Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Interracial adoption Adopted children Adoptive parents'

This study investigated the communication experiences of adoptive parents of children transracially adopted from Vietnam. Though adoption has been extensively studied in communication research, transracial adoptions involving children from Vietnam has not. Thus, this study examined adoptive parent communication experiences using dialectic theory and relational dialectics. By examining adoptive parents' communication with their adopted child and others, we can determine tensions that occur in different communication experiences. Data were collected through eight qualitative in-depth interviews conducted with adoptive parents of children from Vietnam. Openness with both strangers and the adopted child(ren) and preservation of key aspects of the adopted children's original culture emerged as themes in adoptive parent communication. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.<br>ID: 029050872; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (M.A.)--University of Central Florida, 2010.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 66-71).<br>M.A.<br>Masters<br>Communication;<br>Sciences;

Overall attitudes, beliefs, and values have been shown to effect how individuals evaluate and process information. This knowledge is important and relevant to the practice of social work. Social workers are expected to put their attitudes, values, and perceptions aside when working with their clients. Attitudes are effecting processing and evaluation of events, therefore, it is imortant to understand the possible implications of workers perceptions and attitudes. Highly embedded attitudes toward transracial adoption, will influenceSocial workers behavior.

Transracial adoption occurs when a child of one race is adopted by parents of another race. Transracial adoption increased in the 1960s as racial integration policies developed. In the 1970s, however, transracial adoption became a controversial issue. The National Association of Black Social Workers posed several problems with this practice such as institutional racism, cultural genocide, and providing inadequate coping skills to combat racism.This study examines the racial identity of White parents who adopt transracially or inracially. It provides a racial identity profile to determine if White parents who adopt a Black or Biracial child encourage the transracially adopted child to experience Black culture. Currently, adoption agencies utilize some selection process for parents who adopt transracially. This study will further examine the White parents' racial identity and the level of commitment they have to exposing the transracially adopted child to Black culture in an effort to instill a positive Black racial identity in the adopted child.<br>Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The process of adoption in the U.S. is incredibly hard to navigate as an adoptive parent. Each primary type of adoption (international, foster, private domestic) comes with its own challenges and costs. One of the hardest challenges for both adopted children and adoptive families forming a secure and satisfactory attachment. Examining what goes into a child’s ability to attach to caregiver will help the analysis of the attachment issues that all adoptive families undergo. The adoptive parent must also start to form an attachment to their child as well as help the child transition into their new placement. Adoptive parents however, often find themselves questioning the legitimacy of their parenthood with their new child. This is further hindered if the child has problems forming secure attachments to others. A greater breadth of resources are needed to counteract these common issues so that adoptive families can get more specific help for their unique situations. As adoption becomes more socially acceptable and prevalent, stronger pushes towards data collection and research will help future adoptive families to form secure attachments more quickly and easily.

In the United States the debate concerning transracial adoption and gay and/ or lesbian adoption has been going on since the 1970s. This research used the co-cultural theory of communication to explore how the marginalized population of gay and lesbian transracial adoptive (TRA) parents communicated with the other culturally dominant members of their society. It then analyzed the communication behaviors found to see if any differences existed in their interactions. Finally, the communication behaviors were examined to see what impact they might have on the ability of parents to be effective TRA parents. This research included eight in-depth interviews with gay and lesbian TRA parents. In these interviews, these parents were asked to explain, through their own 7 personal experiences, what it was like to be part of this cultural group. Their experiences were then analyzed using the methods described in the co-cultural communication theory. Results showed that gay and lesbian TRA parents predominantly employed the assertive accommodation and the nonassertive assimilation communication orientations in their interactions with others. Of the two, the parents overwhelmingly employed assertive accommodation. Results showed three important differences regarding how the parents employed communication orientations or enacted co-cultural practices in their interactions. Results also showed that the employment of the assertive accommodation orientation was likely to have a positive effect on the parents' ability to be effective TRA parents. The employment of the nonassertive assimilation orientation was found generally to have t mixed results. I hope that insight into the communication behaviors of this population found through this study will help clarify the most effective communication methods for these parents to learn in order to raise healthy and happy children of color.

