Previous research has continuously identified a need for a comprehensive model of working with first mothers in adoption. This gap in knowledge has hindered the development of services, to the detriment of the quality of life and well-being of this group. This study seeks to remedy this deficiency by exploring the lived experiences of Irish mothers who have lost a child through closed adoption. and connectedness resulting from the loss of a child and how participants coped with it. The two others describe the participants’ experiences of growth in personal autonomy and agency through the process of breaking the silence of their concealed motherhood and of reconnection and reunification with their now adult children. The findings indicate that engaging in therapeutic services and/or with adoption peer
Previous research has continuously identified a need for a comprehensive model of working with first mothers in adoption. This gap in knowledge has hindered the development of services, to the detriment of the quality of life and well-being of this group. This study seeks to remedy this deficiency by exploring the lived experiences of Irish mothers who have lost a child through closed adoption. It aims to expand understanding of the impact of such loss, in particular exploring how it affects their journey of reconnection and reunion with their child in adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with six women from Ireland who had lost a child in this way and their narratives were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two superordinate themes emerged from the data: ‘Motherhood concealed: the loss of autonomy and connection’ and ‘Motherhood revealed: a pathway towards autonomy and reconnection’. Within each superordinate theme, two subordinate ones were identified: ‘Dehumanised, disempowered and dismissed’, ‘Coping through disconnection’, ‘Breaking the silence’ and ‘Reunion and reconnection’. The first two of these encapsulate the loss of personal autonomy and connectedness resulting from the loss of a child and how participants coped with it. The two others describe the participants’ experiences of growth in personal autonomy and agency through the process of breaking the silence of their concealed motherhood and of reconnection and reunification with their now adult children. The findings indicate that engaging in therapeutic services and/or with adoption peer support enables participants to express their feelings of grief and move from coping strategies dominated by disconnection to ones marked by the autonomous processing of emotion and new coping patterns. The process of reunification with their children plays a significant role in this transition.
Polemicisies against the using the European Convention on the Adoption of Children in judicial decisions in Ireland. Although the institution of the adoption of children exists in all member countries of the Council of Europe, there are in those countries differing views as to the principles which should govern adoption and differences in the procedure for effecting, and the legal consequences of, adoption. The onvention argues that the acceptance of common principles and practices with respect to the adoption of children would help to reduce the difficulties caused by those differences and at the same time promote the welfare of children who are adopted.
Polemicisies against the using the European Convention on the Adoption of Children in judicial decisions in Ireland. Although the institution of the adoption of children exists in all member countries of the Council of Europe, there are in those countries differing views as to the principles which should govern adoption and differences in the procedure for effecting, and the legal consequences of, adoption. The onvention argues that the acceptance of common principles and practices with respect to the adoption of children would help to reduce the difficulties caused by those differences and at the same time promote the welfare of children who are adopted.
Subject terms:
United Nations, adoption, childrens rights, family law;
After decades of inertia the Irish government is planning to give adopted people a right to their birth certificates. However, despite this breakthrough, parents and adoption groups are split on the issue.
After decades of inertia the Irish government is planning to give adopted people a right to their birth certificates. However, despite this breakthrough, parents and adoption groups are split on the issue.
Subject terms:
access to birth records, adopted children, adoption, birth parents;
Ethics and Social Welfare, 2(2), July 2008, pp.133-149.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Abingdon
This paper explores the current practice dilemmas and common ideologies that characterise inter-country adoption in Ireland and explores these issues through a child rights lens. The social and historical development and construction of adoption are examined in order to outline the broad parameters within which inter-country adoption occurs in Ireland. The role of social workers in this complex and specialised area of work is examined and some of the questions posed by adoption professionals are highlighted. A real consideration for the best interests of children is put into perspective and the role of the social worker as a child rights advocate is given recognition.
This paper explores the current practice dilemmas and common ideologies that characterise inter-country adoption in Ireland and explores these issues through a child rights lens. The social and historical development and construction of adoption are examined in order to outline the broad parameters within which inter-country adoption occurs in Ireland. The role of social workers in this complex and specialised area of work is examined and some of the questions posed by adoption professionals are highlighted. A real consideration for the best interests of children is put into perspective and the role of the social worker as a child rights advocate is given recognition.
Subject terms:
intercountry adoption, social work methods, adoption, childrens rights, ethics;
The book describes how the relinquishment of birth children and adoption reunion has affected a group of young single mothers in Ireland. The study explores the whole process from the perspective of the young mothers and gives a valuable insight into their thoughts and feelings and how their whole life has been affected by the procedure.
The book describes how the relinquishment of birth children and adoption reunion has affected a group of young single mothers in Ireland. The study explores the whole process from the perspective of the young mothers and gives a valuable insight into their thoughts and feelings and how their whole life has been affected by the procedure.
