General public perceptions and motivations to adopt children from out-of-home care in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Recent reforms in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, prioritise adoption over long-term foster care. While previous research has examined motivation to foster, less is known about the interest by the general public in adoption from out-of-home care. A general sample of the NSW public (N = 1030) completed an online survey about adoption practices and their willingness to consider adopting from out-of-home care, with background questions on perceived social support and life satisfaction. Barriers to pursuing adoption were identified, including concerns about the characteristics of the child related to their experiences of care and personal impacts including financial costs. Availability of post-adoption supports was viewed positively as increasing interest in adoption. General Linear Model univariate analyses identified that likelihood of considering adoption was primarily predicted by younger age, knowing someone who had been adopted as a child, actively practicing religion, living in the city rather than a regional area and higher life satisfaction. Customised marketing campaigns can target people more likely to consider adoption, with messages that resonate with their social and psychological characteristics. There is also a need for policy changes to ensure adequate provision of post-adoption support.

“My genitals have nothing to do with my parenting”: A qualitative study of trans adoption

“…Consistent with prior literature, several participants knew people who had fostered or adopted, been in the foster care system and/or adopted, or worked in this field (Costa & Tasker, 2018;Luu et al, 2019;Sebba, 2012;Weistra & Luke, 2017). These connections helped participants learn about foster care and adoption and provided information they later used in considering pathways to parenthood.…”

“…Consistent with broader social trends, younger relatives demonstrated greater support and excitement for couples' queer identities and parenting choices compared to older relatives (Kaufman & Compton, 2021;Luu et al, 2019).…”

“…That private adoptions comprised fewer adoptions than public adoptions is consistent with prior literature, though this number may be higher among trans individuals and their partners who may be unable to adopt internationally and thereby turn to their remaining options (Tornello, 2021a). Public attitudes reflect an avoidance of foster care (Luu et al, 2019). That children classified with special needs are overrepresented in foster care and trans adopters chose public adoption routes may lend support for the idea that trans individuals are more willing to adopt children with special needs (e.g., Goldberg et al, 2020).…”

“…Participants' concerns are not unfounded. Religiously affiliated individuals are more likely to consider adoption than those who are not (Luu et al, 2019). Evangelical Christians who have adopted are motivated by theology, citing the Bible as directing some Christians, such as themselves, to adopt and that adoption serves as a form of ministry where they pass Christian principles and values to children who would otherwise not receive this exposure (Firmin et al, 2017;Helder, 2020).…”

“…Adoptive families want support and resources but over half of families, in one study, that needed post adoption support were unable to access it and of these families 70% needed two or more services (Barnett et al, 2018;Edelstein, 2017;Hartinger-Saunders, 2015b;McKirdy et al, 2019;Meakings et al, 2018;Pinderhughes & Brodzinsky, 2019). More people would consider pursuing adoption if support services were available to adoptive parents (Luu et al, 2019). Though families may be equally willing to locate post-adoption services, if some families have greater difficulty locating services, then there will be differential access.…”