Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Interracial adoption'

Thesis (M.A.)--University of California, San Diego, 2009.
Title from first page of PDF file (viewed July 2, 2009). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-167).

xiv, 204 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
The purpose of this study was to examine counselor trainees' perceptions of adopted clients and explore how trainee perceptions may vary according to counselor trainees' adoption-related knowledge, attitudes, and clinical skills. This study extends the limited body of research examining mental health professionals' potential bias related to adopted clients in their approach to treatment and case conceptualization. Counselor trainees (N = 430) read one of six client case study vignettes that were identical except for variations on client adoption status (adopted, transracially adopted, nonadopted) and client sex (male or female), resulting in six different stimuli conditions. Group differences were examined for two independent variables (client adoption status and client sex) and dependent variables measuring counselor trainees' perceptions of clients in four areas: (a) seriousness of treatment plan and prognosis, (b) assignment of favorable or unfavorable adjectives to clients, (c) counselor trainees' assessment of client level of functioning, and (d) diagnosis behavior. Preexisting counselor adoption knowledge, attitudes, and skills were assessed by the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills of Adoption Survey (KASAS) that was created and validated specifically for this study. Results of exploratory factor analyses on the KASAS revealed a cogent, three-factor structure for the measure with high factor internal consistency. The main study research questions were then addressed within the context of several univariate general linear models. Findings demonstrated that counselor trainees perceive adopted clients generally more negatively than nonadopted clients. Participants rated same-race adopted clients as lower functioning than nonadopted clients, reported having greater overall concern for adopted clients (both same-race and transracially adopted) in comparison with nonadopted clients, and rated adopted clients' problems as more severe than those of nonadopted clients despite being presented with otherwise identical presenting issues. Descriptive data revealed that 64% of trainees reported lack of preparation to deal with or no knowledge about adoption, and 89% reported wanting additional clinical training about adoption Implications for future research and practice are presented.
Committee in charge: Benedict McWhirter, Chairperson, Counseling Psychology and Human Services; Deanna Linville-Knobelspiesse, Member, Counseling Psychology and Human Services; Paul Yovanoff, Member, Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership; Ellen Herman, Outside Member, History

Transracial adoption continues to be a widely debated and controversial subject matter. The purpose of this study was to complete an examination of what adoption social workers do to teach adoptive parents regarding their adoptees' differing cultural and ethnic background. A questionnaire was sent to all adoption social workers employed by Children's Aid Societies in Ontario; 90 responded. The questionnaire included questions regarding demographic information, opinions of transracial adoption and also explored the actual actions taken to teach adoptive parents about their adoptees' differing cultural and ethnic background. Findings were that the majority of adoption social workers in Ontario are Caucasian, and that they have a high level of agreement with the appropriateness of transracial adoptions. The total actions taken by social workers to educate adoptive parents were found to be quite low; a higher number of actions taken was associated with: (1) The social workers being older; (2) The fact that they adopted transracially themselves; (3) Longer experience in social work, and specifically in adoption; (4) More transracial adoptions facilitated.

rans-racial adoption was first legalised in South Africa in 1991, and remains a contentious issue within a society in which the ramifications of apartheid are still felt. The study was borne of recognition of the need for clear understanding of the phenomenon of trans-racial adoption in the unique South African context, from the perspective of the adoptees themselves. The phenomenological approach was employed in this qualitative study, in order to gain an understanding of the meaning and sense that trans-racial adoptees ascribe to their lived experiences. The population for the study was trans-racially adopted individuals within South Africa, aged 18 years or older, who have been legally adopted during infancy or early childhood, after 1991. Snowball sampling was determined to be the most appropriate sampling method for the study. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with six trans-racial adoptees. These interviews were led by the question "Tell me the story of your experience of growing up as a trans-racially adopted child, and the meaning that this has for you?" The data collected through the interview process was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and findings was achieved through employing theoretically prescribed data verification strategies. The rich accounts offered by the participants provided insight into their experiences. The most significant study findings revealed that the participants experienced emotional security within their adoptive families, but encountered racism and discrimination within society. The findings further indicated that ambivalence developed during the process of identity formation. In making sense of their experiences, the participants reflected on their uniqueness and individuality, and highlighted gains related to their upbringing. It was evident that quality parental care and the participants’ own resilience contributed to their success in navigating these challenges. Based on the research findings, the study concluded with recommendations for enhancing outcomes in trans-racial adoption.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, 2008.
Title from dissertation title page (viewed May 13, 2008). Includes abstract. "Dissertation presented to the Faculty of the Brite Divinity School in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling." Includes bibliographical references.

