John Triseliotis died on 29 September 2012, aged 83. He was a pioneering figure in the field of adoption and fostering whose work and policy influence will benefit social workers, researchers and others involved in adoption and child welfare for many years to come. In addition to his wider influence, John regularly reviewed books for this journal and was always very willing to comment on submissions, most recently a study of illegal practices in the Greek domestic adoption system (Nanou, 2011), a topic close to his heart. Following individual tributes from three of John's colleagues and friends, and to mark his contribution, we are reprinting extracts from his influential book In Search of Origins: The experiences of adopted people (1973).1 The study on which it is based led to the reforms made later that decade, giving adopted people the right to seek information about their backgrounds and the circumstances surrounding their adoption.
(Publisher abstract)
John Triseliotis died on 29 September 2012, aged 83. He was a pioneering figure in the field of adoption and fostering whose work and policy influence will benefit social workers, researchers and others involved in adoption and child welfare for many years to come. In addition to his wider influence, John regularly reviewed books for this journal and was always very willing to comment on submissions, most recently a study of illegal practices in the Greek domestic adoption system (Nanou, 2011), a topic close to his heart. Following individual tributes from three of John's colleagues and friends, and to mark his contribution, we are reprinting extracts from his influential book In Search of Origins: The experiences of adopted people (1973).1 The study on which it is based led to the reforms made later that decade, giving adopted people the right to seek information about their backgrounds and the circumstances surrounding their adoption.
(Publisher abstract)
This book contains a collection of the author’s poems and reflections which capture her journey to adopt and to help her daughter adjust and attach after she joins their family by adoption. The themes covered in the book include coping with change and transitions, experiencing rejection, dealing with regression, and being faced with anger and confusion. It also covers the high points including Adoption Day and Mother’s Day, receiving a note from her daughter which says ‘I love you Mam and Dad’, and her joy at watching her daughter grow and flourish. This collection covers universal themes relating to adoption and will resonate with anyone undertaking similar journeys. It will also be of use for professionals preparing prospective parents for adoption.
This book contains a collection of the author’s poems and reflections which capture her journey to adopt and to help her daughter adjust and attach after she joins their family by adoption. The themes covered in the book include coping with change and transitions, experiencing rejection, dealing with regression, and being faced with anger and confusion. It also covers the high points including Adoption Day and Mother’s Day, receiving a note from her daughter which says ‘I love you Mam and Dad’, and her joy at watching her daughter grow and flourish. This collection covers universal themes relating to adoption and will resonate with anyone undertaking similar journeys. It will also be of use for professionals preparing prospective parents for adoption.
Asks what are the main reasons for adoption breakdowns?; what factors in the child might potentially lead to an adoption breakdown?; what is the role of attachment re-enactment in the breakdown of adoptions?; what factors in the adopter(s) might lead to an adoption breakdown; and how can the adoption social worker minimise these factors?
Asks what are the main reasons for adoption breakdowns?; what factors in the child might potentially lead to an adoption breakdown?; what is the role of attachment re-enactment in the breakdown of adoptions?; what factors in the adopter(s) might lead to an adoption breakdown; and how can the adoption social worker minimise these factors?
In the UK, decisions to approve adoptive parents and foster carers and authorise adoptions rest with specialist panels. While their formal role and function are clear, there is concern that their composition and the biographies and background characteristics of members could introduce bias and influence the decisions made. This article examines the validity of these criticisms with findings from a study of eight agencies, 15 panels and 22 members. It was found that the panel system achieves its aims in terms of having a representative constitution and providing considered recommendations in a timely manner to senior managers, but that individual biography affects panel members in carrying out their role to an unexpectedly high degree, possibly leading to flawed decisions. Actions to remedy this problem, at both an individual and group level, are suggested.
(Edited publisher abstract)
In the UK, decisions to approve adoptive parents and foster carers and authorise adoptions rest with specialist panels. While their formal role and function are clear, there is concern that their composition and the biographies and background characteristics of members could introduce bias and influence the decisions made. This article examines the validity of these criticisms with findings from a study of eight agencies, 15 panels and 22 members. It was found that the panel system achieves its aims in terms of having a representative constitution and providing considered recommendations in a timely manner to senior managers, but that individual biography affects panel members in carrying out their role to an unexpectedly high degree, possibly leading to flawed decisions. Actions to remedy this problem, at both an individual and group level, are suggested.
(Edited publisher abstract)
... effects in relation to internalising problems, but may not be as protective in relation to externalising outcomes. Implications for adoption policy and practice are drawn out.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Studies of adult outcomes of infant domestic adoptions are considered: the range of psychological and behavioural outcomes recorded, the current state of knowledge summarised and the importance of the chosen comparison groups discussed. The social context of infant adoptions is described. Findings from our follow-ups of British infant adoptions in the post-World War 11 period are then briefly reported and set alongside the previous studies. In these follow-ups, infant adopted children were tracked up to mid-life and compared with others born in similar circumstances and with those raised in two-parent families. We summarise findings on the long-term influence of factors in the prenatal period and in the adoptive home environment. We discuss how rearing in adoptive homes may provide protective effects in relation to internalising problems, but may not be as protective in relation to externalising outcomes. Implications for adoption policy and practice are drawn out.
