Adopting Older Children

Abstract: Introduction: In the last 7 years, against the backdrop of policy changes in the field of child adoption, an increasing number of Romanians have adopted children over 5 years old. Aim: The present study explores how women transition to motherhood when adopting older children. I focus on their experiences, the demands they face, their coping strategies, and the resources available to them. Methods: We interviewed 19 adoptive mothers using a narrative interview and analyzed the data thematically, resulting in three main themes and eight subthemes. Results: Many demands arose from the older children’s behaviors and attitudes and their challenges in forming new bonds and adjusting to the adoptive family system. These demands were felt by mothers as overwhelming, leading to fatigue, uncertainty, and sometimes anxiety. Most mothers relied on informal support, as formal resources in the private system proved costly, with few free options from the state. Conclusion: The study presents recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to adequately prepare parents for the adoption process and the development of support services for the postadoption period.