The increase in transracial adoption in modern society has not been without some controversy over its practice. Conflicting studies, have exposed and given rise to greater sensitivity to the impact of transracial adoption on adoptees-. As noted, prior studies have indicated that Korean adoptees adjust well to their environment (Feigelman & Silverman, Kim, 1977, 1978; Simon, 1974); however, some studies indicate a negative outcome (Chestang, 1972; Chimezie, 1975) and some ethnic groups (i.e., Native Americans and The National Association of Black Social Workers) have discouraged the practice of transracial adoption. In an attempt to clarify such issues surrounding transracial adoption, the purpose of this study was to explore the impact of adoption on adult Korean adoptees.This study examined whether acculturation, assimilation, cultural identity, age of placement of Korean adoptees, and revisiting Korea play a role in self-concept. In addition, this study wanted to look at whether the positive initial adjustment found in Kim's (1977; 1978) studies continued into adulthood for Korean adoptees. Adjustment was based upon self-concept. The results from this study indicated that acculturation, assimilation, cultural identity, placement of Korean adoptees, and revisit of Korea had little influence in self-concept. As noted, the results indicated that: 1) acculturation was only related to Verbal self-concept; 2) revisiting Korea did not predict self-concept; however, cultural identity did play an important part in self concept; 3) age of placement of Korean adoptees related only to Verbal, Math, and Honesty self-concept; and 4) in general, positive adjustment based upon self-concept appeared to continue into adulthood for Korean adoptees.In summary, adjustment for Korean adoptees appeared to continue into adulthood. In addition, cultural identity appeared not to relate to Korean adoptees' self-concept. However, as noted, there needs to be further studies due to the limitations of this study, particularly the measurements.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

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.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003.
Some digitised pages may appear illegible due to the condition of the original hard copy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Multicultural adoption became a reality in South Africa in 1994, after the abolition of the apartheid legislation. This is therefore a relatively new and unfamiliar terrain for those social workers that specialise in adoption. A gap was identified with regard to a sufficient theoretical foundation and the absence of guidelines regarding this phenomenon in South Africa. This study was undertaken in an attempt to address this shortcoming and in order to gain more direction and clarity regarding multicultural adoption. Through a literature study an attempt was made to determine how legislation on adoption in South Africa is interpreted as well as to establish the role played by the social worker during adoption. A historical overview of adoption in South Africa is discussed as well as the current legislation that relates to multicultural adoption. With reference to the purpose of the research, the literature study also focused on a practice perspective, multicultural intervention and theories that are applicable. Furthermore the profile of parents that adopt children of another culture and the motives surrounding this, were examined during the literature study. An exploratory study was undertaken to establish the needs of parents who adopt children of another culture as well as to determine the cultural skills that social workers require in order to successfully facilitate multicultural adoptions. The ultimate purpose of the study was to formulate guidelines for social workers for multicultural adoptions. The empirical study was aimed at parents that have already adopted children of another culture and was limited to the Western Cape. The results of the empirical study confirmed the researcher's supposition that social workers should master multicultural skills in order to successfully facilitate multicultural adoptions and that a cultural awareness is imperative. Based on the study and the results, recommendations for a policy framework with regard to multicultural adoptions was formulated and guidelines and proposals for the implementation of multicultural intervention and adoption were laid down. The recommendations of this study can be used by all social workers and parents that are involved in multicultural adoptions and also by other welfare organisations and social workers.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Multikulturele aanneming het in 1994, na die afskaffing van apartheidswetgewing, 'n werklikheid in Suid-Afrika geword. Hierdie is dus 'n redelik nuwe en onbekende terrein vir maatskaplike werkers wat in aanneming spesialiseer. 'n Leemte ten opsigte van voldoende teoretiese fundering en afwesigheid van riglyne rakende hierdie verskynsel in Suid-Afrika, is geïdentifiseer. In 'n poging om hierdie leemte aan te spreek en meer rigting en duidelikheid oor multikulturele aanneming te verkry, is hierdie ondersoek onderneem. Met die literatuurstudie is gepoog om die interpretering van wetgewing oor aanneming in Suid-Afrika te bepaal en ook die rol wat die maatskaplike werker tydens aanneming speel, vas te stel. 'n Historiese oorsig van aanneming in Suid-Afrika is bespreek en ook die huidige wetgewing wat met multikulturele aanneming verband hou. In aansluiting by die doel van die navorsing is daar ook tydens die literatuurondersoek gefokus op 'n praktykperspektief, multikulturele intervensie en teorieë wat van toepassing is. Voorts is die profiel van ouers wat kinders vanuit 'n ander kultuur aanneem en ook die motiewe daarrondom, tydens die literatuurstudie ondersoek. 'n Verkennende studie is onderneem om die behoeftes van ouers wat kinders vanuit 'n ander kultuur aanneem vas te stel, asook om te bepaal watter vaardighede vir multikulturele-intervensie maatskaplike werkers nodig het om multikulturele aannemings suksesvol te fasiliteer. Die uiteindelike doel van die ondersoek was om riglyne vir maatskaplike werkers tydens multikulturele aannemings te formuleer. Die empiriese ondersoek was op ouers wat reeds kinders vanuit 'n ander kultuur aangeneem het gerig en beperk tot die Wes-Kaap. Die resultate van die empiriese ondersoek bevestig die navorser se aanname dat maatskaplike werkers vaardighede vir multikulturele-intervensie moet bemeester vir die fasilitering van suksesvolle multikulturele aannemings en dat 'n kulturele bewustheid onontbeerlik is. Op grond van die ondersoek en resultate, is aanbevelings vir 'n beleidsraamwerk ten opsigte van multikulturele aanneming geformuleer en riglyne en voorstelle vir sodanige uitvoering van multikulturele intervensie en aanneming neergelê. Die aanbevelings van hierdie ondersoek kan deur maatskaplike werkers en ouers wat betrokke is by multikulturele aannemings en deur ander welsynsorganisasies en maatskaplike werkers gebruik word.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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).
M.A.
Masters
Communication;
Sciences;