(Edited publisher abstract)
... affected by FASD. The Inquiry also found that whilst more children are being diagnosed with FASD, there is still a major gap in appropriate support and advice post-diagnosis. Recommendations include: ensuring that comprehensive training is provided to social workers and other staff so they are fully aware of the issue of FASD; that adoption preparation clearly identifies the likelihood of adopting
(Edited publisher abstract)
Report of an inquiry into Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the UK. The report draws on written and oral evidence from parents and carers of children with FASD, organisations and professionals, including a private session with a group of parents, carers, and two people affected by FASD. Themes from the evidence are discussed in the following areas: pregnancy and alcohol, medical perspective, the impact on parents, carers and people with FASD; children in care or adopted who are affected by FASD; education; economic impact; the alcohol industry; and how the UK compares with other countries in terms of raising awareness and providing support. The report concludes that the UK is behind similarly-developed countries in implementing prevention guidelines and services to support people affected by FASD. The Inquiry also found that whilst more children are being diagnosed with FASD, there is still a major gap in appropriate support and advice post-diagnosis. Recommendations include: ensuring that comprehensive training is provided to social workers and other staff so they are fully aware of the issue of FASD; that adoption preparation clearly identifies the likelihood of adopting a child with FASD, what FASD is and how to adapt parenting strategies accordingly; and that post-adoption support is tailored to meet the needs of children with FASD and their parents.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
foetal alcohol syndrome, adoption, children, looked after children;
Presents case examples which demonstrates that the aim of adoption must always be for children are brought up within their birth families unless the overriding requirements of the child's welfare mean that it is not possible and that the court decisions must be based on proper analysis and evidence. Whether these aims can be achieved depends on resources being made available to local authorities,
(Edited publisher abstract)
Presents case examples which demonstrates that the aim of adoption must always be for children are brought up within their birth families unless the overriding requirements of the child's welfare mean that it is not possible and that the court decisions must be based on proper analysis and evidence. Whether these aims can be achieved depends on resources being made available to local authorities, Cafcass and the courts.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Adoption and Fostering, 36(3/4), Winter 2012, pp.133-136.
Publisher:
Sage
... conditions. The author interviewed 17 professionals linked with adoption such as adoption managers and healthcare professionals. It was discovered that the need to preserve the child's future autonomy was the most common reason given by professionals for not wanting to test a child.
People looking to adopt a child in the UK are asked to think about the types of background or characteristics a child might have. Along these lines, the issue of predictive genetic testing in childhood has been much debated, and a range of guidelines exists to help inform practitioners about appropriate practice in this area. BAAF’s (2006) guidelines recommended that this type of testing ‘should never be undertaken to make a child more adoptable’. Four years later, the British Society of Human Genetics revised their earlier (1994) guidance and urged a cautious approach towards predictive genetic tests for children where no useful medical interventions would be implemented as a result. The brief article discusses a study which investigated the genetic testing of children for adult-onset conditions. The author interviewed 17 professionals linked with adoption such as adoption managers and healthcare professionals. It was discovered that the need to preserve the child's future autonomy was the most common reason given by professionals for not wanting to test a child.
Under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, all adoption agencies should provide adopted children and children with a best interest decision of adoption with a guide to adoption. This illustrated, interactive guide aims to help professionals and adoptive parents to provide information and explanation of why some children are unable to live with their birth families and the legal complexities of the process to adoption. It is aimed at children under the age of 8 and at older children with learning difficulties or conceptualisation problems. The book is child friendly and uses age appropriate language to explain the complexities of the reasons for their separation from birth families and the decision for them to be adopted. It also encourages children to question, seek answers and reveal their wishes and feelings. A cartoon character guides the child through various stages and talks with the child through the text. This character is a child who has been through the process of being looked after in temporary care, being placed for adoption and then adopted. His own experience uses a combination of a number of true case studies in order to offer a wide spectrum of likely experiences, feelings
Under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, all adoption agencies should provide adopted children and children with a best interest decision of adoption with a guide to adoption. This illustrated, interactive guide aims to help professionals and adoptive parents to provide information and explanation of why some children are unable to live with their birth families and the legal complexities of the process to adoption. It is aimed at children under the age of 8 and at older children with learning difficulties or conceptualisation problems. The book is child friendly and uses age appropriate language to explain the complexities of the reasons for their separation from birth families and the decision for them to be adopted. It also encourages children to question, seek answers and reveal their wishes and feelings. A cartoon character guides the child through various stages and talks with the child through the text. This character is a child who has been through the process of being looked after in temporary care, being placed for adoption and then adopted. His own experience uses a combination of a number of true case studies in order to offer a wide spectrum of likely experiences, feelings and scenarios, and thereby to highlight significant issues.
... account charts the ups and downs, the bureaucracy, the milestones, the doubts, the frustrations but also the happy times and the hoped for outcome. The book is written for other gay couples thinking of starting out on the same journey to help them understand the adoption process and what it feels like. This book is one of BAAF’s Our Story series, which explores adoption and fostering experiences as told
This is the diarised narrative of a gay couple’s journey to becoming adopters. It is written by Pablo, who was born in Spain in 1971 but has lived in the UK since 1995. He lives in the south-east of England with Mike, his partner for 15 years and husband for four, and their son. He writes against a contemporary backdrop of diverse perceptions, encouraging as well as hostile, as to whether gay men should adopt. The book tracks the couple’s journey starting from their own initial doubts about whether or not they would be accepted and approved (they didn’t know of any other gay couple who had adopted), through to the positive affirmations they receive. They tackle the process with commitment and determination through the stages of preparation, assessment and waiting. This honest and inspiring account charts the ups and downs, the bureaucracy, the milestones, the doubts, the frustrations but also the happy times and the hoped for outcome. The book is written for other gay couples thinking of starting out on the same journey to help them understand the adoption process and what it feels like. This book is one of BAAF’s Our Story series, which explores adoption and fostering experiences as told by adopters and foster carers.