‘The very first thing that connected us to him’: adopters’ experiences of sharing photographs, ‘talking’ albums and other materials with their children prior to meeting

Blackmore, Jenny, Burns, Gemma, Waters, Cerith S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7049-9906 and Shelton, Katherine H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1311-5291 2020. ‘The very first thing that connected us to him’: adopters’ experiences of sharing photographs, ‘talking’ albums and other materials with their children prior to meeting. Adoption and Fostering 44 (3) , pp. 225-241. 10.1177/0308575920945174

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Abstract

Prospective adopters commonly share materials such as photographs of their family, ‘talking albums’, DVDs, toys and blankets with their child prior to meeting them. This is often the first point of ‘introduction’ of the adoptive family to their child. The sharing of materials is also one of the earliest tasks in which foster carers and prospective adopters work together. This study investigates adopters’ experiences of sharing materials in the wider context of working with foster carers during the process of ‘introductions’ with their child. Thematic analysis of 24 interviews conducted with adoptive parents revealed three main themes: collaboration, familiarisation and connection. Further qualitative and quantitative data were subsequently gathered and analysed from surveys completed by 64 adoptive parents. Findings highlight the central role of the foster carer in preparing a child for a move to adoption, and the potential impact that the grief and loss experienced by a foster carer may have on this move. Findings also suggest that the sharing of materials could be an early indicator of a foster carer’s capacity to support a child’s transition to life with their adoptive family. Adopters’ perceptions of the impact of the materials, both at the time of introductions and their on-going significance several years post-placement, are explored.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	SAGE
ISSN:	0308-5759
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	9 June 2020
Date of Acceptance:	3 June 2020
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2024 18:12
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/132282

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