Life story methods were used to explore the contextual factors that influenced the experiences and identity formation of seven Native American adults who were transracially adopted prior to the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. These methods provided a deeper understanding of how these individuals have integrated their adoption experiences into their evolving sense of self. The life story methodology offered a way to acknowledge and validate participants' life experiences and allowed for the collection of rich information from the perspectives of the adoptees. The life story interviews were structured to gather information on the influence of one's adoptive family and cultural, social, and educational experiences on participants' developing sense of self. Even though an interview guide was developed for use in the study, each story uniquely unfolded in a manner the participant was comfortable sharing. The study examined the life stories for patterns or emerging themes related to identity development at different points in the narrators' life cycles in order to develop an aggregate account of the contextual factors influencing identity formation as well as a collective understanding of sense of self. The study identified 12 contextual factors that have both positively and negatively influenced identity development among the participants throughout their lifespan. These factors are: (1) adoptive family; (2) community; (3) educational experiences; (4) religion/spirituality; (5) travel; (6) exposure to cultural experiences; (7) employment; (8) friendships; (9) peer groups; (10) military; (11) societal messages, and (12) reconnection to tribal heritage. Overall, findings from this study suggest that the majority of participants have developed strong Native American, multi-cultural, and/or bi-cultural identities that incorporate their various experiences as transracial adoptees. Practice considerations for transracial adoptees as well as adoptive parents are suggested. Policy implications relating to granting access to original birth and/or adoption related records are presented. Finally, future research recommendations are offered specific to Native American transracial adoptees, their biological families, and tribal communities from which they adopted. While the practice, policy, and research recommendations are specific to Native American transracial adoptees, the recommendations may have broader implications to a wider population of adoptees in general.

This project aims to equip people with a more nuanced understanding of cross-racial adoptive identity. This will be actualised through the telling of my own personal lived experiences, as well as other cross race adoptees’ stories.

