Older children adoption from the perspective of the adoptive parents

This research project investigates the adoption of older children, which is considered the most necessary one, since most adopters prefer younger children. In this way, it intends to understand how the adopters understand and experience the adoption process. Four individual and semidirected interviews were carried out. The results show that the motivation for the adopters is related to pure altruism and to their wish of personal fulfillment as father/mother, as well as to practical reasons and the desire for company. Despite the prejudice experienced by the adopters because of their children’s past and of some adaptation problems, one can conclude that with love and professional help the adoptions are successful.