Prior to the democratic elections of 1994, South Africa was daunted by legislation flooded with racial segregation. Adoption across racial lines is, because of South Africa’s racially segregated past, a relatively recent phenomenon in this country. The number of legal adoptions has increased dramatically, especially after its legalization in 1991. Parents may adopt across racial lines for an array of different reasons, from not being able to conceive a baby, to wanting to give a child the best opportunity in life. This study explored the experiences of white parents who have adopted black children, paying particular attention to how they deal with issues of “racial” identity. In-depth interviews were used to generate qualitative data pertaining to the parental perceptions of their motivation for, and experiences of adopting a child transracially in South Africa. The study aimed to explore their motivation for adopting and experiences, as well as issues relating to “racial” identity. Recommendations have been made to assist parents who are interested in adopting transracially. The report presents findings relating to the unique characteristics of the participants who have adopted transracially. These include adopters’ motivation and thought processes before taking the relevant steps to adopt transracially; the support that they have received from others in their decision to adopt transracially; communication patterns; their relevant concerns regarding the future of their adopted child; and issues pertaining to race, culture, heritage, prejudices and stereotypes. The findings suggest that parents were pragmatic, without regrets, in their views about adopting across racial lines. The parents’ motivations for adopting across racial lines were very similar to various perspectives, but were all due to the fact that they were unable to have biological children. Parents were aware of the child’s identity and cultural issues, which may be more perceptible in the future. Their perceptions, views and opinions, and the future concerns of their children were not unrealistic. Due to the children’s young age a follow-up study of these children should be considered.

Older adopted children and their families often express high need for support for attachment and trauma related concerns. Post-adoption mental health intervention focused on enhancing the parent-child relationship among adoptive parents and adoptees is essential for fostering placement permanency among these families. This single group pilot study explored the effect of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) for adoptive parents of preadolescents who reported attachment related concerns, stress in the parent-child relationship, and child behavior problems. Participants were 11 adoptive parents ages 25 to 64 (55% male; 91% couples; 100% married; 56% European American, 27% Asian, 9% Hispanic, and 9% Black American) with adoptees between the ages of 8 to 14 (56% male; 56% Hispanic, 33% European American, and 11% Black American). All child participants were adopted out of foster care. Data was collected at baseline, pretest, midtest, and posttest. Results from non-parametric Friedman test of differences across 4 points of measure indicated that CPRT demonstrated statistically significant improvement for the 3 outcome variables: parental empathy, child behavior, and parent child relationship stress. Specifically, results indicated that prior to receiving CPRT (baseline to pretest), parents demonstrated no change or worsening in functioning across all variables, whereas during the intervention phase findings showed a large treatment effect for parental empathy, a medium effect for parenting stress, and a small effect for child behavior problems. Findings from this pilot study support CPRT as a promising mental health intervention for adoptive parents and preadolescent children. Clinical implications and recommendations for working with adoptive parents of preadolescents are explored within the context of these findings.

The purpose of this study was to look at the factors that lead to disruption in the adoption of special needs children. Families that adopt special needs children may or may not be aware that they need post adoption services and may be reluctant to ask for them even when they are experiencing difficulty.

