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Conclusions and Recommendations
This is the first service evaluation to explore post-adoption practice with adults
within Northern Ireland. It assists in identifying not only current professional
practice, but the wide range of motivational factors and disparate needs
presented by this heterogeneous group of service users. It identifies current
strengths, together with recommendations for practice development, in light of
recent research. Although a small, qualitative study that is exploratory in nature,
nonetheless, the literature review and findings make a compelling case for a
well-resourced, readily accessible Post-Adoption Service for adults; one that
offers additional pre- and post- reunion professional support.
While further expansion of existing support provision is strongly recommended,
including post-closure, team-initiated follow up, this would require the
endorsement of senior management and broader policy-level support.
Future research might meaningfully explore the lived experiences, wishes and
views of service users, and those of their significant others; with the additional
merit of giving them and their families a voice, and a participative role in shaping
future service direction.
Name of researcher
Donna Elizabeth Shields
Organisation Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Contact Details donna.shields@belfasttrust.hscni.net