Adoption

Providence, RI - In the wake of today's news on how Moscow is aiming to
limit foreign adoptions in Russia, experts from the International Adoption
Clinic at Hasbro Children's Hospital, and Bradley Hospital, the nation's
first psychiatric hospital for children, offer advice for parents in any stage of the adoption process.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000, 1.6 million, or 2.5 percent of
all children under the age of 18 were adopted. With the number rising,
especially in international adoptions, many parents are in more need than
ever for guidance on when and how to tell their children that they are
adopted. Throughout the adoption and transition process, new parents must
consider the emotional and physical needs of the child.

When to tell children they're adopted:
"Immediately," according Elizabeth Wheeler, MD, a child psychiatrist with
Bradley Hospital and Brown Medical School in Providence, RI.

"Obviously, a one- or two-year-old is not going to comprehend the
complicated facts of adoption, but he or she can start becoming partially
aware of their special identity," says Wheeler.

How to let a child know he or she is adopted:
Wheeler advises parents to be authentic with their children from the very
beginning because this breeds trust. From the moment that they are capable
of understanding, parents should begin telling their children what they can
developmentally comprehend.

One way to approach a young child is to explain how babies come into the
world, and how an adopted child's situation is different. For example, using
whatever language comes naturally, a parent can explain that babies grow in
a woman's pelvis, pointing out familiar adults who are pregnant as examples.

Parents shouldn't fear saying the "right thing" either. There is no correct
language or method to use when telling a child she is adopted. "You know
your child best, so approach the discussion in the way that you feel is most
appropriate," says Wheeler.

Parents might consider using the following explanation: "You didn't grow in
mommy's tummy. You have a 'birth mother' and you grew inside her. She loved you very much. She couldn't take care of you herself but she wanted someone to take good care of you. Now, you are my child and I am so lucky to be your mommy."

Children may only understand a very small fraction of what has been
explained, but, as they age and are able to understand more detail, parents
will be able to build on an existing foundation.

"This way, a child's adoption is never a shock or a surprise. Instead, it is
a part of his identity and a natural part of his life," says Wheeler.

What not to do:
Wheeler warns against approaching discussions with children about adoption
like it is a "big deal." Children are very astute and know when their
parents are upset. They react to adults' emotions and may feel that the
topic is something that they should feel upset or ashamed about.

Celebrate their differences:
When raising any child, differences and similarities should always be
celebrated. Wheeler says, "The individuality of any child, adopted or not,
should be embraced. It is important for children to know what makes them
different and unique, as well as how they are similar to the family and what
their role is within the family. Even though your child is not biological,
it is okay to talk about how they are similar to you-how they look like you,
behave like you, have the same interests, etc., as well as how they are
different."
If your child is of a different race or culture, celebrate those differences
as well. Wheeler says, "Encourage the exploration and celebration of the
art, language and culture of your child's country or ethnic background. If
possible, introduce your child to people of the same background. By not
embracing the cultural differences of your child, you send the message that
you are not accepting of them."
Wheeler says that parents should talk about connections. Explain to your
children that connections, like the bonds of love and family, are not
dictated by biological factors or bloodlines. For older children, offer an
example to which they can relate. Maybe they have a friend that they love
very much and explain how that love is not predicated on factors like
biology.

Dealing with transitions:
Throughout the adoption process, the family will undergo many transitions.
Addressing change can help the child to better adjust long-term.

Particularly in international adoptions, Boris Skurkovich, MD, director of
the international adoption clinic at Hasbro Children's Hospital, says it's
important for parents to not only celebrate and learn about a child's
cultural and ethnic differences, but also to help the child adjust to their
new culture. This is especially important with older adopted children who
have a keen understanding of their native cultures.

"It's essential that an adopted child receive specialized care to address
the emotional needs that arise in their unique situation," says Skurkovich.
"For example, when a 10-year-old child from Russia has lived in an orphanage
for her entire life, she may have difficulty understanding not only the
American culture, but the culture of a family and a home."
The goal of the international adoption clinic at Hasbro Children's Hospital
is to provide parents who are contemplating international adoption with the
best pre-adoption medical advice and consultation, as well as similar
services after the arrival of the adopted child.
Along with the emotional concerns, parents need to be aware of the various
medical issues that arise in children from other countries. Skurkovich, a
pediatrician and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Hasbro
Children's Hospital and Brown University and a native Russian speaker,
consults with families who are contemplating international adoption to
provide pre-adoption medical advice, and provides specialized medical care
to the children post-adoption, often referring families to psychologists or
psychiatrists who specialize in adoption or can speak the child's native
language.

 "From getting the proper vaccinations to identifying medical risk factors
or developmental delays, adoptive children need special medical attention to
adjust and live healthy lives in their new homes," Skurkovich says. "A child
who is born in another country may be prone to certain infectious diseases
that are prevalent in her country, or she may have a learning disability or
developmental delay. All of these factors need to be address individually,
with special consideration knowing that the child was adopted from another
country."

Founded in 1931, Bradley Hospital was the nation's first psychiatric hospital operating exclusively for children. Today, it remains a premier medical institution devoted to the research and treatment of childhood psychiatric illnesses. Bradley Hospital, located in Providence, RI, is a teaching hospital for Brown Medical School and ranks in the top third of private hospitals receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health. Its research arm, the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center (BHCRC), brings together leading researchers in such topics as: autism, colic, childhood sleep patterns, HIV prevention, infant development, obesity, eating disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and juvenile firesetting. Bradley Hospital is a member of the Lifespan health system.

Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI, is the pediatric division of Rhode Island Hospital, the largest teaching hospital of Brown Medical School. A private, not-for-profit hospital, Hasbro has been named as a top children's hospital by Child magazine, ranking 9th in orthopedics. It is nationally recognized for its child protection program and Draw-A-Breath asthma and allergy initiative. It is also the home of the Injury Prevention Center, which aims to reduce accidental injuries in children. The hospital has pioneered numerous procedures and is at the forefront of fetal surgery, orthopedics and pediatric neurosurgery. Hasbro Children's Hospital is a member of the Lifespan health system.

Carol Lin Vieira
Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
Bradley Hospital
401-432-1328
cvieira1@lifespan.org
www.bradleyhospital.org