Unadopt a Child: The Growing Trend in Adoption Dissolutions

For couples struggling through the complex emotional and physical dynamics of fertility treatments, great consideration is often made into the process of adoption. For many couples, however, adoption seems, at times, to be step into a world of unknown, and complex, child development issues, leaving many parents-to-be with the fear of making a poor choice in terms of adopting a child to fit their unique family dynamic. Of particular concern, in the adoption process, is the regular and consistent mention of adoption dissolution and the impact the dissolution of an adoption may have on the adopting couple as well as the adopted child. When considering adoption, it is important for the adopting couple to become well versed in the dynamics associated with not only the adoption process but also of the issues involved in adoption dissolution.

Adoption dissolution, commonly referred to as the "unadopt", is the process by which an adoption is dissolved, or reversed, following approval of the adoption in a court of law. Simply put, adoption dissolution is the end to an adoption after the adoption was legally authorized.

There are many reasons adoptions dissolve. In some states, surprisingly, an adopted child, as young as 14 years of age, can petition a court to reverse or dissolve their adoption. While this is rare, it is an option to the adopted child, in an effort to separate from the adopting couple, under very specific state laws. As a general rule, however, adoptions dissolve by actions requested under the direction of the adopting couple and seems to impact those families in which the adoption was made for a child who may suffer from significant pre-existing medical or emotional health issues which, in turn, lead to an extensive struggle and strain upon the adoptive couple and possible siblings.

While most states do not look preferably upon adoption dissolution, the screening process for potential adopting couples has become significantly more complex. Adoption agencies, therefore, are becoming more equipped and savvy in terms of background screenings of adopting couples as well as children available for adoption in an effort to place an adopted child into the more ideal of matching adoptive families. While adopting couples may appear eager and excited about the opportunity to adopt, the reality is that many, in past years, were not well equipped for the emotional strain associated with adoption, especially in children with pre-existing medical and emotional health issues and this has, therefore, impacted the growing trend in adoption dissolutions.

What is unfortunate is the fact that, following adoption dissolution, the adopted child is generally returned to foster care, orphanage or may be placed into a home with new adoptive parents. Depending on the basis for which the adoption dissolved, the adopted child, following adoption dissolution, may require extensive psychological treatment in dealing with emotions of rejection, anger, depression and even anxiety. Often, adopted children involved in dissolution f their adoption generally suffer lower self esteem and, therefore, experience greater risks for underachievement in not only social settings but also in academic settings. As a couple seeking to adopt a child, these factors must be taken into serious consideration before considering not only the adoption but also the potential for adoption dissolution.

As an alternative to adoption, many adoption agencies are now recommending that couples considering adoption, look into options for foster parenting in an effort to become familiar with the various dynamics involved when bringing a child into the home. With this approach, adoption agencies are finding that adopting couples with a non-failing commitment, often return to the adoption agency within a few years, seeking to proceed with adoption after experiencing the rewards and struggles of foster parenting a child. In other cases, however, these same adoption agencies are finding many foster parents, who once considered adoption, have moved away from the adoption concept following the experience and possibilities involved in adoption dissolution. In other words, these parents may have reconsidered adoption following exposure to the daily care of a special needs child.

Adoption, in American society, has long been a key avenue for providing homes and families for children in need. With regulatory requirements, many children are never matched with an adoptive family and, therefore, reside in foster care or orphanages for most of their lives. As couples with infertility issues turn to adoption as a possible solution to creating their own family unit, it is important to understand not only the positive aspects of adoption but also the negative factors, such as the risk for adoption dissolution. In doing so, couples who wish to adopt can make a more educated decision in adoption versus foster parenting, providing a rewarding experience for the entire family. The key to remember in the adoption process is that the decision to adopt is a life long decision and should be considered a temporary addition to your family.