Popis: |
The children’s early experiences provide a context for assessing subsequent outcomes. Data collected from case files and records presented to the courts show that before separation from birth parents, almost all 210 adoptees had experienced serious and often multiple forms of maltreatment; this was the primary reason for removal. Before entering their adoptive homes, 69% of the adoptees had had four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), 32% had experienced failed reunifications and 48% had had three or more foster placements. Adverse childhood experiences before entry to care, harmful experiences in care and repeated exposure to grief and loss are likely to have contributed to the high prevalence of emotional and behavioural difficulties, displayed by 49% of the adoptees. According to our classification, 57% were at high risk of experiencing adverse outcomes in adulthood. |