Factors that Influence Adopting a Child

10. Disruption or Dissolution

Most adoptions are successful but, occasionally, they end in disruption or dissolution. Disruption is when the adoption process is stopped before it is finalized, and dissolution is the process of ending an adoption after it is finalized.

Disruption or dissolution is more likely with older adoptive children or when a child has significant behavioral or emotional issues. Other factors include a strong attachment to the birth mother, lack of social support, inadequate preparation for or information about the child, placement of two or more siblings, and the experience of the caseworker. In each instance, the child will be placed either in foster care or with new adoptive parents.