scholarly journals Introduction: International Issues and Debates Concerning Adoption

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
Harriet Ward ◽  
Lynne Moggach ◽  
Susan Tregeagle ◽  
Helen Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Adult Adoptees ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Out Of Home Care ◽  
History Of ◽  
International Issues ◽  
Birth Family ◽  
Aboriginal Children ◽  
Children In Care

AbstractA history of systemic injustices and a lack of transparency have influenced public perceptions of domestic adoption. This book aims to introduce more empirical evidence into the debate by exploring the value of open adoption, as practised in Australia, as a route to permanence for abused and neglected children in out-of-home care who cannot safely return to their birth families. International evidence about the outcomes of adoption and foster care is discussed. The chapter introduces the Barnardos Australia Find-a-Family programme which has been finding adoptive homes since 1986 for non-Aboriginal children in care who are identified as ‘hard to place’. Regular post-adoption face-to-face contact with birth family members is an integral part of the adoption plan. The methodology for evaluating the outcomes for 210 children placed through the programme included case and court file analysis, a follow-up survey and interviews with adoptive parents and adult adoptees.

scholarly journals Post-adoption Contact and Relationships with Birth Family Members

2021 ◽  
pp. 151-197
Author(s):  
Harriet Ward ◽  
Lynne Moggach ◽  
Susan Tregeagle ◽  
Helen Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Adult Adoptees ◽  
Adoptive Families ◽  
Birth Parents ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Birth Family ◽  
Children's Identity

AbstractThe chapter draws on data collected through responses to an online survey concerning 93 adoptees (44% of the cohort), completed on average 18 years after placement, and interviews focusing on 24 adult adoptees. Face-to-face post-adoption contact was a legal requirement. After placement with adoptive families, 93% of adoptees had contact with birth family members; at follow-up, 56% still saw at least one member of their birth family; 69% of both adoptees and adoptive parents thought contact was ultimately beneficial. There was minimal evidence of contact with birth parents destabilising placements. However, it introduced a ‘painful transparency’ for all parties and could be problematic. Over time, contact supported children’s identity needs by incorporating knowledge of their antecedents and could mitigate their difficulties with attachment, separation and loss. It forced all parties to engage with one another and helped adoptees achieve closure.

scholarly journals Adoption, fostering, permanent care and beyond Re-thinking policy and practice on out-of-home care for children in Australia

2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 2-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Cuthbert ◽  
Marian Quartly
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Policy Statement ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Out Of Home Care ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aboriginal Children ◽  
Children In Care

The papers published in this special issue of Children Australia were originally presented at a two day symposium held in Melbourne on 26 and 27 November 2009. The symposium, Adoption, fostering, permanent care and beyond: Re-thinking policy and practice on out-of-home care for children in Australia, was jointly convened by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Victoria and the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Monash University in conjunction with the History of Adoption in Australia project (Monash University 2009).The event was a partnership between professionals working in this area and university researchers. Each group brought different perspectives and imperatives to the table. For DHS and the sector, the immediate frame of the symposium was the major policy statement Directions for out-of-home care, announced in May 2009 by the Victorian Minister for Community Services after consultation with community service organisations and young people living in care (DHS 2009a). It announces a framework for change which incorporates action on seven fronts or ‘reform directions’. These are to support children to remain at home with their families; to provide a better choice of care placement; to promote wellbeing; to prepare young people who are leaving care to make the transition into adult life; to improve the education of children in care; to develop effective and culturally appropriate responses to the high numbers of Aboriginal children in our care; and to create a child-focused system and processes (DHS 2009a). The driving principle informing the reforms is to ensure that policy and service provision are centred on the needs and interests of children and young people, and to ensure that young people are consulted as to what their needs are (rather than assumptions being made by adults as to their needs).

scholarly journals A brief history of contact in fostering and adoption: practice and power, and the coming of the mobile phone

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-284
Author(s):  
Jennifer E Simpson ◽  
Gary Clapton
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Family Time ◽  
Critical History ◽  
Looked After Children ◽  
The Social ◽  
History Of ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Birth Family ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Children In Care

