Adoption breakdowns in Andalusia: characterization and proposals for intervention.

Abstract

The present study aims to apprehend the incidence and main risk factors associated with adoption breakdown, as well as to contribute some proposals to improve professional intervention. Ninety-three breakdowns in adoption detected in Andalusia during the decade 2003-2012 were analyzed. The cumulative incidence in breakdowns during that period was 1.32% of total adoption placements, being more frequent in national than international breakdowns. In addition, the presence of behavioral problems, domestic violence, and emotional bonding problems were detected as main risk factors associated with these breakdowns. Regarding professional intervention, advice and family treatment at the beginning of adoption were the most frequent procedures. Professional interventions were sporadic and made by non-specialized professionals; also, adopters and adoptees’ collaboration with the interventions was low. Among the proposals for professional intervention improvement, stands out the creation of an official register to identify adoption breakdowns in the welfare system.