Subject terms:
mothers, single parent families, adoption, birth parents, discrimination;
The historical legacy and the changing landscape of adoption in Ireland are currently garnering much attention. However, to date, the specifics of the changes have not yet been presented. This article provides a detailed numerical overview of who is being adopted and who is adopting in Ireland. The compilation of the available administrative data provides the basis for analysis of Irish trends in adoption between 1999 and 2016. The changing landscape of adoption practices captured in this data is discussed against a general backdrop of changing family structures. This analysis provides an overview of key trends, which will be useful for policy makers, practitioners and researchers alike. It is anticipated that the analysis and the identification of future trends will enhance professional practice
(Edited publisher abstract)
The historical legacy and the changing landscape of adoption in Ireland are currently garnering much attention. However, to date, the specifics of the changes have not yet been presented. This article provides a detailed numerical overview of who is being adopted and who is adopting in Ireland. The compilation of the available administrative data provides the basis for analysis of Irish trends in adoption between 1999 and 2016. The changing landscape of adoption practices captured in this data is discussed against a general backdrop of changing family structures. This analysis provides an overview of key trends, which will be useful for policy makers, practitioners and researchers alike. It is anticipated that the analysis and the identification of future trends will enhance professional practice development and will also identify areas of future service that require examination and further research.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
adoption, longitudinal studies, foster care, looked after children, data analysis, families;
Domestic adoption in Ireland has been traditionally extremely controversial and its history, linked to the strong influence of the Catholic Church on the Irish state, has left a difficult legacy. In many respects the topography of contemporary domestic adoption in Ireland is now changing, presenting a critical opportunity for a national paradigm shift. However, while there is some evidence of change, a number of factors threaten the potential for more significant progress. Tensions exist between historical adoption practices in Ireland that continue to affect adopted individuals today, contemporary societal perceptions of adoption, the historical and current legislative basis of domestic adoption and the individual needs of those affected by it. The availability of new, independent methods of tracing birth relatives via the internet is competing with the traditional social worker-led model of tracing, creating unforeseen challenges for adoption stakeholders. This article draws on two recent Irish studies in the area of domestic adoption, which examined the experience of adoption, and its inherent challenges, from the perspective of adoptive families, adopted individuals and practitioners. It considers some of the challenges associated with the closed model of adoption and how those directly affected by adoption have been central in highlighting areas in need of reform. Some of the positive changes that have occurred in adoption practice are discussed, and the ongoing tensions that exist between contemporary adoption practice and law are examined.
(Publisher abstract)
Domestic adoption in Ireland has been traditionally extremely controversial and its history, linked to the strong influence of the Catholic Church on the Irish state, has left a difficult legacy. In many respects the topography of contemporary domestic adoption in Ireland is now changing, presenting a critical opportunity for a national paradigm shift. However, while there is some evidence of change, a number of factors threaten the potential for more significant progress. Tensions exist between historical adoption practices in Ireland that continue to affect adopted individuals today, contemporary societal perceptions of adoption, the historical and current legislative basis of domestic adoption and the individual needs of those affected by it. The availability of new, independent methods of tracing birth relatives via the internet is competing with the traditional social worker-led model of tracing, creating unforeseen challenges for adoption stakeholders. This article draws on two recent Irish studies in the area of domestic adoption, which examined the experience of adoption, and its inherent challenges, from the perspective of adoptive families, adopted individuals and practitioners. It considers some of the challenges associated with the closed model of adoption and how those directly affected by adoption have been central in highlighting areas in need of reform. Some of the positive changes that have occurred in adoption practice are discussed, and the ongoing tensions that exist between contemporary adoption practice and law are examined.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
adoption, open adoption, internet, models, law, social work methods, access to birth records;
This article provides an up to date picture of legal adoption in Ireland today and the challenges this poses for the social work profession and policy makers. The areas covered include the decline in the number of adoption orders; the decline in agency adoptions; open adoption; the increase in family adoptions; the notification of birth fathers in adoption cases and the increase in intercountry adoption.
This article provides an up to date picture of legal adoption in Ireland today and the challenges this poses for the social work profession and policy makers. The areas covered include the decline in the number of adoption orders; the decline in agency adoptions; open adoption; the increase in family adoptions; the notification of birth fathers in adoption cases and the increase in intercountry adoption.
Subject terms:
intercountry adoption, open adoption, step families, adoption, families, fathers, government policy;
This article provides an overview of stepfamily adoption in Ireland, which usually refers to the adoption of a child by the birth mother and her husband, who is not the child's birth father. The areas covered include: procedure, legal issues, motivation to adopt, assessment, and developing services for birth fathers.
This article provides an overview of stepfamily adoption in Ireland, which usually refers to the adoption of a child by the birth mother and her husband, who is not the child's birth father. The areas covered include: procedure, legal issues, motivation to adopt, assessment, and developing services for birth fathers.