The authors analyzed the responses of 799 families who had finalized their adoption of a special-needs child. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales instrument was used to describe family process and structure in families who had successfully adopted a child with special needs. These families are much more adaptable and cohesive when compared with normative families. The cohesion subscales clearly indicated that close emotional bonding and recreation focused around the family were highly valued. Implications for practice are discussed.
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