Examines various factors (such as periods of high emotion, ritual and claiming behaviors and positive interaction) in the attachment process between adoptive parents and older children. Shows that most components parallel those of bonding in biological parents. (Author/RH)

Reports on Constantine's theory of family models so as to provide a framework for successful adoptions. Describes four family models and how they differ in their emphasis on continuity or change and other factors. Applies models to the issue of matching family characteristics and strengths to older children's needs. (RJM)

To minimize potential problems in a family which is adopting a large sibling group, adoption workers should look for particular skills and resources in the adoptive family. These include administrative skills, community knowledge, the presence of adequate support systems, and the ability to adapt. (Author/BN)

Reviews literature on effects of adoption on parents' marriage. Notes that a general decline in marital satisfaction is related to partners' ability to balance marital and parental roles, to expectations about housework and child-care division, and to time demands. Marriage is also affected by infertility and its investigation. Finds that social…

The adoptive mother of a large sibling group describes the considerations and problems (differing from those of a single adoption) arising in the adoption of such a group. (BR)

This paper explores the principal features of nonlinear dynamical systems and applies the theory to parents' acceptance of a child adopted at an older age. Although family systems theories tend to be weak in addressing family change, chaos theory and catastrophe theory allow consideration of sudden, discontinuous change. If stable, the family may…

Discusses the role of advocacy in bringing about change in child welfare agencies, focusing on the history of adoption practice in Canada. Notes that advocacy can serve both to keep child welfare organizations off balance and to apply pressure at decision points, providing a voice for clients and for society as a whole. (MDM)

Administered questionnaire to adolescents concerning difficulties experienced with both newly adopted school-age siblings and with other children already in family. Difficulties with all siblings were seen primarily as hassles; however, adoptee was reported as creating more problems than "old" siblings, mostly involving invasion of turf…

This study examines changes in parents' marriages following older-child adoption, using in-depth interviews with seven couples prior to and following placement. The interviews indicated that parents' experiences followed similar patterns. Children's acting-out behavior and their ability to exploit parents' vulnerabilities placed stress on the…