L'adoption internationale et interraciale bouleverse les donnees habituelles de la filiation parce que le phenotype des protagonistes dement cette filiation. La plupart des adoptants s'y resignent ; quelques uns le souhaitent, pour sauver des enfants en detresse, proceder a une mise a distance, ou parce qu'ils ont fantasme un enfant d'une autre race. L'enfant de l'adoption internationale n'est pas un migrant ordinaire : il presente parfois au debut des symptomes d'angoisse et des phenomenes de regression, puis s'adapte a l'egal d'un petit francais et abandonne sa langue et sa culture d'origine. Les tiers ont tendance a beaucoup intervenir dans de telles adoptions et a expliquer tous les problemes par le deracinement, alors que la principale difficulte rencontree, non specifique, est la carence affective. Le rapport au pays d'origine fluctue au fil des annees, mais il est calque sur le rapport aux parents biologiques
International and interracial adoption disrupts the usual features of filiation because the protagonists phenotype belies this filiation. Most adoptants resign themselves ; some wish for it, in order to save children in distress, to set up a certain distance, or because they have fantasized a child of another race. The child of international adoption is no ordinary migrant : it occasionnally presents at first, symptoms of distress and phases of regression, then gets adapted on a par with a french child and gives up its original language and culture. Third persons are inclined to intervene greatly in such adoptions and to explain all problems by the uprooting, whereas the main nonspecific difficulty encountered is an affective deficiency. The relation with the original country fluctuates as years go by but it is modeled on the relation with the biological parents

The aim of this study is to investigate, through individual narratives, the conflicting voices in the ‘dialogical self’ of transracially adopting mothers. It is hypothesised that internalised voices from the family of origin are in conflict with the interracial voice of the new interracial family. The exchange or conflict between the voices is said to influence the transracially adopting mother’s experience and understanding of transracial adoption. The literature review of chapter two comprises three subsections. The first undertakes a review of the different concepts of self and concludes with a study of the ‘dialogical self’ that arises out of the narrative process. The narrative approach in psychology is the focus of the second subsection and addresses issues relating to the role and nature of the narrative in organising human experience. This relates to the experience of transracial adoption that is reviewed in the third subsection. Chapter three reviews the self – confrontation method used to investigate the conflicting voices within the dialogical self of each of the five participants in the study. This method is based on valuation theory and allows for an investigation of the self-narratives of the participants. The process of analysis is outlined and the ethical considerations discussed. The results of this study are described and interpreted and conclusions are drawn in chapter four. The results confirm the hypothesis that voices of the family of origin do create internal conflict within transracially adopting mothers where the interracial voice is not adequately independent, distinct and internalised. In chapter five the findings of chapter four are evaluated and recommendations proposed for consideration by adoption agencies.
Prof. Henning Viljoen

The best interests of the child are paramount in every matter concerning the child. This applies in the case of adoption of a child as well. When an adoption is intercultural, culture is an issue to be taken into account. This study is undertaken to consider the role that culture should play in a decision whether an adoption is in the best interests of the child. In order to determine whether intercultural adoption is a viable option that serves the best interests of the child, interracial adoption also needs to be focused on, as intercultural adoption is often also interracial. The research for this thesis is done from a South African legal perspective, although some interdisciplinary and international research is necessary as well. A brief historical overview of adoption in South Africa is undertaken, as it is important to have some background knowledge about adoption in South Africa in order to understand why race and culture are relevant in the South African adoptive system. The role of the family in the life of the child is investigated. The difference between family care, parental care and alternative care is researched. Thereafter the role of emotional bonding for a child, also known as attachment, is focused on. An important question is whether race and culture is the same thing. This is researched, whereafter the role of race and culture in the adoption process is investigated. The relevant provisions of the Child Care Act 74 of 1983,which regulates adoption in South Africa, are compared to the relevant provisions of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, which will regulate adoption in South Africa soon. Finally, some conclusions are drawn, shortcomings are highlighted and possible solutions are suggested. The outcome of this thesis should provide some guidance to those involved in the adoption process with regard to the factors that are important in determining the best interests of the child in an intercultural adoption.
Law
LL.D.

