Experiences of Adoption Disruption: Parents’ Perspectives

Context Adoption can provide a lifetime of benefits for children. Some adoptions however, experience severe challenges resulting in disruption, with children leaving home prematurely.Method This qualitative study Northern Ireland used interviews parents from thirteen families whose had disrupted, to explore their perspective on the experience.Findings Key findings focused issues relating firstly, adopted child; secondly, adoption services; and finally, other family members. The impact early adverse experiences (developmental trauma) played out through behaviours, often violent, that found extremely challenging. These increased as aged serious effects life. adoptive thought they could have been better prepared process face challenging behaviours more appropriately supported prevent disruption. When child was admitted state care, typically felt initial relief but also guilt loss. After left home, generally wished involvement him or her despite difficulties experienced.Discussion confirmed previous about extent trauma experienced by some children, this may present parents. It highlighted how manifestation lead themselves experiencing primary secondary compassion fatigue (defined Discussion section below) combination all three. preparation should include greater awareness possible challenges, cope these. development trauma-informed approaches practice service delivery is required support effectively. Co-production models assist addressing types identified post-adoption services.