Suggesting a Family Adoption Communication Model for Spouses Planning Child Adoption

Abstract

Background: Child adoption requires communication readiness guidance. For this reason, a suitable adoption communication model must be formulated for couples who will carry out the adoption process.

Objectives: This study  formulates guidelines for communication competencies that prospective adoptive parents or parents who are adopting children should master.

Method: This research approach uses qualitative research strategies, using case studies. The sampling technique was purposive sampling with snowball sampling. The results were represented in prose format.

Results: This study found that the child adoption communication model for adoptive parents consists of phases. The model includes the relationship-building phase, the relationship-nurturing phase when the adopted child joins the family structure, the conflict resolution phase related to child adoption, and the post-conflict communication adaptation phase.

Conclusion: This study concludes that a communication model for adoption with communicative resilience is essential for adoptive parents. In realising the adoption of communicative resilience, children not only require communication orientation and conformity orientation but also must involve elements of support, empathy, and mindfulness.

Unique contribution: This study proposes a model that could be useful to parents when planning adoption.

Key recommendation: Effective communication guidelines in child adoption are needed not only for the relationship between parents and children but also for adoptive parents to realise the adoption of communicatively resilient children. Key stakeholders in child adoption also need to study communication models in order to implement appropriate policies.