This article charts the UK history of contact in fostering and adoption as it relates to looked after children and their birth relatives. It builds on a recent publication in this journal by one of the authors based on her research on the use of social media by children in care. Here we look at previous practices relating to the question of whether or not contact ought to be ‘allowed’ in which words such as ‘access’ were used, betokening the child as object. We also come up to date with reference to contemporary efforts to recast contact as ‘family time’ that is significant in the child’s continuation of understanding of self. Other words in the lexicon are problematised, including ‘contact’ itself. Attention is also devoted to the social work profession's conception and management of contact. We argue that a critical history of contact reveals the various ways that formal and informal power operates to both regulate and discipline those involved, most centrally the child and birth family members. Drawing upon emerging research relating to social media and contact, the article concludes with a discussion of how young people’s access to, and use of, social media has altered, how contact is managed and ‘policed’, and how this has shifted the balance of power in contact towards greater egalitarianism.

scholarly journals Progress After Placement

2021 ◽  
pp. 199-222
Author(s):  
Harriet Ward ◽  
Lynne Moggach ◽  
Susan Tregeagle ◽  
Helen Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Developmentally Delayed ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Adult Adoptees

AbstractThe chapter explores the progress made by the 93 adoptees in the core follow-up sample in terms of physical and mental health and education from the time they entered their adoptive homes until they were followed up, on average 18 years later. It draws on data collected through responses to an online survey concerning 93 adoptees (44% of the cohort) completed at follow-up, and interviews focusing on 24 adult adoptees. On entering their placements, 40% of adoptees were developmentally delayed; 13% had poor physical health; 38% were in poor mental health. Emotional and behavioural problems affected their academic progress; 76% required specialist help. After placement, 74% improved in physical health, 66% in mental health and 68% in academic performance. The challenges faced by adoptive parents provide a powerful case for careful preparation and long-term post-adoption support.

scholarly journals Permanence

2021 ◽  
pp. 125-150
Author(s):  
Harriet Ward ◽  
Lynne Moggach ◽  
Susan Tregeagle ◽  
Helen Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Foster Parents ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Adult Adoptees ◽  
Original Cohort ◽  
Extensive Data ◽  
Care Leavers

AbstractThis chapter considers how far the Barnardos adoptees achieved legal, residential and emotional permanence after adoption. It draws on minimal follow-up data, available for 124 adoptees (59% of the original cohort); extensive data collected through responses to an online survey concerning 93 adoptees (44% of the cohort) 5–37 years after placement; and interviews focusing on 24 adult adoptees. Ages at follow-up ranged from 5 to 44. All adoptees had achieved legal permanence. Many had achieved residential permanence after numerous placements in care: 34% of those aged 18 or over were still living with their adoptive parents. Twelve (13%) placements had disrupted, but all except eight (9%) adoptees had achieved psychological permanence. Relationships between adoptees and adoptive parents were twice as likely to persist as those between care leavers and foster parents.

Supporting Face-to-Face Birth Family Contact after Adoption from Care: Learning for Trauma-Sensitive Practice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandi MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Adult Child ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Trauma Informed Care ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Emotional Safety ◽  
Birth Family ◽  
Family Contact ◽  
And Control

Abstract There are recent calls to consider face-to-face birth family contact for more children adopted from care. Given that the threshold for this authoritative intervention is significant harm, post-adoption contact should be sensitive to the possible impact of early childhood trauma, and be adequately supported. This article draws on adopters’ reports of face-to-face contact with birth relatives, and their evaluation of social work support to suggest an approach to practice informed by principles of trauma-informed care. Twenty-six adoptive parents participated in focus groups, and seventy-three completed a web-based questionnaire, all from Northern Ireland where face-to-face post-adoption contact is expected. Findings are structured thematically around principles of trauma-informed care: trusting relationships; physical and emotional safety; choice and control; and narrative coherence. Most families had a social worker attending contact, and help with practical arrangements. Less common but important practices included: deliberate consideration of children’s perspectives; safeguarding their emotional well-being; and facilitating communication outside of visits. Findings suggest that visits are a context in which trauma-effects may surface, and social workers supporting contact should be sensitive to this possibility. This article suggests a systemic approach to helping all parties prepare for, manage and de-brief after contact, attending to both adult-to-adult and adult–child interactions.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 1775-1795
Author(s):  
Yolanda Sánchez-Sandoval ◽  
Natalia Jiménez-Luque ◽  
Sandra Melero ◽  
Violeta Luque ◽  
Laura Verdugo
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Adult Adoptees ◽  
Adoptive Families ◽  
International Adoptions ◽  
Birth Family ◽  
Attachment Development

