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Description
The project focuses on the processes that exist for the realization of an intercountry adoption. The Statistical Service, while it has information on adoptions (last figures of 2017), has no specific information on intercountry adoptions. The study proposed today aims to study the intercountry adoptions made in Greece by the Law Entities, among them the International Social Service - Hellenic Branch.
The purpose of the study is to examine the processes of intercountry adoption, with the contribution of adoptive parents, who have the personal experience, and of social workers of the Regions and of the International Social Service, who have the role and jurisdiction to evaluate prospective adoptive parents.
The actions to be undertaken are initially the study, which will be completed by analysing the quantitative and qualitative data gathered. On the basis of the analysis and the conclusions that will be drawn, proposals will be developed and submitted to the competent services. The processing of the results and the development of proposals will be done in collaboration with a group of adoptive parents at a special meeting. For the same reason, two workshops will take place (one in Athens and one in Thessaloniki), a round table discussion where experts, decision makers and representatives of Bodies and Services will be invited to express views and suggestions. Additionally, there will be publications in scientific journals as well as a good practice guide for prospective adoptive parents and professionals.
The aim is to suggest legislative amendments in order to assist prospective adoptive parents in the adoption process which at the moment is particularly lengthy and complex.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several challenges in the field of intercountry adoptions:
- Lack of Information for Prospective Adoptive Parents: Prospective adoptive parents lacked adequate information about the adoption process, which can lead to uncertainty and challenges.
- Insufficient Education for Professionals: Social workers and other professionals involved in intercountry adoptions were in need of further education and specialized training to better manage the adoption process.
- Inconsistent Evaluation of Prospective Adoptive Parents: The project identified differences in how prospective adoptive parents were evaluated, suggesting a need for standardized and fairer assessment methods.
- Challenges Faced by Adoptive Parents: Adoptive parents face difficulties during the adoption process, including navigating legal, bureaucratic, and emotional challenges.
- Diversity Issues in Intercountry Adoptions: There are concerns regarding how issues of diversity—such as the cultural and ethnic differences between adoptive parents and children—affect the adoption process and the child’s integration.
- Insufficient Post-Adoption Counseling: The lack of continuous support and counseling for adoptive parents after the adoption is finalized was identified as a major gap in the system.
The project conducted the following activities:
- Research on Intercountry Adoptions: The primary activity was the research study titled “Practices and perspectives on intercountry adoptions.” The research utilized questionnaires addressed to both adoptive parents who had completed transnational adoptions and professionals working in the field of intercountry adoptions in Greece.
- Data Collection and Analysis: The questionnaires gathered data on various issues within the adoption process, including challenges faced by adoptive parents, the information needs of prospective parents, the education and training of professionals, and issues related to diversity.
- Identification of Key Issues: Based on the research findings, the project identified key challenges and areas for improvement in intercountry adoptions, including better training for professionals, enhanced post-adoption support, and the need for more cultural awareness.
- Development of Proposals: The research led to the development of a set of proposals aimed at improving the intercountry adoption process. These proposals included recommendations for legal reforms, specialized training, the creation of counseling programs, and the establishment of a Good Practices Guide.
The project achieved the following results:
Beneficiaries:
- Prospective Adoptive Parents: The findings and recommendations aim to provide better information and support for individuals or couples considering intercountry adoption.
- Adoptive Parents: Post-adoption counseling and guidance would benefit those who have already adopted, helping them navigate challenges related to intercultural integration and parenting.
- Social Workers and Adoption Professionals: The project’s proposals for specialized training and professional supervision are aimed at improving the capacity of social workers and professionals involved in intercountry adoption cases.
- Children in the Adoption Process: The project indirectly benefits children by advocating for better evaluation and matching practices, as well as by promoting the inclusion of cultural considerations that affect their integration.
Key Outcomes:
- Improved Awareness of Issues in Intercountry Adoption: The research raised awareness of the key issues in intercountry adoptions, including the challenges faced by both adoptive parents and professionals, and the importance of cultural sensitivity.
- Proposals for Reform: The project provided concrete proposals for improving intercountry adoption practices in Greece, such as implementing specialized training programs for social workers, creating continuous counseling services for adoptive parents, and raising awareness of intercultural issues.
- Strengthened Support Systems for Adoptive Parents: The research highlighted the need for ongoing support for adoptive parents, leading to recommendations for counseling programs before and after the adoption process.
- Development of a Good Practices Guide: One of the outputs of the project was the development of a Good Practices Guide, which can serve as a valuable tool for professionals involved in intercountry adoptions.
Impact: The project had a significant impact by identifying key areas for improvement in the intercountry adoption process and providing recommendations to enhance the experience for adoptive parents, children, and professionals. The proposed changes, such as the implementation of a specialized training program for social workers and the establishment of post-adoption counseling, aim to improve the overall quality of intercountry adoptions in Greece. The advocacy for greater awareness of intercultural issues and the proposal to create a specialized counseling institute for adoptive parents are also crucial steps toward ensuring better integration and support for adopted children and their families.