Adoption Disruption/Dissolution

The vast majority adoptions are successful. Unfortunately, some adoptions do end in disruption or dissolution. "Disruption" refers to the circumstance that occurs when an adoption process is stopped after the child is placed in an adoptive home but before the adoption is finalized legally. The term "dissolution" describes an adoption that ends after legal finalization. In both cases, the child returns to or enters foster care or placement with new adoptive parents. In this section, find resources for families to help them cope if disruption or dissolution occurs.

Adoption Disruption and Dissolution

Series Title	Numbers and Trends
Author(s)	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability	View Download (PDF - 437KB) Order (Free)
Year Published	2012

This factsheet reports statistics about adoption disruption (before finalization of the placement) and dissolution (after legal finalization). Differences in disruption rates by age of the child and placement history, reasons why disruption and dissolution occur, and disruption and dissolution trends are noted.

Supporting Children and Families When Adoption Dissolution Occurs
Bergeron & Pennington (2013)
Adoption Advocate, 62
Describes challenges in working with families going through adoption dissolution and identifies the need for a best-practice model that seeks the best long-term interests of the adopted children involved while addressing the needs and limitations that exist within the adoptive family.

Unregulated Custody Transfers of Adopted Children

Series Title	State Statutes
Author(s)	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability	View Download (PDF - 435KB)
Year Published	2018

Provides an overview of state laws related to efforts to curtail the practice of some adoptive parents placing their adopted children into the custody of unrelated persons without the oversight of a child welfare agency or court. Such transfers put a child at risk of abuse, neglect, emotional trauma, and placement instability. States are utilizing a variety of approaches to curb the practice, including criminalizing the act, placing limits on delegating parental authority through the use of power of attorney, and restricting the use of advertising to find placements for a child. Summaries of laws for all states and U.S. territories are included.

What to do When Your Adoption Is Failing: A Parent’s Guide to Adoption Disruption & Dissolution
Laws & Ashe (2003)
Adoption.com
Answers questions that adoptive parents may ask before, during, and after adoption disruptions or dissolutions.

When a Forever Home Isn’t Forever: The Reality of Adoption Dissolution
Mabrey (2014)
Foster Care Newsletter
Explains the frequency of and factors influencing adoption disruption. This newsletter also provides resources to help families struggling following adoption.