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.

scholarly journals Conclusion: Implications for Policy and Practice

2021 ◽  
pp. 267-290
Author(s):  
Harriet Ward ◽  
Lynne Moggach ◽  
Susan Tregeagle ◽  
Helen Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Birth Parents ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Out Of Home Care ◽  
Improved Stability

AbstractThe book focuses on a study of 210 children in out-of-home care in Australia who were adopted over a 30-year period; 93 were traced for an average of 18 years after placement. The requirement for regular face-to-face contact with birth parents was considered beneficial by 69% of participants. Other findings show the adoptees’ extreme vulnerability, improved stability post adoption and the importance of adoptive parents’ commitment in facilitating positive outcomes. They also imply that child protection policy should focus on strengthening family support and more timely decision-making when parents cannot overcome their difficulties. Policy for children in long-term foster care should focus on reducing instability, increasing the quality of care and providing better care leaving support. Internationally, adoption policy needs to reflect the increased similarities between adoption and fostering engendered by open adoption from care, and acknowledge their implications for recruitment, training, contact arrangements and post-adoption support.

scholarly journals 1452 How Did We Nose? COVID Adaptation of Our Nasal Fracture Service

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kumaresan ◽  
H Jones
Keyword(s):  
General Anaesthesia ◽  
Patient Contact ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Nasal Fracture ◽  
History Of ◽  
Telephone Calls ◽  
Nasal Fractures ◽  
Functional Problems

Abstract Introduction Nasal fractures are a common ENT emergency that present to ED typically with a history of trauma. They can leave behind functional problems with breathing and can be cosmetically very deforming. For this reason, they need to be managed appropriately by the specialist team. In UHS, Southampton Hospital these patients were initially followed up by Care UK but during COVID, in order to minimise patient contact we came up with a modified patient initiated follow up pathway. (PIFU) Method Based on commonly agreed departmental guidelines: We looked at the statistics from 2019 and compared it with data from August – October 2020 and reviewed all patients who presented via ED and GP to us with nasal fractures visa image and telephone review and face to face meetings over a 3-month period. Results Despite lower attendances in ED during months of lockdown we still had 48 patients in 3 months i.e., nearly 4 patients every week. 50% did not initiate follow up. Of the patients who initiated follow up a third required MUA of which one was under general anaesthesia. All patients were treated within 21 days. Conclusions Our modified management pathway is compliant with the guidelines despite some consultations via telephone calls and image reviews.

Issues of Confidentiality in Adoption: The Role of the Pediatrician

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 339-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Certificate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
State Agency ◽  
Adopted Children ◽  
Court Order ◽  
Adult Adoptees ◽  
Birth Parents ◽  
Birth Parent ◽  
Birth Family

Adoption practices in the United States have been designed to protect each member of the adoption triad. Traditionally they preserve the anonymity and privacy of the birth parents. These practices have supported the concept that adoptive parents need to establish a relationship with their new child without concern of unwanted interference by members of the child's birth family. In addition, they emphasize protecting adopted children from potentially disturbing facts about their birth families and/or psychological confusion that might arise from any continued relationship with their birth families. To protect confidentiality in adoption, all records of the adoption proceedings are sealed. The child's original birth certificate is sealed, and a new one is issued that typically contains only the child's adoptive name and substitutes the names of the adoptive parents for the birth parents. The original birth certificate and adoption records can be opened only by a court order and only for "just cause." Recently, however, three states have developed open adoption records, and more than 30 other states have developed mutual consent registries.1 The exact statutes regarding mutual consent registries vary from state to state, but the basic concept allows adult adoptees and birth parents to register their desire to meet each other. If a mutual consent is achieved, identifying information can be released and a meeting may be facilitated. Some states require both parties to register independently. Other states allow a state agency to locate the birth parent(s) to determine whether consent will be granted to release information to the adult adoptee.1

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