O tema adoção está em debate, atualmente, tanto na mídia (reportagens, depoimentos, novelas, filmes), na academia (monografias, dissertações, teses, livros, eventos científicos), como na sociedade (promulgação de leis, formação de grupos de apoio e uma associação nacional desses grupos). Esforços têm sido feitos para difundir uma nova cultura da adoção em que se priorizem as necessidades e os direitos da criança. Entre estes se encontra o de saber sobre sua origem. A adoção tem como um dos fundamentos a ideia de que a integração de uma criança a uma nova família abre-lhe possibilidades para a reconstrução de sua identidade, a partir do conhecimento de sua origem, favorecendo, consequentemente, uma interação familiar mais satisfatória. Sua colocação em um novo lar pressupõe o estabelecimento de inéditas redes de relações, as quais irão necessitar de diversos componentes emocionais a serem dispensados à criança, como: amor, carinho, atenção, comprometimento e respeito diante de sua história pregressa. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo geral identificar, na perspectiva de filhos adotivos adultos, as reações e as mudanças ocorridas na sua vida após o conhecimento de sua origem. Especificamente almeja-se compreender: como se deu esse conhecimento; sua importância na organização da identidade do(a) filho(a) adotivo(a); como esses filhos passaram a perceber seus pais adotivos bem como a si mesmos; como se posicionam frente a mitos, medos, crenças e preconceitos que permeiam o imaginário social. Para alcançar os objetivos propostos optou-se pela metodologia qualitativa. Foram entrevistados oito adultos, de ambos os sexos, que tinham conhecimento de sua origem, e os dados obtidos foram analisados com base na técnica da análise de conteúdo temática. Os resultados indicam que: 1) embora tenha variado a idade em que tomaram conhecimento de sua origem, os participantes consideram fundamental esse conhecimento e propõem que toda criança adotada tenha esse direito; 2) as motivações para a entrega da criança variaram, predominando as dificuldades financeiras; 3) existem diferenças nas reações entre aqueles que souberam de sua condição desde cedo e os que souberam na adolescência ou vida adulta; 4) apesar das perdas sofridas, a maioria se mostrou satisfeita com a família adotiva, demonstrando sentimentos de afeto, gratidão e reconhecimento de sua importância para sua sobrevivência e formação da sua personalidade; 5) todos se posicionaram contra os preconceitos e mitos que perpassam a condição de filho(a) adotivo(a). Espera-se contribuir para dar visibilidade à causa, buscando estimular uma maior conscientização por parte da sociedade para a superação dos mitos e preconceitos que ainda rondam a adoção.<br>The adoption issue is being debated currently in the media (articles, interviews, novels, movies), colleges (monographs, dissertations, theses, books, scientific events), and society (enactment of laws, formation of support groups and also a national association of these groups). Efforts have been made to spread a new culture of adoption, which prioritizes childrens rights and needs. Among these, first of all, the right to know about their origin. Adoption has, as the most important of its principles, childs integration in new families, which gives them the possibility of a new identity reconstruction, once they have the knowledge about their origin, consequently supporting a new pleasant family interaction. Their adaptation in a new place, purpose the establishment of new family bands, which is going to need different and new emotional components: love, affection, attention, commitment and above all of it, respect to their progress history. This research has a general objective: to understand and identify, on adopted adults perspective, if there were changes, and what those changes were, what happened in their lives after that they had knowledge about their origin. Specifically the intention is: to understand how this knowledge was taken, and the importance it has in the adoptees identity organization; to comprehend how adoptees started to perceive their new parents and themselves; what their position when it comes to myths, fears, beliefs and prejudices is, permeating the social imaginary. To achieve the proposed objective, we opted for a qualitative methodology. Eight adults were interviewed, both genders, those who had knowledge about their origin, and the context was analyzed based on the thematic technique of analysis content. Results indicate that: 1) although varied the age that they became aware of their origin, the participants consider essential that knowledge and propose that every adopted child has this right; 2) motivations for child adopting vary, prevailing financial difficulties; 3) there are different reactions between those who early knew their condition and those who got this piece of information when they were teenagers; 4) despite losses, the majority was satisfied with their adoptive family, indicating affection feelings, gratitude and recognition of their importance for survival and formation of their personality; 5) they were against prejudice and myths that pervade the condition of adoptive person; Its expected to contribute, aiming to highlight the issue, seeking to stimulate a greater awareness on the part of society to overcome the myths and prejudices that still roam the adoption.

No contexto da situação adotiva de crianças maiores há um confronto entre passado e presente, são histórias que se cruzam e se fundam a partir de um novo encontro. Desse modo, destacamos a importância de se considerar essa dinâmica e os efeitos decorrentes dos antigos laços na construção da nova filiação adotiva. Partindo dessa perspectiva, realizamos um estudo de meta-análise do trabalho de dissertação sobre: O processo de Tornar-se Pai, Mãe e Filhos na Adoção de Crianças Maiores. Com base nos depoimentos coletados no decorrer do período da destituição judicial e do acompanhamento do estágio de convivência, pudemos reconstruir parte da história das crianças, da família adotante, e realizar uma análise clínica pelo viés psicanalítico. O presente estudo evidenciou que as antigas imagos parentais e as marcas da história anterior não cessam de se (re)inscrever, e que as situações angustiantes do passado das crianças em processo de adoção desencadeiam defesas e interferem nos novos laços afetivos, ressaltando a necessidade de se considerar a vida anterior da criança em adoção. Revelou ainda, a importância que deve ser conferida ao estágio de convivência, visto que, a construção da nova filiação tem seu início nesse período.<br>The adoption context of older children faces confrontation between past and present. It is made of stories that intersect and merge into the new gathering. Thereby, we highlight the importance of considering such dynamics and the resulting effects from old bonds on the new adoptive filiation construction. From this perspective, we have done a meta-analysis study of the dissertation The Process of Becoming a Father, a Mother, and Children in the Adoption of Older Children. Based on accounts collected along the judicial dismissal period and in the adjustment period follow up, we were able to reconstruct part of the childrens and the adoptive families stories and, then, conduct a clinical analysis from a psychoanalytical bias. The present study has demonstrated that the old parental imagos and the marks from the previous story never cease to re-inscribe themselves. It has also been shown that distressing situations from the prospective adopted childrens past trigger defenses and interfere in the new affective bonds. This study has pointed out the need to consider the prospective adopted childs previous life and also the importance of the adjustment period, since the new filiation construction has its start during this time.

