Report on a longitudinal research project, exploring the development of attachments between older, hard-to-place children and their adopters over the first two years of placement

Authors: Kaniuk, Jeanne; Steele, Miriam; Hodges, Jill

Source: Adoption & Fostering Journal, Volume 28, Number 2, Summer 2004 , pp. 61-67(7)

Publisher: British Association for Adoption and Fostering

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Abstract:

The study reported here by Jeanne Kaniuk , Miriam Steele and Jill Hodges explored the development of attachments between a group of 63 children aged four to eight years at placement, all of whom had a history of separations and neglect or abuse. The 63 children and their adopters (42 families) were followed up for two years after placement. They were compared with a group of 48 children who had been adopted as infants (under 12 months of age) but who were of similar age to the research sample at the time of the study. Measures used included measures of the children's attachments and psychological development and of the adopters' attachment status and experience as parents. Uniquely in the field of adoption, this project has included measures of attachment that look below the surface to explore the inner worlds of both the children and the adopters. The children's schools were also contacted for a report on their progress.

Keywords: ADOPTION OUTCOMES; ATTACHMENT; ABUSE AND NEGLECT; PERMANENCE PLANNING; LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-06-01

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