ABSTRACT
The research presented in this book has been based upon an analysis of state agency case records on adoptive families and children needing placement. Interviews were conducted with 22 state agency adoption supervisors located in each region of the state. State agency adoption supervisors in this study were responsible for overseeing adoption and foster care workers, approving home studies and placements, and training staff. Clearly, according to adoption supervisors, the most difficult issues for families appear to be sexual acting-out, sexual abuse, and attachment issues. Some children simply can't tolerate the intimacy of family relationships. Kids in the system too long, multiple placements, multiple caseworkers where the plan changes. Multiple foster parents. One family suspected that the child had multiple personalities. Another child was exhibiting some bizarre behavior and talking of killing the adoptive mother. Anytime an adopted child hurts a biological child, there will be a breakdown, any kind of sexual acting-out, is always seen as adopted child's fault.