Este estudo baseou-se no acompanhamento, por parte da pesquisadora como analista judiciária, de quatro casos de adoção de crianças entre quatro e 10 anos de idade, tramitados na Segunda Vara da Infância e Juventude de Recife, ao longo do ano de 2013. Nesses casos, constatamos a dificuldade de os adotandos filiarem-se às mães adotivas, às quais se gerou grande sofrimento, enquanto se aproximaram afetivamente dos pais adotivos sem aparentes percalços. Por tal razão, a fim de contribuir para o trabalho desenvolvido nas adoções de crianças acima de quatro anos (aqui referidos como adoções de criança maior), preparando os adotandos e auxiliando os adotantes no processo de filiação, buscamos identificar as particularidades dessa filiação. Além do mais, analisamos o modo de se vivenciarem a maternidade e a paternidade nos estágios de convivência e, ainda, de a relação do casal quanto ao desejo de adoção, relacionar-se com a interação da criança com as figuras parentais adotivas. Para isso, realizamos uma pesquisa de abordagem psicanalítica, analisando os relatos de acompanhamento dos estágios de convivência. Como resultado, em relação às crianças adotadas, constatamos que a precariedade na vivência do luto das imagos parentais prejudica o reinvestimento afetivo nas novas figuras maternas. Já em relação às famílias adotivas, percebemos que as dificuldades na vivência do luto do filho biológico interferem na filiação adotiva. Especificamente, para as mães adotivas, é necessário o luto do lugar de mãe como o lugar do objeto de amor primordial do filho, uma vez que, pelo desenvolvimento do adotando, a criança demandará um modelo de relação diferente daquela construída com infantes. Diante de tais constatações, esperamos contribuir para a construção de novos conhecimentos que embasem o trabalho de preparação das famílias adotivas, fundamental para o sucesso na adoção.<br>This study was based on the attendance, by this reasearcher as a judiciary analist, in four adoptions cases of children between four and ten years old, prosecuted at the Recifes Secound Childhood and Adolescece Court, along the year of 2013. On these cases, we verified the adoptees difficulty to filiate with the adoptive mothers, wich caused great suffering, while they affectively approached the adoptive fatherss without any apparent setbacks. For that reason, to contribute to the development of the work whith older than four year old childrens adoption (here refered as older child adoption), preparing the adoptees and assisting the adoptive parents on the filiation process, we sought to identify these filiations particularities. Furthermore, we analyzed how the maternity and paternity was experienced on the adaptation period and, more, and the relation of the couple regarding the will to adopt related to the childs interaction with the adoptive figures. Thereunto, we conducted a psychoanalytic approachs reaseach, analysing adaptation periods attendance reports. As results, regarding the adoptive children, we verified that the precariousness on experiencing the parental imagos mourning affects the emotional reinvestment upon the new maternal figures. As for the adoptive families, we noticed that the difficulties experiencing the biological childs mourning interferes on the adoptive filiation. Especially, for the adoptive mothers, it required mourn being a mother as being the sons primary love object, since, because of the childs development, he will demand a different relationship pattern than the one experienced with a baby. Upon the findings, we hope to contribute to the development of new knowledge to base te adoptive families preparation, essential to the adoptions success.

