Late adoption: adopters’ perceptions of the initial period of adjustment

Abstract

The adjustment period in an adoption has some characteristics that pose challenges for the family. In the adoption of children over two years, this period may be even more complex, being key to a successful adoption. A study was conducted with three couples who adopted children over two years old, aiming to understand feelings, perceptions, doubts, anxieties, joys and difficulties experienced in the early days of cohabitation in the families formed by adoption. In these cases of late adoption, the analysis of interviews with couples revealed that many factors contributed to the success of the initial adaptation and of the adoption as a whole, highlighting the characteristics of adopters and children. On the child’s part, some aspects proved to be positive: knowing their adoption story in advance and being aware of the break with the family of origin. Regarding adopters, the facilitating factors were flexibility in relation to the peculiarities of adopting older children and respect to their characteristics, their ability to show affection, the attitude in relation to adoption, the inclusion of the child in the family’s social activities and support from the extended family. There were no complicating factors mentioned by the respondents about adaptation itself, but couples cited the delay in the implementation of the judgment of adoption as a factor generating anxiety. The study showed a positive facet of late adoption, demonstrating the potential feasibility and success in these situations.

Keywords: late adoption, family, adaptation.