ABSTRACT
The chapter presents insights from the ethnographic studies under three parts:. historical development of adoption in Hong Kong, content analysis of programs and activities in the two mutual-aid organizations and experiences of adoptive parenthood. Historically, adoption was practised to preserve the blood-tie between the adopters and the adoptee. There were two types of adoption in Hong Kong: overseas and local. Throughout the 1950s and the 60s, adoption in Hong Kong gradually moved from the traditional lineage conception to a more personal concern of individual families. Content analysis of the programmes and activities held in the two mutual-aid organizations for adopters reflected the needs and concerns of the members in both the Chinese and Caucasian adoption communities. Joining the mutual-aid organization to meet other adoptive parents was a major form of help seeking among the informants. Many informants experienced doubts and worries in their day-to-day child care and discipline functions.
