A PROFILE OF PARENTS WITH THEORETICAL MATCH RISKS IN ARAD COUNTY, ROMANIA.

This paper describes research about the expectations of pre-adoptive families during the evaluation and preparation period. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 adults (23 couples plus 4 single females) involved in adoption procedures in Arad County, Romania, in 2011. Results were used to develop a plan to support families in their role as adoptive parents and in helping them reshape their expectations regarding adoption and adoptable children. Results indicate the need for changes in adoption procedures, including preparing families for adoption, and the need of potential adoptive families to adjust their expectations of the child they are adopting. Such an approach improves post-adoption adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]