Adoption & Fostering

Compared to Western Europe, Romania has a very high proportion of children in residential care. Most of these children live in the type of large institutions, erroneously labelled as ‘orphanages’, which featured so prominently in Western media coverage of the country immediately after the 1989 overthrow of President Ceausescu. Jonathan Dickens and Julia Watts have worked since October 1994 for the Romanian Orphanage Trust. Focusing on the aims and achievements of that organisation, they describe attempts to develop alternatives to residential care in a society beleaguered by financial hardship and in which social work has only recently re-emerged as a profession, following some twenty-five years of abolition under communist rule. They show how the Trust has deliberately moved away from directly providing and managing services for children and families towards an approach bent on stimulating and helping the growth of Romanian led and managed initiatives. Despite the high number of children in institutions, and obstacles such as poverty and traditional attitudes to substitute family care, the authors conclude that adoption and fostering have an important role to play in an overall programme of prevention, rehabilitation and anti-poverty measures in Romania.

The last two decades have seen a welcome increase in the recognition of children's rights, in terms of both public opinion and legislation. When it comes to adoption, however, are children's wishes and feelings being truly heard? Julie Selwyn discusses the findings of her recent study into this question. After assessing the duties of social workers and guardians, as defined by current legislation and guidance, she reveals the extent to which children's views sometimes fail to be ascertained during the adoption process. Taking a random sample of files, particular attention is paid to the contents of section O of Schedule 2 reports in which a social worker is specifically required to record a child's ‘wishes and feelings in relation to adoption and the application, including any wishes in respect of religious and cultural upbringing’. The role of guardians is also examined.

Life story work has long been established as a highly effective means of helping children separated from their birth families to come to terms with a history of abandonment, rejection and loss. However, the traditional method of using photos, drawings, writings and memorabilia from the child's past to create a life story book may not always be possible or appropriate. Juliet Harper presents four case studies in which, for various reasons, it was necessary to pursue alternative methods of life story work, for instance through play and the exploration of dreams. She underlines the importance of truthfulness, sensitivity and flexibility on the part of the therapist, and the need to constantly watch out for clues from the child. In following their lead, she asserts, the most constructive path towards rebuilding their sense of self will be found.

Effective communication and sensitivity to the requirements of each individual child lie at the heart of any constructive treatment for children in need. Pat Harvey focuses on problems faced by children with moderate learning difficulties and examines some of the various communication techniques that enable them to be reached and effectively helped. Many of the cases cited feature children who have been abused or neglected. As with life story work, discussed in the previous article, much emphasis is placed on the importance of rebuilding their self-esteem.

Problematic behaviour in adopted teenage children often stems from their very early experiences. In examining the evolution of the relationship between parents and their adopted children from adolescence to early adulthood David Howe identifies three types of adoption, each associated with a distinct pattern of pre-placement care. On the basis of this classification the quality of parent-child relationships is explored at two key stages: when the adopted person is 16 and over 23. In addition, the adopters interviewed in Howe's study provided their own long-term views of the adoption process when looking back. Those who managed to survive the most stressful years often reported much more relaxed, reciprocal relationships with their grown-up children. But they also underlined the importance of expert advice and support to help see them through the worst times.

Conclusion