Literature review providing an in-depth overview of existing research on the effects of intercountry adoption on adoptees

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Author:  Associate Professor Susan Gair, James Cook University, 2015

This literature review provides an overview of existing research on the effects of intercountry adoption on adoptees. It indicates that there are many influencing factors on outcomes for adoptees and when seeking to compare and contrast across these diverse contexts the literature presents conflicting findings.

Some of these identified factors include early deprivation and the consequence of institutionalisation, the level of adoption and racial acceptance in the community in which adoptees live and adoptive parents' attitudes, anxieties and parenting styles. From the literature it would appear some adoptees do well and others don't. This supports the need for flexible support services to be available across the adoptee lifespan.

The review identifies deficits in the current Australian research and recommends future research projects that would assist in the development of policies and practices.

The review also has application to understand the outcomes for people adopted from within Australia from the out-of-home care system.

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