An empirical study was undertaken to conduct applied, exploratory, descriptive research to establish challenges specific to cross racial adoption in Gauteng, South Africa. The objectives of the overall aim were: * to conduct empirical work and to collect data through the use of focus groups with parents who have cross racially adopted, in order to explore challenges specific to cross racial adoptions * to conduct analysis in order to describe the findings of the empirical data * to conduct a thorough literature review on available literature pertaining to cross racial adoption * to draw conclusions and make recommendations on the completion of the afore mentioned objectives The empirical study demonstrated that: * Parents who cross racially adopt do experience challenges and there are challenges specific to cross racial adoption * A number of the challenges experienced by parents who cross racially adopt are directly linked to a lack of support throughout the adoption process * A need exists for a comprehensive model of support for parents who cross racially adopt The empirical study was successful in identifying, exploring and describing challenges experienced by parents who cross racially adopt in Gauteng.<br>Social work<br>M.Diac.(Play Therapy)

In recent literature, it has been stated that Native children adopted into non-Native homes do not fare well emotionally or culturally. But to place ourselves in another era; the decades of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, where the child welfare systems were overrun with Native children needing to be placed in long term homes, begs us to examine the systemic and political structures at play. Also, to examine the homes that these children were placed in and embrace a different perspective: the stories of the non-Native adoptive parents. This research study delves into the adoption experiences of eight non-Native adoptive parents and empirically examines their stories, resulting in many significant similarities and common themes with the main one being, the situation that these families found themselves in at times was not ideal but they transcended adversity to the best degree they could. Native children are no longer adopted out to non-Native families at the high rate that they once were. The political atmosphere of today differs significantly from the era that became known as the "Sixties Scoop". However, this study may contribute to the body of literature surrounding Native/non-Native adoption and could impact long term fostering policy and practice if the data were to be extrapolated into today's context.

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 1997. Graduate Programme in Interdisciplinary Studies.<br>Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 180-188). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL:http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pMQ27368.

Text in Afrikaans<br>Gesinne met aangenome kinders bevind hulself in 'n eiesoortige gesinsituasie. Die situasie stel verskeie eise aan die ouers asook aan die kinders in die gesin. Bo en behalwe die universele gesinsuitdagings, moet bulle ook die uitdagings uniek aan die aannemingsituasie bemeester. Gesinne met aangenome kinders bevind hulself soms in moeilike situasies en benodig dan ondersteuning. Daarom is daar in hierdie studie besluit om ondersoek in te stel na die effek van gesinsterapie in gesinne met aangenome kinders. Die doel was om vas te stel in watter mate gesinne met aangenome kinders gehelp kan word om probleme te oorkom met gesinsterapie as terapeutiese intervensie. Die navorsing is gedoen aan die hand van 'n kwalitatiewe ontwerp waar data hoofsaaklik ingesamel is deur vraelyste, observasie en onderhoudvoering. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat gesinsterapie effektief gebruik kan word om hulp te verleen aan die gesin met aangenome kinders. Daar word as 'n span aan die probleme gewerk aangesien gesamentlike doelwitstelling-plaasvind en dit dien ook as 'n belangrike saambindende faktor van die gesinslede. AI die gesinslede se probleme kon gelyktydig aangespreek word in plaas van op 'n individuele basis.<br>Families with adopted children find themselves in a situation with unique demands made on them as a family as well as on an individual level as a parent or a child. They have to master the universal family challenges as well as the challenges of the family with adopted children. These families often find themselves in complex situations, which are difficult to handle and thus need the necessary support. The reason for this study was therefore to investigate the effect of family therapy in families with adopted children. The aim was to find out how effective a family with adopted children could be helped to solve the problems experienced with family therapy as therapeutic intervention. A qualitative analysis was conducted and data was gathered primarily through questionnaires, observation and interviewing. The results of the research led to the conclusion that family therapy was indeed an effective therapeutic intervention as far as families with adopted children were concerned. It provided the family to work together as a team and created unity. All the family members' problems could also be addressed at once instead of individually.<br>Psychology of Education<br>M. Ed. (Voorligting)

