‘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

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 these initial parent–child ‘introductions’. 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. They 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 ongoing significance several years after placement, are explored.