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Support Needs and Post-Adoption Resources for Adopted Adults

A Systematic Review

Bibliographic Data

ID14557248
AuthorsYolanda Sánchez-Sandoval (0000-0001-8341-7386, Universidad de Cádiz), Natalia Jiménez-Luque (0000-0001-8781-6464, Universidad de Cádiz), Sandra Melero (0000-0003-3603-0263, Universidad de Cádiz), Violeta Luque (Universidad de Cádiz), Laura Verdugo (0000-0002-1437-7242, Universidad de Cádiz)
Year2020
Volume50
Issue6
Pages1775-1795
Publication date2020-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe British Journal of Social Work (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0045-3102 • E-ISSN: 1468-263X
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/bjsw/bcz109
LanguageEN
Citations received14
References cited48

Post-adoption services provide guidance to adoptive families concerning common and specific circumstances. Despite adoption is a lifelong experience, most of the post-adoption resources are oriented towards children, adolescents and their adoptive parents. However, it is also necessary to focus on the demands and interventions with adult adoptees. The aim of this article is to review adult adoptees’ demands for post-adoption resources, applicants’ characteristics and resources offered to them. A systematic search was conducted in several databases, finding forty studies that fulfilled the selection criteria (about adults, domestic/international adoptions and published between 2005 and 2018). The included studies showed mainly three needs: contact with birth family, ethnic identity and birth culture, and psychological support. Additionally, adoptees who demand post-adoption resources are a heterogeneous group. This review collects structured programmes focused on different topics: search for origins, attachment development and professionals’ training in adoption. In addition, we also found some specific post-adoption services and other tools, such as support groups or cultural events. Finally, adoptees also have access to other resources that are not specifically for them, such as mental health services. The scarce existence of evidence-based interventions is an important weakness in this work. Recommendations for future research and practice are included

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Unique citing works14
Citations per year2,8
Citation span2021 - 2026 (6)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 14
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