RE-INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ADOPTED CHILDREN - DOES THE SYSTEM DO ENOUGH FOR PROTECTION OF THEIR RIGHTS?

The life experiences of adopted children often are followed by abuse and neglecting, as well as harsh violation of children's rights because of what children can be separated from their biological family. Before adoption, many adopted children experienced life in institution and often changing of institutional placement which has left trace in their functioning. Therefore, long-term consequences for children can be manifested in behavioural problems. Many adoptive parents are not adequately prepared for dealing with specific challenges of adopted children parenting. It is a task and obligation of the state provide them with adequate support in this demanding role. Unfortunately, in Croatia there are no organized forms of professional support to adoptive parents. The social care system usually reacts when problems are escalating and leading to further separation from adoptive families and placement in institution. In this presentation we will present the results of a qualitative research which goal was to find out experiences of professionals working with adopted children and to analyse their deliberation about risks that lead to re-institutionalization of adopted children. The research was conducted by using semi-structured interview with 12 professionals working with adopted children in three institutions in Zagreb. Data was analysed by using open coding method. The results show that professionals recognize the main risks for behavioural problems and re-institutionalization of adopted children on three levels: risks in biological families, risks in adoptive families, and risks in the adoption system in the Republic of Croatia. As a conclusion in the presentation will be suggested guidelines for protection of the rights and prevention of re-institutionalization of adopted children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences & Arts SGEM is the property of STEF92 Technology Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)