This study reports on the attachment representations of eight late-adopted adolescent individuals, as well as the similarities and differences in their narratives based on whether they were placed with adoptive parents, who were characterised as securely or insecurely attached according to the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). A thematic analysis drew upon data from two different measures (Story Stem Assessment Profile and Friends and Family Interview) at early childhood and early adolescence, and subsequently classified findings into two categories: positive representations/attachments and negative representations/attachments. Within the first category, the young individuals demonstrated themes of seeking, offering and receiving help, as well as viewing significant others as emotionally supportive. Within the second category, themes illustrated adults as vulnerable, neglectful and hostile, and young individuals as violent and with a relatively negative view of the self. For young people adopted by 'secure' parents, positive representations showed a progressive increase from childhood to adolescence and negative representations a marked decrease in adolescence. Such findings contribute to attachment research, exploring the intergenerational transmission of attachment beyond childhood, as well as in adoptive families where the identified attachment model of both parents is assessed. They also have important implications for adoption services and the support made available for adoptive families.

Parenting stress, that is the adverse psychological experience that arises from the demands associated with the parenting role, has been identified as a predictor of more adverse outcomes in the child-parent relationship, as well as in the child's development. Considering the additional strains and challenges faced by adoptive parents, they are expected to be experiencing higher levels of parenting stress. However, literature within this field remains scarce, and even less is known about parents of adoptees in adolescence. The present longitudinal study aims to fill this gap by investigating parenting stress and its predictors in mothers of adoptees from childhood to adolescence. 51 mothers of adolescent adoptees, who were either early- or late-placed, were included in the study. Parenting stress was measured through the Parenting Stress Index in childhood and the Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents in adolescence. Findings revealed that adoptive parents' parenting stress levels were comparable and sometimes lower to normative data. However, in adolescence, adoptive mothers were, in general, exhibiting higher levels of parenting stress. Distinct predictors of parenting stress were also identified. These findings provide important insight into adoption research and emphasize the need for further support for adopted adolescents and their parents.

This study forms part of a major longitudinal research project collaboration between the Anna Freud Centre, Coram and Great Ormond Street Hospital, which set out to explore adopted children’s and adoptive parents’ outcomes and experiences from middle childhood through to adolescence. In this paper, 17 adoptive mothers of late adopted children, currently in early adolescence (aged 12 to 15 years), were interviewed. The focus of the study draws upon their worries and fears regarding their children during adolescence and as they approach adulthood. The Parent Development Interviews (PDI) were analysed using thematic analysis and generated five overarching themes: Vulnerability, Violence, Derailing opportunities, Autonomy and Anxieties about the birth family. This qualitative exploration provides strong evidence for how these parents reflected upon very concrete challenges and anxieties about their child’s journey, including both their current context and anticipated outcomes. The overwhelming majority of research to date on this population examines negative outcomes quantitatively; this study adds an important qualitative layer of the parents’ own perspectives.

The present study aimed to explore the impact of either being separated or adopted with sibling(s) on adolescent adoptees’ emotional and behavioral development. Through a mixed method design, the study aimed to explore whether sibling placement had an effect on adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as on the way they express and regulate their emotions in conflictual situations. Findings revealed that, although both groups of adoptees developed adaptive strategies to cope with challenging events, those placed with siblings were in general faring better than those placed alone. Being placed alone was, indeed, associated with clinical scores on the self-reported Youth Self Report (YSR) Total Problems’ scale and to the greater use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. This highlights the significance of maintaining siblings’ relationships when co-placement is not possible.

La théorie et les recherches sur l’attachement sont utilisées dans de nombreux cadres d’application, y compris dans les tribunaux compétents en matière familiale 1 , mais les incompréhensions sont fréquentes et sources d’erreurs lorsqu’il s’agit de les mettre en pratique. L’objectif de cet article de consensus est donc d’accroître la compréhension, de lutter contre la désinformation et d’améliorer l’utilisation de la théorie de l’attachement dans les tribunaux compétents en matière familiale sur la base des données probantes, en particulier concernant la protection de l’enfance et les décisions relatives au mode de résidence des enfants de parents séparés. L’article est divisé en deux parties. Dans la première, nous abordons les problèmes liés à l’utilisation de la théorie et de la recherche sur l’attachement dans les tribunaux compétents en matière familiale, et nous évoquons les raisons qui en sont à l’origine. Pour cela, nous examinons les applications de la théorie de l’attachement dans les tribunaux compétents en matière familiale dans le contexte actuel de la norme relative à l’intérêt supérieur de l’enfant ; nous discutons des incompréhensions concernant la théorie de l’attachement et nous identifions les facteurs qui ont pu entraver sa bonne utilisation. Dans la deuxième partie, nous formulons des recommandations pour une meilleure application de la théorie et de la recherche sur l’attachement. Dans ce but, nous énonçons trois principes fondamentaux à propos de l’attachement : le besoin de l’enfant d’avoir des caregivers 2 familiers et non abusifs ; la valeur de la continuité des soins suffisamment bons ; et les avantages inhérents à la construction d’un réseau de relations d’attachement. Nous discutons également de la pertinence des outils d’évaluation de la qualité de l’attachement et des comportements de caregiving 3 pour éclairer les décisions des tribunaux compétents en matière familiale. Nous concluons que l’évaluation des comportements de soin des parents ou de toute personne en position de donneur de soins à l’enfant ( caregivers ) devrait être au centre des préoccupations. Bien qu’il existe un désaccord entre nous concernant l’utilisation des outils d’évaluation de la qualité de l’attachement pour éclairer les décisions relatives à la résidence et à la protection des enfants, ces outils apparaissent actuellement comme les plus appropriés pour cibler et mettre en place des programmes de soutien à la parentalité. Pour conclure, nous fournissons quelques orientations afin de guider les chercheurs dans le développement de futures collaborations au niveau interdisciplinaire.

