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Title of Study
Using retrospective file analysis to
explore the role of a Post-Adoption
Service in reunifications between
adopted adults and their birth
relatives.
Abstract
Context
The Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 gave adopted adults the right to
access their birth record information, with the subsequent possibility of tracing
and contacting birth relatives. Located within Northern Ireland, the PostAdoption
Team, formed in 1989, offers a range of services, including an
Intermediary Service that facilitates this reunion process. This service evaluation
explores, and gains insights into, the Team's role within reunion processes that
have taken place.
Methodology and Methods
This exploratory study, underpinned by grounded theory, adopts a qualitative
approach. It consists of a systematically gathered, purposive sample of 15 case
files, drawn from the Post-Adoption Team's casework involvement in reunions,
over a ten-year period (2009 - 2018). An Advisory Panel of 5 experts, a Pilot
Study and a Data Collection Form created specifically for the evaluation, aided
and enhanced overall rigour and robustness. It considers the Team's role,
alongside the demographic profile and support needs of service users availing of
this service.
Findings
Key findings from this evaluation include:
The diversity amongst service users accessing the service;
The range of motivational factors in seeking contact;
Some people opted for 'time out' from actively progressing their search -
with timeframes varying from months to many years; plus,
The time-limited nature of professional involvement and its
disadvantages.
It was found, also, that post-reunion social work involvement saw a marked drop
from pre-contact levels, particularly in respect of birth relatives.