The Practices and Challenges of Adoption Disclosure in Selected Local Adoption Organizations in Addis Ababa.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2019-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of the study is to assess the practices and challenges of adoption disclosure
among adoptive parents who are adopting children through adoption organizations in
Addis Ababa. The study employed qualitative research method and purposive sampling
technique was used. The sample included 8 in-depth interviewees, 8 participants in FGD
and 4 key informants. Adoptive parents were selected from Kebebe Tsehay Orphanage,
Kidmia Association, and Bethany Christian Services. Moreover, key informants were also
drawn from the Ministry of Women, Children & Youth Affairs (MOWCYA), Addis Ababa
Women, Children & Youth Affairs Office, Kidmia Association & Bethany Christian
Services. Primary data were used for the study. The findings of the study indicated that
adoption disclosure is rarely practiced among adoptive parents. Based on the findings,
challenges of adoption disclosure include fear of psychological effect on the child, societal
stigma, fear of losing attachment after disclosure, desire to simulate biological parenthood,
lack of knowledge about how and when to disclose, and lack of support from others on
disclosure. The other finding is that adoptive parents employ different coping mechanisms
such as spirituality, simulating biological parenthood, avoiding the stressor and networking
to cope with the challenges of adoption disclosure. The study suggested designing
appropriate guidance and support mechanism for adoptive parents regarding adoption
disclosure should be considered. Counseling and training services should be provided to
adoptive parents to deal with challenges of adoption disclosure. Moreover, intensive
awareness creation should be done on local adoption so that the community easily practices
adoption disclosure.
Description
Keywords
The Practices and Challenges of Adoption Disclosure in Selected Local Adoption Organizations in Addis Ababa