M.A.
Transracial Adoption (TRA) was legalised in South Africa in June 1991. TRA is a controversial issue all over the world. In the United Kingdom and United States there has been extensive research on TRA related to many different aspects of it, rendering a variety of conflicting results. Little research has been conducted around TRA in South Africa to date. This study was undertaken to research the relatively new phenomenon of TRA in South Africa. The study was based on literature and research from overseas, to identify how TRA in South Africa compares. The respondents of the study were parents who have adopted transracially and social workers who have been involved in TRA. A hybrid of exploratory and descriptive study was conducted. Fourteen parents and twenty-one social workers responded to the questionnaires. The primary limitation being the small sample of respondents, however, due to the population size being small this sample could be representative. The results showed that people involved in TRA in South Africa are aware of, and concerned about, very similar issues as those raised overseas. As TRA in South Africa is still in its teething phase, valuable results emerged about how to go about TRA, so as to make it most effective for all parties concerned. Preparation for TRA, racial identity issues and recommendations for further research were discussed according to results from the study.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Intercountry adoption emerged in Australia in the1970s, at the end of the Vietnam War and with each new decade the adoption ‘community’ and broader society have become more aware of the challenges and complexities of the adoptee experience. It is an area where contemporary preoccupations with issues of identity, kinship relations and concerns about ‘race’ and cultural belonging are being played out. Research on intercountry adoption has, until recent years, been primarily conducted by researchers in the professions of psychology, social work, law and child development. As a consequence these professions have to a large extent influenced and driven public debate and policy in this area. Issues about cultural and racial identity have generally been discussed and problematised either at an individual or familial level ¬how adoptees negotiate issues of racial difference in particular socio-political, historical and cultural contexts is usually missing from these accounts. As intercountry adoption is intricately connected to society’s ideas about race, culture, ethnicity, kinship and belonging -to family and to nation -the disciplines of sociology and anthropology have an important research role to play. This study seeks to problematise the narrow definition of identity that adoptees are usually subject to, attempting to move beyond essentialist notions about the ‘loss of identity’ and ‘loss of culture’ associated with the adoption experience which has tended to promote a discourse of victimisation. Rather, the study asks questions about how particular discourses of race, adoption and identity have impacted on adoptees’ lives and the different modes of belonging adoptees employ to manage their positions of difference. This is a comparative qualitative study using multiple methods of social inquiry. It focuses on two core groups of Australian intercountry adoptees -an adolescent and an adult group -who were born in Vietnam, Korea, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Their life histories are compared by placing their experiences in the broader socio-political and historical contexts of Australia’s immigration policies, adoption policies and history of race relations. Their hybrid experiences are also compared to some transracial adoptees in other Western nations and to some other transnational groups, within the broader body of work on postcolonial identity construction, in an effort to illuminate how intercountry adoptees’ share the ‘third space’ with others who also live through issues about cultural authenticity and the essentialism often associated with identity formation. The study concludes with an alternative reading of the intercountry adoptee experience. It suggests that some adoptees are managing to (re)invent and (re)define their fluid, hybrid identities within the broader context of culturally diverse youth and adults in multicultural Australia and by their membership within other diasporic movements. The study points to the importance of appropriate social support including support from peer groups, family, other adoptees, and the significance of place to adoptees’ sense of belonging. ‘Cultural identity’, as the often quoted Stuart Hall (1990:225) suggests, “is a matter of ‘becoming’ as well as of ‘being’” and “it belongs to the future as much as to the past”.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Intercountry adoption emerged in Australia in the1970s, at the end of the Vietnam War and with each new decade the adoption ‘community’ and broader society have become more aware of the challenges and complexities of the adoptee experience. It is an area where contemporary preoccupations with issues of identity, kinship relations and concerns about ‘race’ and cultural belonging are being played out. Research on intercountry adoption has, until recent years, been primarily conducted by researchers in the professions of psychology, social work, law and child development. As a consequence these professions have to a large extent influenced and driven public debate and policy in this area. Issues about cultural and racial identity have generally been discussed and problematised either at an individual or familial level ¬how adoptees negotiate issues of racial difference in particular socio-political, historical and cultural contexts is usually missing from these accounts. As intercountry adoption is intricately connected to society’s ideas about race, culture, ethnicity, kinship and belonging -to family and to nation -the disciplines of sociology and anthropology have an important research role to play. This study seeks to problematise the narrow definition of identity that adoptees are usually subject to, attempting to move beyond essentialist notions about the ‘loss of identity’ and ‘loss of culture’ associated with the adoption experience which has tended to promote a discourse of victimisation. Rather, the study asks questions about how particular discourses of race, adoption and identity have impacted on adoptees’ lives and the different modes of belonging adoptees employ to manage their positions of difference. This is a comparative qualitative study using multiple methods of social inquiry. It focuses on two core groups of Australian intercountry adoptees -an adolescent and an adult group -who were born in Vietnam, Korea, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Their life histories are compared by placing their experiences in the broader socio-political and historical contexts of Australia’s immigration policies, adoption policies and history of race relations. Their hybrid experiences are also compared to some transracial adoptees in other Western nations and to some other transnational groups, within the broader body of work on postcolonial identity construction, in an effort to illuminate how intercountry adoptees’ share the ‘third space’ with others who also live through issues about cultural authenticity and the essentialism often associated with identity formation. The study concludes with an alternative reading of the intercountry adoptee experience. It suggests that some adoptees are managing to (re)invent and (re)define their fluid, hybrid identities within the broader context of culturally diverse youth and adults in multicultural Australia and by their membership within other diasporic movements. The study points to the importance of appropriate social support including support from peer groups, family, other adoptees, and the significance of place to adoptees’ sense of belonging. ‘Cultural identity’, as the often quoted Stuart Hall (1990:225) suggests, “is a matter of ‘becoming’ as well as of ‘being’” and “it belongs to the future as much as to the past”.

