Intercountry adoption : a study of the integration of Romanian adopted children in Malta

Abstract

This study focuses on intercountry adoption which is the adoption of children which are of a different nationality from their adoptive parents. This concept in adoption has evolved according to the needs and times in order to protect the best interests of affected children. The author of this study presents the definition and scope of intercountry adoption whilst also reviewing literature on some of the outcomes of such placements as well as different adjustments and patterns of coping that adoptive families have to go through. Following this the author reviews Malta's short history in intercountry adoption and presents three cases of intercountry adoptive families. These case studies give a very basic view of how intercountry adoptees who arrived from Romania seven years ago have adjusted in their respective placements. Finally the study concludes by comparing issues discussed in the literature review and factors which emerged when interviewing these adoptive families. According to the findings and analysis the author of the study puts forward relevant recommendations for social work practice in the area of intercountry adoption.