Adopters' Experiences of Preparation to Parent Children with Serious Difficulties

Abstract

A selected group of adopters coping with very troubled children recently placed from care was asked about their satisfactions and dissatisfactions with the preparation for parenting that had been provided. Although some aspects were well received, most thought that the preparation had not been helpful in developing the parenting skills for managing difficult behaviour. It was notable that the child's level of disturbance still came as a surprise to many. The study, reported here by Alan Rushton and Elizabeth Monck, throws up the question of how to deliver a service that meets the need for both general preparation to adopt and preparation to parent the specific child eventually placed. Fresh consideration needs to be given to the best means, and timing, of parenting preparation and support.