Adoption with contact: a study of adoptive parents and the impact of continuing contact with families of origin

Margaret Sykes

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Child Welfare and Adoption Family Dynamics and Relationships Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Abstract

Adoption practice has seen an increase in adoptive families where contact continues with families of origin. This study, based on responses from adoptive parents at least two years after placement, aims to enhance understanding of the meaning of these experiences for adoptive parents. Data from thirty questionnaire responses indicate that attitudes change, while there are gender differences in the degree of comfort with contact. Fifteen adopters participated in follow‐up interviews. The analysis has considered (1) the impact on parenthood, exploring themes of control, entitlement to parent, communication, bonding and ownership, and (2) relationships between adoptive and birth parents, exploring themes of fear, anger and blame, competition and empathy. The findings suggest that passage of time and a greater sense of control assist in establishing confidence, while a more empathic view towards birth mothers develops. This has emotional costs to the adoptive mother. The implications for practice are discussed.

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References

1983In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development.1977Toward a New Psychology of Women 1974Beyond the Best Interests of the Child 2006Attachments and other affectional bonds across the life cycle 1997Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 1989Literate Means to Therapeutic Ends 1981Before the Best Interests of the Child 1964Genealogical bewilderment in children with substitute parents

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2014Contact Between Birth and Adoptive Families During the First Year Post-Placement: Perspectives of Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parents 2017Birth Family Contact Experiences Among Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Adoptive Parents With School‐Age Children 2020Review of benefits and risks for children in open adoption arrangements 2013Lesbian, gay, and heterosexual adoptive parents’ perceptions of parental bonding during early parenthood.2011Exploring Core Issues in Adoption: Individual and Marital Experience of Adoptive Mothers

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