ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews issues in adoptive parenthood under five groups of studies: the Sociological study of Adoptive Kinship, the Adoption Family Life cycle, with emphasis on the issues of Entitlement, revealing adoption and acknowledging difference, openness in Adoption, nontraditional adoption, and post-legal Adoption Service. The sociological study of adoption as kinship by Kirk, highlight the inherent strains and tension peculiar to the adoption triangle. Adoptive families also progress through a life cycle which share most of the tasks of nonadoptive families. Kirk’s theory has alerted people in Hong Kong of the possible stresses faced by both adoptive parents and children. Kirk’s theory has suggested a bi-polar continuum of parental attitude and communicative behaviour and a linear relationship between optimal adjustment and acknowledgment of difference. The chapter presents the cross-cultural adoption and special needs adoption as two major forms of nontraditional adoption in Hong Kong.
