Date of Award

2004

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.W.

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Keywords

Social Work.

Supervisor

Harper, K.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This research sought to examine child characteristics predictive of adoption that would provide a model for practice that is grounded in empirical and statistically valid evidence and which will facilitate earlier decision-making for both adoption practitioners and the legal system in permanency planning for children. This retrospective, cross-sectional study used data from a sample of children in care, ranging in age from birth to 17 years. The sample for this study was identified from a population of children in care from the Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society, located in Windsor, Ontario. This sample consisted of 150 children in two groups where 96 of the children were successfully placed on adoption and 54 children were not placed on adoption either by virtue of unsuccessful attempts or where adoption was not pursued Children whose adoption was finalized between the period of January 1, 1999 and March 1, 2003 were sampled. This research analyzed the significance of the child-related variables as they impacted on adoptability for children in care. This study's findings recommended a predictive model for assessing adoptability based on child characteristics which included developmental delays and learning disabilities, medical needs, exposure to drugs and alcohol, involvement in special services, history of maltreatment/psychological and emotional issues, age, length of time in care, number of placements in care and number of siblings. This exploratory study provides preliminary knowledge that might assist adoption practitioners in assessments, planning and intervention strategies with respect to adoption outcomes for children in care. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2004 .G66. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-05, page: 1622. Adviser: Kim Harper. Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2004.

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