Thesis (M Social Work)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Thousands of children are being abandoned in South Africa each year, consequently entering the child-care and protection system. The Children’s Act 38 of 2005, which governs all practices involving children in South Africa, clearly advocates for adoption as the superior form of intervention in cases of abandonment. Yet adoption continues to be one of the most under-utilised childcare practices in South Africa, especially by the black, majority population. This is unfortunately despite the fact that most of the adoptable children are from the black population group. This study therefore aimed to investigate the views of adoption social workers regarding the practice of trans-racial adoptions of abandoned children. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed for this study. A combination of exploratory and descriptive research designs was utilised as the framework for the research approach. Data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview schedule, which was conducted during personal interviews with social work professionals. The findings of the empirical investigation revealed that according to the views of the social workers under-graduate social work training was largely inadequate in preparing social workers to work in the field of adoption. It was also found that social workers felt that the importance of permanency planning in all work with children was not comprehensively explored during under-graduate studies. Findings further indicated that trans-racial adoption is viewed positively amongst adoption social workers, and is regarded as the far superior alternative to foster-care or institutional care for children who have been abandoned. It was however found that in cases of abandonment, adoption might be an under-utilised option amongst child-protection workers. Children available for adoption were reported as being predominantly from the black population group, while it was indicated that the majority of parents wanting to adopt are from the white community. In line with this, it was noted that there are not many prospective adoptive parents from the black community. Of significance was therefore the finding that very few adoption organisations have active recruitment programmes focused on recruiting black adoptive parents, inevitably bringing trans-racial adoption to the fore. One of the most important recommendations of this study is therefore that adoption organisations should develop and implement recruitment programmes, which specifically target prospective black adopters in an effort to increase the potential pool of black adopters. In addition, the recommendations emphasised the importance of adequate education of social workers in order to ensure that the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 is adequately understood and implemented in cases of abandonment. Ensuring that social workers move towards adoption as fast as possible in cases of abandonment can not only increase the chances of the child being adopted, but can also help to prevent developmental problems associated with institutional care.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Duisende kinders word jaarliks in Suid-Afrika deur hulle ouers verlaat (“abandon”), en betree gevolglik die kindersorg en beskermingsisteem. Die Kinderwet 38 van 2005, wat alle praktyke rakende kinders in Suid Afrika reguleer, promoveer duidelik aanneming as die beste vorm van intervensie in gevalle van kinderverlating. Steeds bly aanneming egter een van die mees onderbenutte kindersorg praktyke in Suid-Afrika, veral onder die swart meerderheidsbevolking. Dit ten spyte van die feit dat meeste aanneembare kinders uit die swart bevolkingsgroep kom. Hierdie studie was daarop gemik om die menings van aannemings-maatskaplike werkers rakende die praktyk van inter-ras aannemings van kinders wat deur hulle ouers verlaat is te ondersoek. Beide kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe benaderings is toegepas vir hierdie studie. ‘n Kombinasie van ondersoekende en beskrywende navorsingsontwerpe is gebruik as die raamwerk vir die navorsingsbenadering. Data is versamel deur middel van ‘n semi-gestruktureerde onderhoud skedule wat uitgevoer is tydens persoonlike onderhoude met maatskaplike werkers. Die empiriese ondersoek het bevind dat die maatskaplike werkers van mening was dat voorgraadse opleiding in maatskaplike werk grootliks onvoldoende was om maatskaplike werkers voor te berei vir werk op die gebied van aanneming. Daar is ook bevind dat maatskaplike werkers die standpunt huldig dat die belangrikheid van permanensie-beplanning in alle werk met kinders nie omvattend verken is tydens voorgraadse studies nie. Verdere bevinding dui daarop dat inter-ras aanneming positief beskou word deur aannemings-maatskaplike werkers en dat dit by verre as die beste alternatief tot pleegsorg of institisionele sorg vir kinders wat deur hulle ouers verlaat is, beskou word. Daar is egter bevind dat in gevalle van kinderverlating die opsie van aanneming onderbenut mag wees deur kinderbeskermings werkers. Daar is aangedui dat kinders wat beskikbaar is vir aanneming grootliks uit die swart meerderheids bevolkingsgroep kom, terwyl daar ook aangedui is dat die meerderheid van ouers wat kinders wil aanneem uit die wit gemeenskap kom. Daar is aangedui dat min van die prospektiewe aannemings ouers uit die swart gemeenskap kom. ‘n Betekenisvolle bevinding was gevolglik dat baie min aannemings-organisasies aktiewe werwingsprogramme het wat daarop fokus om swart aannemingsouers te werf, wat noodwendig inter-ras aanneming na vore bring. Een van die belangrikste aanbevelings van hierdie studie is dus dat aannemings-organisasies werwingsprogramme moet ontwikkel en implementeer wat spesifiek prospektiewe swart aannemers teiken in ‘n poging om die poel van swart aannemers te vergroot. Verder beklemtoon die aanbevelings die belangrikheid van voldoende opleiding van maatskaplike werkers ten einde te verseker dat die Kinderwet 38 van 2005 voldoende verstaan word en geïmplementeer word in gevalle van kinderverlating. Deur toe te sien dat maatskaplike werkers so gou moontlik beweeg na aanneming in gevalle van kinderverlating verbeter nie slegs die kind se kans om aangeneem te word nie, maar dit kan ook help om die ontwikkelingsprobleme geassosieer met institusionele versorging te voorkom.

