Adoptive parents' experiences of birth parent contact in the years after placement

Abstract Objective We analyzed longitudinal data from adoptive parents to consider changes in the nature and experience of indirect contact with birth parents. Background Adoption can offer stability to children who are unable to remain in the care of their birth family. Indirect contact between adopted children and birth parents can be beneficial, but poor implementation can be destabilizing. Method We used survey and interview data from a prospective longitudinal study of adoptive families in Wales. Descriptive analysis was used to characterize contact and support needs. Thematic analysis enabled consideration of why contact changed over time. Results Indirect contact decreased over time. Key themes included adoptive parents' perceptions and experiences of contact, perceptions of birth family, and varying experiences of services affecting the seeking of professional support for contact. Conclusion The study demonstrates adoptive parents' commitment to contact but gives new insights on why indirect contact can be hard to maintain. We also consider these findings alongside research into direct contact where adoptive parents reported greater long‐term contact but a different set of challenges. Implications Adoptive and birth parents should be supported when implementing indirect contact and if contact falters. Resolving implementation issues for individual families should be prioritized.