfaction with, and perceived barriers to seek, professional help, and acceptability of psychological parenting interventions. Comparison tests between the study groups, Pearson’s correlations, analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate logistic regressions (MLR) were performed. Parents’ well-being and normative parenting challenges were the most frequent difficulties in both groups, but only associated with adoptive parents’ help-seeking. Although difficulties related to a child’s problems/parent–child relationship were more frequent among adoptive parents, adoption-related difficulties were rarely reported. Adoptive parents sought professional help more frequently, regardless of parental difficulties. Knowledge-related barriers to seeking help were the most frequent among adoptive parents. Adoption non-specialized help was less satisfactory. Acceptability of psychological parenting interventions was high, but dependent on parental difficulties. Implications for post-adoption services’ development are discussed.

Calidad de Vida y Salud Mental en Adultos Adoptados

This paper analyses psychological adjustment and checks a suggested theoretical model that relates the presence of psychopathological symptoms to a worse health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adult adoptees. The sample consisted of 177 young adopted adults (mean age 27.67). Measures of psychopathological symptoms (SCL-90), quality of life (SF-12), self-esteem (RSES), and resilience (BRS) were taken. The multiple mediation model shows that, in addition to the direct association between psychopathological symptomatology and a poorer HRQOL, resilience, and self-esteem have a buffering effect on this relationship. As a conclusion, empirical evidence of the impact of mental health difficulties on the HRQOL of adopted people is shown. The presence of positive psychological resources, such as resilience and self-esteem, causes psychopathological dimensions, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, or psychoticism to decrease. This paper supports the inclusion of resilience-building programs as a health promotion strategy, especially in the case of psychopathology, and among post-adoption services.

Characterizing unsuccessful animal adoptions: age and breed predict the likelihood of return, reasons for return and post-return outcomes

A considerable number of adopted animals are returned to animal shelters post-adoption which can be stressful for both the animal and the owner. In this retrospective analysis of 23,932 animal records from a US shelter, we identified animal characteristics associated with the likelihood of return, key return reasons, and outcomes post-return for dogs and cats. Binary logistic regression models were used to describe the likelihood of return, return reason and outcome based on intake age, intake type, sex, breed and return frequency. Behavioral issues and incompatibility with existing pets were the most common return reasons. Age and breed group (dogs only) predicted the likelihood of return, return reason and post-adoption return outcome. Adult dogs had the greatest odds of post-adoption return (OR 3.40, 95% CI 2.88–4.01) and post-return euthanasia (OR 3.94, 95% CI 2.04–7.59). Toy and terrier breeds were 65% and 35% less likely to be returned compared with herding breeds. Pit bull-type breeds were more likely to be returned multiple times (X2 = 18.11, p = 0.01) and euthanized post-return (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.47–4.61). Our findings highlight the importance of animal behavior in the retention of newly adopted animals and provide useful direction for allocation of resources and future adoption counselling and post-adoption support services.

Changing nature of adoption and need for post-adoption services: Intercountry adoption practice in Taiwan and Australia

This study explores issues on post-adoption services in intercountry adoptions based on the perspectives of adoption professionals from Taiwan and Australia. Findings revealed that both birth and adoptive families identify service needs for material and emotional support and connection after the adoption process is finalized. However, the current lack of government funding for post-adoption services result in gaps in service delivery. Adoption agencies experience challenges in funding and balancing the interests of the child and the two families. Implications for practice and policy are discussed to enhance the quality of post-adoption services and improve the well-being of the adoption triad.

Attachment formation within adoptive families and post-adoption support

This study aims to explore the experience of the adoptive families related to the attachment formation with the adopted child. Existing post-adoption services are explored. The study design is qualitative and triangulated the data from interviews with 11 adoptive parents, with a wide range of attachment relationship experience, from observation within a support group for adoptive parents, from interviews with specialists working in the statutory and private sector in the adoption field, and from social documents. Data analysis made use of the thematic analysis and storytelling. The key factors facilitating the attachment process are discussed and several recommendations for post-adoption services are made.