Although a child's right to parental care and family life is constitutionally entrenched, many South African children are deprived of this right. Transcultural adoption could serve their need but historically this has been prohibited or discouraged by racist policies. Whether this is in keeping with the now non-racial South African society is questionable. In adoption the best interests of the child is paramount and in determining this, courts should balance children's constitutional rights to their culture of origin against their constitutional rights to non-discrimination. After considering arguments for and against transcultural adoption and the position in the United States and the United Kingdom, the writer suggests that further interdisciplinary research into the question is necessary in South Africa; inter-country adoption should be considered and law reform and governmental policy should facilitate these.
Private Law
LL. M. (Law)

The thesis is devoted to the issue of interracial adoption, when Ugandan child lives in the Czech adoptive family. The aim is to focus on the ethical aspect of interracial adoptions. Attempts to find out whether this type of adoption is really in the best interests of the child. The first part of the thesis provides general background information about Uganda as a country of origin of children. Describes historical development and socio-economic situation of the country, the issue of HIV/AIDS and information about orphan and abandoned children. The second part describes the process of international adoption, both generally and on the part of both participating countries, namely Uganda and the Czech Republic. The third part deals with the ethical side of the adoption. Aim is to find out how the circumstances of the interracial adoption can affect the adoptive family and the future development of the child, how they cope with the racism and discrimination and questions about childs identity. This part is based on surveys, studies and interviews with adoptive parents and their adopted children.

This thesis is a bridge to healing Between my grandmothers who have gone on before me And me and my daughter I've been told that I have a keen ability to expose and look at both sides of the story. No matter how ugly the truth may look I am likely to name it, voice it and admit it. This thesis looks at both sides of an Aboriginal adoption and reconnecting story. By both sides I do not mean the sides of the government and First Nations people. I will not give the government such pleasure to voice their opinion to my story. I will tell the sides of the stories of women who have been affected by the adoption scoops. The women, connected through genetics and sisterhood, all have similar roots but different stories. Different stories with different truths.

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.
Social work
M.Diac.(Play Therapy)

Using the theory of the dialogical self, this study aimed to understand the identities of a sample of transracially adopted South African adolescents. Particular attention was paid to the identity domains of race and adoption, as well as the impact of relationships on the formation of individual identity. In-depth interviews were conducted with four transracially adopted adolescents and their parents. The voice centred relational method (Brown and Gilligan, 1992) was used as the method of analysis. Results of this research support many assumptions of the theory of the dialogical self and suggest that there is a dynamic relationship between internal and external positions within the self. In addition, the results show that the participants have developed racial and adoptive identities characterized by conflicting positions within the self, which may be mediated by relationships with significant others. Issues specific to the South African context, including language and poverty, also appear to bear significant influence on the identities of the participants.
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006