Discontinuity and Disruption in Adoptions and Guardianships

Although most adoptions or guardianships remain intact, some will terminate prior to finalization (disruptions) or may terminate or be temporarily interrupted after finalization (discontinuity). This brief reviews the incidence and contributing factors for discontinuity and disruptions in adoptions and guardianships from foster care. It also discusses discontinuity and disruptions in intercountry adoptions as well as related topics, such as the effects of discontinuity and disruptions and unregulated custody transfers. Acknowledgment(s): The original (2005) version of this factsheet was developed by Child Welfare Information Gateway, in partnership with Susan Freivalds. This update is made possible by the Children's Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The conclusions discussed here are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views or policies of the funding agency. 

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021). Discontinuity and Disruption in adoptions and guardianships. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s-discon

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