The anonymously adopted child: Impact of age and parental psychopathology on adoptees’ mental health

• Older anonymously born adoptees had a higher overall problem score than the norm. • Older anonymously born adoptees showed more externalizing behaviours than the norm. • Younger adoptees had lower total problem scores than the norm. • Adoptees’ mental health was positively associated with age and parental mental health. • Parents’ anxious attachment style predicted adoptee’s mental health problems. Children and adolescents who have been anonymously adopted are an understudied subgroup of adoptees, particularly with regards to their mental health. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess whether the mental health of anonymously adopted children and adolescents differs from a representative norm population, with particular regards to age and gender specific norms. Additionally, possible predictors of anonymous adoptees’ mental health, such as the adoptive parents’ mental health, their attachment styles and demographic variables were evaluated. Data was collected between 2018 and 2019 using an online survey or paper pencil questionnaires (parents’ choice). The sample consisted of 97 adoptive parents, who reported on their anonymously adopted children aged between 2 and 17 years using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Older adoptees born anonymously showed a higher overall score and more externalising behaviours, when compared to a representative German (non-adopted) reference norm population. The younger anonymously born adoptee group showed significantly lower overall, internalising and externalising behaviour problem scores in comparisons to the norm population. Child mental health problems were positively associated with parental mental health problems and children’s age. Additionally, adoptive parents’ anxious attachment style was a predictor for children’s mental health problems. The current results imply that prevention and treatment of existing mental health problems should target the whole adoptive family and should be implemented by default in post-adoption services.

Public Intimacy and Kinship in the Korean Adoption Community

Abstract Korean children represent the largest group of international, transracial adoptees in the United States, and the majority of these children enter white families. Since the 1980s, adoptive families and children have become engaged with one another through culture (or heritage) camps, local and national adoption organizations, adoption agency postadoption services, adoption list-serves, and adoption-related Facebook groups. The emergence of an adult adoptee community coincided with these connections between adoptive parents and their children. Yet these communities—adoptive parents and adult adoptees—do not exist in isolation from one another. To better understand how the two communities operate in concert and conversation together, this essay examines the role of the annual Korean Adoption Conference (KAC)—operated by a national organization dedicated to supporting the Korean adoption community—in the lives of Korean adult adoptees and the adoptive parents of Korean children. Drawing from survey data of adult Korean adoptees and adoptive parents of Korean adoptees and a collection of oral histories of those involved in the KAC as attendees, speakers, and/or leaders, this article explores the implications of forging community across the adoption constellation. By placing these voices in conversation with one another, this essay contributes to new knowledges concerning the value of listening and learning from one another as a mechanism to engender change in mainstream conversations and debates concerning adoption. I elucidate how the KAC is a site for adoptees and their adoptive families to contest what it means to be in community or kinship with one another through the development of public intimacies. In doing so, I explore what it means to cultivate an intentional space for adoptees and adoptive parents to engage one another and disentangle assumptions that there is a monolithic adoptee or adoptive parent experience.

Parent, Child, and Adoption Characteristics Associated with Post-Adoption Support Needs

Abstract The purpose of this study is to (a) identify whether there are meaningful subgroups of families with distinct post-adoption needs and (b) determine which parent, youth, and adoption characteristics are associated with these collections of needs. Using data from the Modern Adoptive Families study, authors conducted a three-step latent class analysis with a sample of 1,414 families who rated the importance of 16 areas of parent education and support, based on their current level of need. A five-class solution best fit the data. Descriptively, the classes reflect families with low needs, families with needs related to adoption adjustment, families with adoption-specific needs, families wanting support specific to their youths’ special needs, and families with needs that are both adoption-specific and related to youth special needs. Results from the multinomial logistic regression model found class membership differences based on parent, youth, and adoption characteristics. These classes may help adoption professionals to recognize the types of post-adoption services different families may need and to develop targeted interventions for specific types of families.

