The Outcome of Adoptions from Romania Predictors of Parental Satisfaction

Abstract

In this study Christine Groothues, Celia Beckett and Thomas O'Connor examine the outcome of adoptions of 117 children from Romania and a comparison group of 52 UK adopted children, and consider associated factors in the context of previous research findings.

The children were assessed at four years and their mothers interviewed; the children had been with the adoptive family for at least two years. Overall the outcome in both groups was very positive, with no breakdowns and a high level of parental satisfaction. Negative parental evaluation of the adoptions was considered separately and a number of factors were found to be related to this outcome; multivariate analysis showed that the child's level of hyperactivity at the time of interview was the most important factor. Despite the severe physical and developmental delay at placement of many of the Romanian children, the outcome picture for both groups was very similar.