Outcomes in Adolescent and Older-Child Adoptions

Abstract

This column reviews and comments on studies of the outcome of older-child and adolescent adoption. The research demonstrates that children adopted at older ages are more likely to exhibit higher levels of some problem behaviors than children adopted at younger ages. Gender, age and the placement of sibling groups are among the variables that seem to influence outcome. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@ haworthpressinc.com <Website: http://www.haworthpressinc.com>]

Placement Discontinuity for Older Children and Adolescents Who Exit Foster Care Through Adoption Or Guardianship: A Systematic Review

“…Multiple changes in foster care placement over a 12-month period for foster youth relate to negative child externalizing and internalizing behaviors, including anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity (Newton, Litrownik, & Landsverk, 2000). Finally, as children get older, their likelihood of being adopted decreases, and they may have more difficulty adjusting to adoptive placements (Haugaard, Wojslawowicz, & Palmer, 1999).…”

“…Little research has rigorously examined risk factors associated with discontinuity for former foster youth. However, some studies suggest that children who exhibit difficult behaviors, older children, and child victims of sexual abuse may be at increased risk for post-adoption or guardianship placement instability, and that other child factors may impact discontinuity as well, such as gender, placement with siblings, or developmental disability (Barth et al, 1988;Barth & Miller, 2000;Groze, 1996;Haugaard et al, 1999;Henry, 1999;Smith et al, 1998). Also, previous research has indicated that service factors may increase the risk of discontinuity, including a low or inadequate level of pre-or post-permanency support or training for adoptive or guardianship caregivers (Barth & Miller, 2000;Rosenthal, Groze, & Aguilar, 1991;Testa, 2004).…”

“…In addition, putative risk factors for discontinuity, such as child ''behavior problems'' or ''special needs'' have been inconsistently or ambiguously defined by researchers (Rycus et al, 2006). Finally, previous adoption or guardianship studies have found conflicting or mixed evidence regarding the relationships between several risk or protective factors (e.g., caregiver age or sibling placement) and post-permanency outcomes (Barth & Miller, 2000;Haugaard et al, 1999). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically review the peer-reviewed literature to identify the risk and protective factors associated with discontinuity for former foster youth who are school-age or older, as well as assess the quality of research evidence.…”