"Ours by choice": adoptive parents' experiences of raising a child by inter-country adoption

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the experiences of nine adoptive families who are raising children by choice through inter-country adoption with particular reference to attachment issues. It is a qualitative study that maps the participants' journey of fulfilling their dream - parenthood. It explores the meaning given to their preparation for parenting by inter-country adoption and the many pathways they have travelled in supporting their chosen child(ren) to heal from early childhood trauma (of separation and loss, neglect, abandonment or abuse and the effects of institutionalisation) and to form secure attachments to their adoptive parent(s). This study identifies the issues and problems experienced by adoptive parents that helped or hindered attachment. It identifies behavioural problems, learning, language and developmental delays and the ability of the parents to resource and have their children's needs met through appropriate interventions and support services. It provides insights into the challenges faced at the time of placement and considers the future needs of the parents and their child(ren). For many participants the journey has been rocky. Reflections on their experiences and words of wisdom to prospective inter-country adopters provide valuable insights into the value of purposeful preparation. Reflections confirm that the lack of knowledge by many professionals in understanding the multiple needs of this group result in parents feeling bruised, misunderstood and exhausted. My aim as researcher has been to honour and validate my participants' journey in order that their voices are heard. To achieve this I have employed an Interpretive Interactionist approach and feminist methodology. A general interview guide provided the flexibility to explore and expand on issues as they arose. An extensive literature review was undertaken which assisted in grounding the research and provided the parameters of the study. Content analysis methods were used to synthesise and analyse the data, with additional themes emerging from the participants' stories. Attachment to a primary caregiver and the ability to trust that one's needs will be met have long been recognised in the social science literature as essential ingredients for normal, healthy, child development. Much has already been written about the harmful effects of institutionalisation on the developing child and various studies have documented the child's progress following adoption. However, this study provides a starting point for increasing our understanding of the enormity of the issues facing inter-country adoptive parents in New Zealand in what is potentially a growth area on two fronts. Firstly it is a special way of forming a family. Secondly it is a specialised area of work requiring a full range of social service supports if children are to develop their potential and families are able to live harmoniously. My recommendations seek changes to the education and preparation of prospective inter-country adoptive parents, the implementation of a range of post placement supports and the training of social workers on attachment issues within the Department of Child, Youth and Family, which at this point in time retains primary responsibility for all areas of this work. Research findings will be of value to other social workers working in the adoption field and have the potential to be useful to all agencies and professionals supporting inter-country adoptive families and their children. It will be of interest to those responsible for policy and practice issues surrounding the education and preparation of potential inter-country adoptive applicants and post placement support workers. The interviews pertaining to this research were conducted between April and July 2000.