Abstract
Annually, 300 to 400 Polish children are adopted internationally. Prior to adoption, most of these children were exposed to circumstances that could harm their development, for example, neglect or prenatal exposure to alcohol. Our study was initiated because the Dutch adoption agency that placed these children indicated that many behavioural
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problems were present in this group of children. The aim of this study was to examine the development and behaviour of Polish adoptees after adoption in relation to pre-adoptive risk factors, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and parenting.
Participants were Dutch families of 133 children adopted from Poland in the period from January 1999 to December 2006 (73% response rate). These children were adopted by 79 families, at on average three years of age. Age of the adoptive children at Time 1 was on average 8.7 years old (SD = 2.9). Adoptive parents completed questionnaires concerning background variables of the child, functioning and behaviour of the children and the family situation. The questionnaires were sent to the adoptive parents in two waves which were two years apart. At Time 2, most adoptive parents (91%) participated again, which resulted in a sample of 121 children.
After adoption to the Netherlands, many children adopted from Poland were found to show behavioural problems, both internalizing and externalizing, as well as cognitive problems. On average six years after adoption, clinical levels of behavioural problems were four times more prevalent than in a Dutch norm group. Prior to adoption, the children were exposed to a multitude of early life risk factors. In particular, children who were known to have a history of abuse were at risk for behavioural problems after adoption. Two other important risk factors that were prevalent in children adopted from Poland were neglect and prenatal exposure to alcohol. A specific concern among Polish adoptees is FASD, because of its high prevalence and the associated developmental difficulties and long-term adaptation problems. On average eight years after adoption, 31% of the children adopted from Poland were diagnosed with FASD. In addition, the adoptive parents of 21% of the children suspected FASD. Another important finding was that the adoptive parents were at increased risk for parenting stress. In particular children’s externalizing behavioural problems were associated with more parenting stress. On the other hand, high parenting satisfaction was present as well, possibly buffering parenting stress.
In conclusion, considering the increased risk for behavioural problems, FASD and parenting stress, special attention is needed for children adopted from Poland and their families. A good preparation prior to adoption, and more extensive support and follow-up after adoption are recommended. This would allow early diagnosis and referral to appropriate care, which might reduce later problems. Nevertheless, we need to be aware of potential stigmatization of children adopted from Poland as well, as there are also children adopted from Poland who develop well after adoption, despite initial adversity.
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