Adoption-net recently published details of a new book, published by BAAF, covering the issue of contact with birth parents following adoption.

Click here to read the original article.

Valerie Watson, one of our readers, has just finished reading the book and has written the following review.

Review of:Staying Connected Managing contact arrangements in adoption.
Argent, H (Editor) (2002) London BAAF

Argent has produced a comprehensive and challenging work on managing contact in adoption which starts from the premise that contact is necessary.

The chapter summarising recent research on this issue generally supports this view. This book poses a challenge to adoptive parents and professionals who do not see maintenance of contact as important. Contributors argue that adoption policy which views contact as a low priority is wrongheaded and detrimental to the development of the adopted child.

The chapters describe examples of good practice and present many of the dilemmas emotions and pitfalls that can face those involved managing and maintaining contact between adoptive children, adoptive parents and birth relatives, including chapters which describe the impact of contact from the point of view of adopted children and adoptive parents. Contact management involving learning difficulties, serious or terminal health issues is particularly memorable.

It is emphasised throughout that the management of contact requires specialised negotiating skills, clarity and flexibility of approach. The writers highlight the extraordinary levels of dedication and commitment on the part of adoptive parents and birth families who seek to preserve some contact for the benefit of all involved.

A particularly strong challenge is made to professionals and local authorities to, trust, respect and support adoptive parents and birth relatives to negotiate contact agreements between themselves providing the necessary long-term training and support mechanisms which will enable adoptive parents and birth families to develop effective relationships.

The book is informative, written in a clear accessible style, virtually jargon free and appropriate for use by professionals and lay readers. The use of illustrative case study material and vignettes representing a wide range of circumstances of adoption and their complexities is emotionally engaging, and of particular interest to adoptive parents who may be able to relate these to their own situations.