The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute Explores Adoptive Parent Preparation

Last February the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute brought forth a new study that revealed that adoptive parents are more invested in their children than biological parents. Well, this February the research conducted by the Adoption Institute finds that adoptive parents need more training and preparation before parenting an adopted child. In the study, Adoptive Parent Preparation Project Phase I: Meeting the Mental Health and Developmental Needs of Adopted Children, the Adoption Institute explores the needs of not only adoptive parents and perspective adoptive parents, but those who serve adoptive families such as the mental health industry. The findings of the research suggest that preconceived ideas of professionals can impact the services, or lack of, provided to adoptive families. Of course, the lack of funding is also an issue, along with several other obstacles.

The 18 page study makes several recommendations. Some of my favorites:

• Increase the education and adoption competency of professionals in the field by adding to their graduate training programs and offering more extensive continuing education opportunities.

• Help adoptive parents manage unrealistic expectations of adoption by sharing the child's background information and helping them thoroughly understand the child's needs.

• Better training for those in the mental health field as they are usually the ones called in as support to the adoptive family.

I think the last one calls for a big AMEN.

Phase II of the study will involve the development of curriculum modules for training parents on issues related to adoption.

I'm personally very happy that services provided to adoptive families, both pre-adoption and post-adoption, are being explored. Professionals need to be well versed in the unique needs of adoptive families.

What are your thoughts on the latest study for the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute? This group does some great, great work for the improvement of the adoption community.