Attachment theory and research are drawn upon in many applied settings, including family courts, but misunderstandings are widespread and sometimes result in misapplications. The aim of this consensus statement is, therefore, to enhance understanding, counter misinformation, and steer family-court utilisation of attachment theory in a supportive, evidence-based direction, especially with regard to child protection and child custody decision-making. The article is divided into two parts. In the first, we address problems related to the use of attachment theory and research in family courts, and discuss reasons for these problems. To this end, we examine family court applications of attachment theory in the current context of the best-interest-of-the-child standard, discuss misunderstandings regarding attachment theory, and identify factors that have hindered accurate implementation. In the second part, we provide recommendations for the application of attachment theory and research. To this end, we set out three attachment principles: the child's need for familiar, non-abusive caregivers; the value of continuity of good-enough care; and the benefits of networks of attachment relationships. We also discuss the suitability of assessments of attachment quality and caregiving behaviour to inform family court decision-making. We conclude that assessments of caregiver behaviour should take center stage. Although there is dissensus among us regarding the use of assessments of attachment quality to inform child custody and child-protection decisions, such assessments are currently most suitable for targeting and directing supportive interventions. Finally, we provide directions to guide future interdisciplinary research collaboration.

La teoría y la investigación sobre el apego se utilizan en muchos contextos aplicados, incluidos los juzgados de familia, pero hay malentendidos muy extendidos y que a veces dan lugar a aplicaciones erróneas. El objetivo de este documento de consenso es, por lo tanto, mejorar la comprensión, contrarrestar la desinformación y dirigir el uso de la teoría del apego por parte de los juzgados de familia en la dirección de un apoyo basado en la evidencia, especialmente en lo que respecta a la protección de niñas y niños y las decisiones sobre su custodia. El artículo se divide en dos partes. En la primera abordamos los problemas relacionados con el uso de la teoría y la investigación sobre apego en los juzgados de familia, analizando las causas de tales problemas. Para ello examinamos las aplicaciones de la teoría del apego en los juzgados de familia en el marco del concepto de interés superior de niños y niñas, analizamos los malentendidos relacionados con la teoría del apego e identificamos los factores que han obstaculizado su adecuada aplicación. En la segunda parte ofrecemos recomendaciones para la aplicación de la teoría y la investigación sobre apego. Para ello establecemos tres principios del apego: la necesidad de niñas y niños de cuidadoras y cuidadores habituales que no maltraten, el valor de la continuidad de cuidados de calidad suficientemente buena y los beneficios de las redes de relaciones de apego. También analizamos la idoneidad de las evaluaciones de los estilos de apego y del comportamiento de los cuidadores para fundamentar la toma de decisiones de los juzgados de familia. Llegamos a la conclusión de que las evaluaciones de quienes cuidan deberían ocupar un lugar central. Aunque no hay consenso entre nosotros sobre el uso de las evaluaciones del estilo de apego para fundamentar las decisiones sobre custodia y protección infantil, dichas evaluaciones son actualmente las más adecuadas para orientar y dirigir las intervenciones de apoyo. Por último, proporcionamos orientaciones para guiar la futura colaboración en la investigación interdisciplinaria.

Adoption and fostering charity CoramBAAF celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020. As another year gets under way key figures from the organisation reflect on past achievements and priorities for 2021

Children's services and courts face serious challenges when making care plans or permanence orders for siblings, writes Dr John Simmonds, director of policy, research and development at CoramBAAF

Existing over many centuries, adoption has been challenged in recent years by evidence about practices that do not respond to the principles, ethics and laws under which it should be enacted. Written from a multidisciplinary and international perspective, this article outlines the place of adoption in the child protection system, as well as its core elements of permanence and stability. Recent demographic changes in adoption throughout the world are first examined. The negative consequences of children's exposure to early adversities and the postadoption developmental trajectory of adopted people are also summarized. The focus of the argument is that adoption provides a legitimate model for the alternative care of children if undertaken within a rights and ethics framework that emphasizes children's best interests. as set out in international conventions and national laws. Implications for adoption policy and practice are presented.

