ABSTRACT
The extent and impact of the adopted child's abuse is generally examined with regard to the birthfamily, foster homes, group homes, or treatment facilities and rarely are discussed in relation to the adoptive family. The combination of childhood and/or spousal abuse; loss of both fertility and fantasized birthchild; poor parenting skills. Types of abuse included the following: sexual abuse; physical abuse, emotional abuse. Kaufman and Zigler estimated that approximately 30" of persons who have been victims of child abuse will maltreat their children. Although there were no specific indications in the record of either children or adoptive parents as being victims of psychological maltreatment, there is research evidence that suggests that emotional abuse often co-occurs with physical abuse. Out of 15 abusive adoptive parent cases, 4 of the adoptions had disrupted. There were 3 cases of physical abuse and 1 case of sexual abuse of a male child by an adoptive father.
