Identity Formation in Children and Young People in Open Adoptions from Out-of-home Care in New South Wales, Australia

Authors

Betty Luu, University of Sydney, University of WollongongFollow
Marc de Rosnay, University of WollongongFollow
Amy Conley Wright, University of Wollongong, University of SydneyFollow
Susan Tregeagle, University of Sydney, Barnardos Australia

RIS ID

128199

Publication Details

Luu, B., de Rosnay, M., Wright, A. Conley. & Tregeagle, S. (2018). Identity Formation in Children and Young People in Open Adoptions from Out-of-home Care in New South Wales, Australia. Adoption Quarterly, 21 (2), 120-139.

Abstract

Semi-structured interviews were used to explore identity development for nine adoptees (aged 9-23 years) who were adopted by their foster carers in New South Wales, Australia. Adoptions were open, with court-ordered face-to-face contact with birth families. Findings suggest that participants had healthy adoptive identities, with coherent and meaningful narratives about their life histories. Adoption provided a sense of security and belonging. Openness provided information to build a self-narrative and encouraged discussion of adoption issues within adoptive families. Adoptive parents were critical in helping children understand their adoption and facilitating direct contact with birth families, thus laying foundations for positive identity development.