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Adoption Studies and Level of Satisfaction

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Recently, a study from Spain claims 92 percent of families with adopted children are satisfied with their decision.  The report reads:

The results show that, although their lives have been not been free of difficulties, these families are happy with the adoption. "Generally speaking, they are very satisfied with their decision and its implications on their family and personal lives" Sánchez-Sandoval affirms.

77.7% of families stated that their lives have been happier as a result of the adoption and 91.9% consider its repercussions to be positive. However, 37% consider family life to be more complicated in their situation.

The report goes on to say satisfaction with adoption is not a widely studied phenomenon.  This is a laughable understatement.

Here at PPL, we try to expose the dark-side of adoption so all members of the adoption triad can see where and when the care-system and adoption agencies fail children and families.  Unfortunately, I myself get feedback from APs that PPL comes-off as being angry adoptee territory... a place where many APs are afraid to tread and voice their opinions freely. This saddens me because I believe this not treading on "angry adoptee territory" is preventing a sense of unity, which is very much needed within the adoption community.   Those with complaints have a right and need to be heard, whether the adoption industry likes the feed-back, or not.

In terms of published adoption studies reported by the media, what good is it if only the "happy" and "satisfied" adoptees and adopters unite and speak-out on behalf of "the vast majority"?  How do we even know adoption satisfaction is as high as it's being reported?  I have yet to read an adoption forum where there isn't at least one private group/section where dissatisfaction can be discussed in great detail.  It would make sense to me, if angry adoptees and angry adopters showed a unified front, then the adoption industry would be forced to recognize and acknowledge the issues both angry sides present.

Based on the information and archives found on PPL, the complaints and problems pre and post adoption are many.  In most cases, it's the adoption agency itself not presenting information as it needs to be presented.

With that, I'm curious... if PPL were to create our own informal survey, how many would feel brave enough to render an honest opinion, and rate their own adoption agencies and post adoption experience?  What sort of questions are needed to get a much better look at the problems experienced by birth parents, adopters, and adoptees?  Are there many common complaints being made, but not being exposed by pro-adoption groups and the media?

by Kerry on Monday, 27 February 2012