Perceptions of School Bullying, Social Support, and Stress Among Korean Adoptees in U.S. White Families: A Pilot Study

Although there are numerous research studies on post adoption services to improve wellbeing of adopted children and their adoptive families, there is scarce research on school adjustment of adopted children. To address this gap, the current study examined the link between experience of school bullying and psychological stress among Korean children adopted into U.S. white families. In addition, it examined the role of social support in moderation the association between the experience of being bullied and stress. One hundred sixty-one were mailed to adoptive families through Dillon International Adoption Agency. Thirty-one children completed and returned the packets. Data analysis utilizing independent t-test and ANOVA indicated that peer intervention and adults or teachers’ intervention could be a moderating factor to lower stress levels among Korean adoptees. The paper includes research implications of these findings as well as limitations of the study.

A Qualitative Study on the Psychosocial Adaptation and Post-adoption Service experience and Needs of Overseas Adoption Youth

A Qualitative Study on the Psychosocial Adaptation and Post-adoption Service experience and Needs of Overseas Adoption Youth

Support Needs and Post-Adoption Resources for Adopted Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract Post-adoption services provide guidance to adoptive families concerning common and specific circumstances. Despite adoption is a lifelong experience, most of the post-adoption resources are oriented towards children, adolescents and their adoptive parents. However, it is also necessary to focus on the demands and interventions with adult adoptees. The aim of this article is to review adult adoptees’ demands for post-adoption resources, applicants’ characteristics and resources offered to them. A systematic search was conducted in several databases, finding forty studies that fulfilled the selection criteria (about adults, domestic/international adoptions and published between 2005 and 2018). The included studies showed mainly three needs: contact with birth family, ethnic identity and birth culture, and psychological support. Additionally, adoptees who demand post-adoption resources are a heterogeneous group. This review collects structured programmes focused on different topics: search for origins, attachment development and professionals’ training in adoption. In addition, we also found some specific post-adoption services and other tools, such as support groups or cultural events. Finally, adoptees also have access to other resources that are not specifically for them, such as mental health services. The scarce existence of evidence-based interventions is an important weakness in this work. Recommendations for future research and practice are included.

Exploring health-related quality of life of Spanish domestic adult adoptees: sociodemographic characteristics, chronic medical conditions, and gender differences.

The main objective is to study the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as a positive approach to health in adult adoptees. We will also consider comparison with population norms, relation to chronic medical conditions, the role of sociodemographic variables, and gender differences among the variables in this study. This was a cross-sectional study of 179 adult domestic adoptees from Spain aged between 18 and 44. They were recruited from a longitudinal study, which was on its third wave. They answered an interview and the self-report measure Health Survey Short Form (SF-12). ANOVAs and t test analyses to compare groups, and multiple regression to determine predictors of HRQoL, were performed. Adoptees are not different from the general population in terms of perceived physical health (PH) and mental health (MH). Both PH and MH are related to different variables (e.g., current age is negatively associated with PH, as is the number of chronic medical conditions with MH). Despite the absence of gender differences in MH perception, there were common and different predictor variables for males and females. The number of chronic medical conditions predicts HRQoL regardless of gender. For women, employment is also a predictor, and for men, other variables are being in a romantic relationship, having children, and low income. Adult adoptees are comparable to general population in terms of HRQoL, but there are associated variables (chronic medical conditions and gender) that should be considered. Post-adoption services should promote health and support in life transitions for this group.

Virtual support groups among adoptive parents: Ideal for information seeking?

Despite the use of online support groups within areas of child welfare, namely postadoptive services, research in this area has not kept pace. This study examined adoptive parent perceptions of a virtual platform utilized for an online support group, and the impact of these perceptions on information seeking effectiveness. Overall, findings indicate that participants viewed the platform as usable, flexible, and congruent with fostering adequate participant interaction. Perceived group interaction, satisfaction with group membership, and perceived usefulness of the virtual platform were all significant predictors of information seeking effectiveness. Data from this study suggest that ample consideration should be given to the form and function of - virtual platforms use to administer support groups. Implications for practice and apposite area of future research are discussed.