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Parent perspectives on adoption preparation: Findings from the Modern Adoptive Families project

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  • Lee, Bethany R.
  • Kobulsky, Julia M.
  • Brodzinsky, David
  • Barth, Richard P.

Abstract

Preparing prospective adoptive parents for receiving a child into their family is an important task for child and family professionals. This study uses data from the recent Modern Adoptive Families survey to understand parent perspectives on their preparation for adoption. Logistic regression (n=917) and qualitative thematic analysis of adoptive parents' comments about their adoption preparation were conducted to understand aspects of the preparatory experience that were satisfactory (n=623) or dissatisfactory (n=283). Child emotional and behavioral problems significantly predicted parent dissatisfaction with adoption preparation. Major themes for satisfactory aspects of preadoption services included receiving information about adoption in general and, more specifically, about clinical and special populations, and parenting tools and strategies. In addition, parents identified opportunities to connect with others touched by adoption and access to specialized post-adoption services as helpful. Conversely, parents expressed dissatisfaction when information was lacking or withheld, when they had quality concerns with the worker or agency, and when there was a dearth of services and supports following adoption. Implications of these findings include the need for adoption mental health competent training for adoption professionals to better support families preparing for or experiencing adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Bethany R. & Kobulsky, Julia M. & Brodzinsky, David & Barth, Richard P., 2018. "Parent perspectives on adoption preparation: Findings from the Modern Adoptive Families project," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 63-71.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:85:y:2018:i:c:p:63-71
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.12.007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tan, Tony Xing & Marn, Travis, 2013. "Mental health service utilization in children adopted from US foster care, US private agencies and foreign countries: Data from the 2007 National Survey of Adoption Parents (NSAP)," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(7), pages 1050-1054.
    2. Reilly, Thom & Platz, Laurie, 2003. "Characteristics and Challenges of Families Who Adopt Children with Special Needs: An Empirical Study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(10), pages 781-803, October.
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    1. Lopes Almeida, Maíra & Souza Schwochow, Monique & Bitencourt Frizzo, Giana, 2021. "Associations between symptoms of common mental disorders, parental satisfaction and consideration for adoption breakdown in Brazilian adoptive parents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    2. Bergsund, Hans Bugge & Drozd, Filip & Hansen, Marit Bergum & Jacobsen, Heidi, 2018. "Pre-adoption training: Experiences and recommendations from adoptive parents and course trainers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 282-289.
    3. Miller, Laurie C. & Pinderhughes, Ellen & Pérouse de Montclos, Marie-Odile & Matthews, Jessica & Chomilier, Jacques & Peyre, Janice & Vaugelade, Jacques & Sorge, Frédéric & de Monléon, Jean-Vital & de, 2021. "Feelings and perceptions of French parents of internationally adopted children with special needs (SN): Navigating the triple stigma of foreignness, adoption, and disability," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    4. Lasio, Diego & Chessa, Silvia & Chistolini, Marco & Lampis, Jessica & Serri, Francesco, 2021. "Expecting an already born child: Prospective adoptive parents’ expectations in intercountry adoption," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    5. Miller, Laurie C. & Canzi, Elena & Ranieri, Sonia & Ferrari, Laura & Román, Maite & Cáceres, Isabel & Theie, Steinar & de Montclos, Marie-Odile Pérouse & Rygvold, Anne-Lise & Dalen, Monica & Palacios,, 2022. "Special needs of internationally adopted adolescents in 4 European receiving countries: Relation to mothers’ adoption satisfaction," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    6. Waid, Jeffrey & Alewine, Emily, 2018. "An exploration of family challenges and service needs during the post-adoption period," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 213-220.

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