DO ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES INCREASE SATISFACTION IN PARENTS WHO ADOPT ...

150 Pages·2012·0.54 MB·English

by  Seely, Kandyce W

DO ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES INCREASE SATISFACTION IN PARENTS

WHO ADOPT INTERNATIONALLY?

A Project

Presented to the faculty of the Division of Social Work
California State University, Sacramento

Submitted in partial satisfaction of
the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

by

Jennifer Mashburn

Kandyce Seely

SPRING
2012
DO ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES INCREASE SATISFACTION IN PARENTS

WHO ADOPT INTERNATIONALLY?

A Project

by

Jennifer Mashburn

Kandyce Seely

Approved by:

__________________________________, Committee Chair
Teiahsha Bankhead, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.

____________________________
Date

ii
Student: Jennifer Mashburn
Kandyce Seely

I certify that these students have met the requirements for format contained in the

University Format Manual, and that this project is suitable for shelving in the Library and

credit is to be awarded for the project.

__________________________, Graduate Coordinator ___________________
Dale Russell, Ed.D., L.C.S.W. Date

Division of Social Work
iii
Abstract
of
DO ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES INCREASE SATISFACTION IN PARENTS
WHO ADOPT INTERNATIONALLY?
by
Jennifer Mashburn
Kandyce Seely

The current literature supports the need for adoption services to assist parents to prepare
for and manage the complexities involved with international adoptions (Barth & Miller,
2000; Miller, 2005; Tan, 2007; Barth, 2005; Juffer, 2006; Kupel, 2010; Kim, 2009). This
project examined the adoption experiences and support services of parents who adopted
children internationally for the purposes of gathering information that could be used to
improve future adoption services for families. The researchers conducted interviews with
16 adoptive parents that resulted in the collection of both quantitative and qualitative
data. All of the participant families indicated that adoption was the right choice for them;
and 68.75% of these participants reported they completed pre-adoptive training and post-
placement services. Most of the participants (62.50% and 56.25% for pre-adoptive and
post-placement services, respectively) liked the services they received from their
agencies. The researchers found a relationship between adoption support services and
parental satisfaction with international adoptions. However, the researchers were not
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able to establish whether the services actually increased parental satisfaction because all
of the participants indicated they were satisfied with their adoptions despite their
experiences with adoption services. Consequently, the researchers posed additional
questions and made recommendations for future research.

_______________________, Committee Chair
Teiahsha Bankhead, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.

_______________________
Date

v
DEDICATION

To all the children who wait.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project would not have been possible without the guidance and help of
several individuals who in one way or another have extended their valuable assistance in
the preparation and completion of this study.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to my husband,
Roy Seely. You have:
Cared for our daughter while I worked
Rubbed my shoulders when I was overwhelmed
Offered advice about writing
Supported any financial decisions concerning the project
Encouraged me with words, and expressed your pride in my accomplishments
Cooked dinners on busy evenings
Assisted with household chores and errands
Encouraged and supported my all-nighters
Expressed your concern when I tried to do too many things
Encouraged me to stay connected in my relationship with God
Made executive decisions when I didn’t have the courage, and
Prayed for me
Your actions have not gone unnoticed, and I will not take for granted your sacrifice for
me. Thank you and I love you!
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Thea, you have been so patient with me. There were many times you wanted to
play or cuddle, but you allowed me to work on this project. Thank you, my Tooter-
Boots! I love you.
My parents and siblings extended their support by providing child care, prayers,
and words of encouragement. Thank you, Mom and Dad for encouraging me to prevail
over my circumstances to achieve my goals. You too were great models of this.
Jennifer, you are awesome! I could not have imagined a better partner than you.
As two moms, we took on this daunting task. The journey was not easy, as we overcame
family illnesses, financial adversity, dirty homes, and numerous errands. We understood
and identified with each other’s commitment to our families.
Above all else, I thank my God who cared for me during this time. There were so
many times that I wanted you to just take me out of my situation, instead you gave me
hope and courage to follow through. You have delighted yourself in me and have
accomplished more than I could have ever imagined. You are my hope and my love.
Thank you!

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to thank my family for their support throughout this long process. In many
ways you too have borne the burden of this process.
To my mother: Over long months, I tried to tap into your reservoir of patience as
this process moved along. I was not always as successful as I had wished for.
To my father: You have shared your love of words. You taught me how to write.
To my sons: Your support and encouragement has been unfailing. You inspire me
to seek out the good and believe in a better world.

To Kandyce: We ended up in the right place at the right time and our partnership is
the result. This was no accident. We were perfect compliments for each other. We
prodded, supported, pushed and nudged and we reached the destination. Your support
was much needed through times that were, at best, challenging. Thank you.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Dedication .......................................................................................................................... vi
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... vii
List of Tables ................................................................................................................... xiv
List of Figures ................................................................................................................. xvi
Chapter
1. PROBLEM STATEMENT AND OVERVIEW ..............................................................1
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
Background of the Problem .................................................................................... 4
Statement of the Research Problem ........................................................................ 5
Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................... 5
Theoretical Framework ........................................................................................... 5
Research Question .................................................................................................. 6
Definition of Terms................................................................................................. 6
Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 7
Justification ............................................................................................................. 7
Limitations ............................................................................................................ 10
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