Helping Birth Families : Services, Costs and Outcomes

This fascinating research study explores and evaluates the growing area of adoption support of birth families where a child has been adopted. Based on data collected from eight agencies providing support services to birth relatives, and on interviews with 73 birth relatives with recent experience of losing a child to adoption, it explores how support is experienced by both the parents and workers involved. The study looks at take-up rates of support, birth relatives views on the adoption process and support services, and the costs of support services, along with the impact of such services on birth families psychological well-being and ability to cope with the adoption. Importantly, the study also sets out implications for practice, with practical advice to agencies about how to provide a more effective service. This is a key text for all social workers, managers and policy makers concerned with support for birth parents.