This paper identifies some of the key debates about the evidence from outcomes for children placed in foster care, the challenging issues in the design of the system, how it operates and what the outcomes for children look like. The paper explores foster care as being based in the evolution of the human species in its capacity to adapt, problem-solve and identify resources through cooperative effort between individuals and social groupings with the family as key. An essential attribute of families and parenting is the ability to form close, meaningful and sustained relationships that provide security, stability and opportunity, including connectedness to the community and the resources that are a part of this. Family forms the basis for the child being able to access personal, social, cultural and economic capital both in the present and into the future. One of the serious issues for foster care is the short-term basis of that commitment and, even when it lasts over the longer term, the care arrangement typically ends as the child reaches adulthood. These issues are explored through the concept of resilience and place foster care within an ecological framework that evolves over time.

The pathway from adverse early experience to adulthood for internationally adopted children is complex in identifying key influences, impacts, and outcomes. This review arose from the authors’ involvement in the British Chinese Adoption Study, a recent outcomes study that explored the links between early orphanage care, adoptive experiences, and midadulthood. It differs from previous reviews in focusing on a greater length of time since adoption. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included to allow for examination of a fuller range of adult-related outcomes rather than mental health scores alone. The sampling, methods, and results of reviewed articles are summarised and a critical commentary is provided. Despite methodological differences and identified strengths and weaknesses, conclusions are drawn on the basis of the evidence available. Special attention is paid to the interpretation of negative outcomes. Findings identify areas that should be explored further in order to gain a fuller understanding of midlife outcomes of people who experienced a poor start in life followed by international adoption. Such studies help in refining lifespan developmental theories.

The Adoption Support Fund in England, which was rolled out on 1 May 2015, seeks to improve the lives of adopted children and their families by providing resources to fund therapeutic interventions for the child. Accessing the Fund requires that the needs of the child and family are fully assessed and the expected outcomes are identified. This raises questions about the use of standardised and validated assessment tools as a part of the process. This article reviews the benefits and challenges of using established instruments, such as the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and considers the relevance of the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) for adoption situations. It is argued that given the legal requirements to link need, services and outcomes, the importance of using validated assessment tools is strong. However, social workers need training to administer them and interpret the results. While using the SDQ should be firmly embedded in practice, the contribution of the DAWBA, although promising, requires further exploration. Social workers will also need training on how best to use it, and how to interpret the results and integrate these into a comprehensive assessment of the child and family.

Follow-up studies of adopted adults are very important in contributing to the development of policy and practice when placing children in families following early adversity. This article describes the development of a methodology for one such study due to be completed in 2012. The files of 100 ethnic Chinese girls adopted from Hong Kong into British families in the 1960s were made available and originally analysed in 2007. As the files recorded data on the children's pre-adoption experiences including orphanage care, this provided an opportunity to explore a well-established hypothesis that early orphanage experience has an enduring effect on later outcomes. However, given this group of women are now in their 40s and 50s, identifying these outcomes may offer a much longer term perspective to that usually available in research studies of this kind. This article reports the findings from an analysis of the information held on these files. It then discusses the benefits and challenges of developing a robust methodology for a follow-up study that compares this group of women with other adopted and non-adopted groups of a similar age and in particular explores how post-adoption experiences across the lifespan might moderate the effects of early adversity. Following up this group of women into their middle years and using data available about their early experiences provides a unique opportunity to test and challenge existing theories about the long-term consequences of international adoption. This will help to inform both policy and direct social work practice when children are being considered and placed through international adoption today.

BACKGROUND:While studies of ex-orphanage care show adverse effects on development, the longer-term impact on mid-life psychosocial functioning and physical health has not been established.METHODS:Orphanage records provided baseline data on a sample of 100 Hong Kong Chinese girls who were subsequently adopted into the UK. A mid-life follow-up using standardised questionnaires and face-to-face interviews assessed current circumstances, life satisfaction and mental and physical health outcomes. Comparisons were made with age-matched UK-born adopted and nonadopted women.RESULTS:Half the group spent between 1 and 2 years in orphanages, average age at adoptive placement was 23 months and 72% participated in the follow-up. Despite this poor early start, mid-life outcomes were commensurate with the comparison groups in terms of mental and physical health measures. Serious psychiatric and social difficulties were largely absent. Although the timing and extent of exposure to orphanage care did not influence outcome, participants' reports of poorer quality adoptive family experience and a negative view of their adoption were significantly associated with poorer mental health outcomes (difference in means = 0.76, 95% CI 1.33-0.19, p = .01; difference in means = 1.2, 95% CI 0.68-1.73, p = .01, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:Moderately depriving orphanage care did not predict enduring adverse consequences in mid-life but subsequent poor adoption experience was associated with outcome.