Adoption is the action or fact of adopting or being adopted. A single adult or opposite sex or same sex couple take over the parental rights and responsibilities for a child from the birth parent(s) of the child. The adopted child has such rights and privileges as if they were born to the adoptive parent(s). The child may be a national of the country of the adoptive parent(s), or from another country. Adoption may impact on all those involved - relatives, the adopted child, the adoptive parent(s), and the birth parent(s).

 

Symptoms of Adoption Issues

An adopted person may experience anxiety, confusion, depression, despair, hurt, loss, rejection, or turmoil. An adopted person, when a child or adult, may also experience anger when they are told they are adopted or when they are not told but find out. An adoptive parent may experience fatigue or stress or relationship problems with a partner if their parenting skills do not meet any special needs the adopted child may have. A birth parent may experience distress or grief after putting their child up for adoption.

 

Causes of Adoption Issues

An adopted person may have underlying abandonment issues, attachment issues, contact concerns, identity issues, or have suffered childhood abuse or neglect. An adoptive parent may find the adoption suitability process long and intrusive, and parenting an adopted child difficult. A birth parent's alcohol abuse, drug abuse, pregnancy from incest or rape, or severe mental health problems may cause the difficult decision to put their child up for adoption. A birth parent may also have contact concerns.

 

Disclaimer: All content within the RSCPP website is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice of a doctor, counsellor, psychoanalyst, psychologist or psychotherapist who you should always consult if you are concerned about your mental health. RSCPP is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content within the RSCPP website or for any service provided by a doctor, counsellor, psychoanalyst, psychologist or psychotherapist. All content copyright © RSCPP Ltd 2007-2013.