Este trabalho tem como objetivo desmistificar a perceção negativa sobre a adoção tardia. É apresentada a prática profissional junto de crianças e jovens, enquanto docente de Educação Moral Religiosa e Católica, o investimento na formação, e a experiência de trabalho ao longo de dezoito anos. Entre as várias problemáticas acompanhadas, destacase o contacto com crianças institucionalizadas e adotadas, sobre as quais é dedicada particular atenção. Ao longo deste trabalho, em que participaram uma fratria de três irmãs biológicas e a mãe adotiva, vamos percecionar os desafios que a adoção fez despontar no seio familiar e como se adaptaram a esta nova realidade sem uma preparação prévia, tanto a nível psicológico e emocional, como ao nível da gestão de todas as situações novas que passaram a surgir diariamente. Veremos também como se integraram à uma nova realidade, bem diferente da que tinham até integrar uma nova família, nomeadamente, como foi a adaptação à família nuclear e que relações estabeleceram com a família alargada, bem como as mudanças que decorreram no seu percurso escolar. As famílias adotivas têm características e tarefas específicas que implicam relacionarem-se quer com o período anterior à adoção (decisão, espera, vivências e transição para a parentalidade/filiação), quer com o período posterior (integração, adaptação, comunicação e a criação de vínculos), sendo que a adoção de crianças mais velhas reveste-se ainda de características mais específicas e requer desafios adicionais. Veremos que, com todos os desafios, angústias e dúvidas ao longo do processo, atualmente considera-se que as crianças, agora jovens, se encontram bem-adaptadas. Os dados recolhidos sugerem pistas importantes para o sucesso da adoção de fratrias em idade tardia e vêm revelar que os desafios adjacentes podem ser ultrapassados quando a família adotiva tem como objetivo o bem-estar da criança que deve ser entendido, como define (Kickbusch, 2012)1 , pela realização do potencial da pessoa por intermédio do desenvolvimento das dimensões física, emocional, mental e espiritual.<br>This paper aims to demystify the negative perception about late adoption. Is presented the professional practice with children and young people, as a teacher of Religious and Catholic Moral Education, investment in training, and work experience over eighteen years practice. Among the various issues monitored, contact with institutionalized and adopted children stands out, over which particular attention is devoted. Throughout this work, in which a group of three biological sisters and the adoptive mother participated, we will perceive the challenges that adoption has made to emerge in the family and how they adapted to this new reality without prior preparation, both on a psychological and emotional level, as well as in terms of management of all new situations in their daily life. How they integrated with a new reality, quite different from what they had before the integration in a new family, namely, how was the adaptation to the nuclear family and what relationships did they establish with the extended family, as well as the changes that took place in their school path. Adoptive families have specific characteristics and tasks that imply relating both to the period prior to adoption (decision, waiting, experiences and transition to parenting / affiliation), and to the later period (integration, adaptation, communication and the creation of bonds) , with the adoption of older children, more specific characteristics and additional challenges arise. We will see that, with all the challenges, anxieties, and doubts throughout the process, it is now considered that children, now young, are well-adapted. The collected data suggest important clues for the successful adoption of siblings at a late age, and reveals that the adjacent challenges can be overcome when the adoptive family aims the well-being of the child that must be understood, as (Kickbusch, 2012) defined, for realizing the person's potential through the development of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions.

Text in Afrikaans<br>Summaries in English and Afrikaans<br>Narratiewe navors:ing is gedoen om vas te stel watter rol geloof speel in die aanneemgesin. Onderhoudvoering met aanneemouers het die kernfaktor in die funksionering van die gesin as die aanvaarding of verwerping van die verskil tussen gesinne wat deur aanneming saamgestel is en gesinne wat deur geboorte saamgestel is, uitgewys. V erwerping strem verhoudinge binne die gesin, maak die gesin kwesbaar vir stres en vervreemding tussen ouer en kind. Aanvaarding, aan die antler kant, beteken dat die ouer die behoefte van sy kind om met sy natuurlike ouers in aanrak:ing te kom, erken. So 'n houding bring 'n verbetering in die ouer-kindverhouding mee en gevolglik ook in die vennoe om ontwikkelingskrisisse te hanteer. Geloofkan 'n rol speel om an.gs en selftwyfel by die aanneemouers as gevolg van die onnatuurlike samestelling van die gesin te besweer, sodat hulle die verskil aanvaar en sodoende 'n gesonder perspektief op gesinwees ontwikkel.<br>Narrative research was done in order to establish the role of faith in the adoptive family. In interviews with adoptive parents it was found that the crucial factor in the functioning of the family is the acceptance or rejection of the differences between families created by adoption and those created by childbirth. Rejection hampers relationships within the family and renders it vulnerable to stress and enstrangement between parent and child. Acceptance on the other hand means that the parent recognises the need of the child to connect with his birth parents. This latter attitude results in improved relationships between parent and child and in more effectiveness in coping with developmental crises. Faith can play a role to cl.ispell the anxciety and self-doubt of adoptive parents resulting from the unnatural constitution of their family, accept the differences and in that way may contribute to a healthier perspective on the family.<br>Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology<br>M.Th.(Pastoral Theraphy)